"It was one of the most enjoyable times of my life" says Lois McMahon on her experience studying towards her fitness certificate qualification. Lois credits the support and encouragement from the coaches in helping her to enjoy and succeed in her studies. 

Lois completed the Certificate 4 in Fitness and Massage with the Australian Institute of Fitness towards the end of 2010. During her last week of the course she was lucky enough to massage a client who'd previously worked at Adelaide Fitness Solutions in Westlakes, and suggested she contact the business manager regarding potential work opportunities.

The day Lois finished the course she was offered work immediately at Adelaide Fitness Solutions with the opportunity to massage both members and non-members of the gym. Within a month she was offered work as a personal trainer and gym instructor. One of the key motivating factors for Lois is being able to make a difference in people's lives. She enjoys seeing people achieve a better range of motion, exercising to feel healthier and better and seeing the enjoyment and results that clients get from the positive changes they experience.

Career Change - From court reporter to personal trainer

Lois always had a lifelong interest in health and fitness and that is what prompted her to research an alternative career path in the health and fitness industry.

Prior to her move into the health and fitness industry Lois used to be a Hansard court reporter working for the Australian government – a vastly different environment from the gym  - and where she describes having constant shoulder and neck problems. 

A combination of her own research, advertising on television including 'The biggest Loser' and recommendations from other personal trainers helped her to decide that she wanted to study with the Australian Institute of Fitness.   The flexibility of studying either part time or full time was another factor in deciding where to study, and she opted for the fulltime option. 

 When asked why she chose this career field Lois says "there are just so many people who are unfit and unhealthy.  I wanted to help people live a better lifestyle".  Initially Lois's goal was to work with older South Australians, the baby boomers who had lived unhealthy, unfit overweight lives. Towards the end of Certificate 4 she realised that if she had massage qualifications that she'd be able to offer that extra service to clients and that massage clients who were overweight could be re-directed into personal training and gym fitness.

Studying with the Institute

Initially Lois says there was a period of adjustment to being in a learning environment, but said "Because I was supported and encouraged it gave me the impetus to keep going and know that I could achieve something else with my life". Since completing the Certificate last year she has been motivated to keep learning and gaining new knowledge and skills.  Since finishing her qualification, Lois is adding more skills to her services and is currently studying a diploma in remedial massage.

Future goals

Eventually Lois would like to work in a rehabilitative role within a physiotherapist environment, helping people to recover from injuries so they can go on to live healthy lives free of injury or pain. Lois says "My idea goal is to see people recover from injuries and go out onto the street fit and healthy".