The best personal trainers in Canberra

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Trainer and gym member

Erin Wells, from Elements4Life, is one of Canberra’s most recommended personal trainers. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Canberra, it makes sense to go straight to the best. A quality personal trainer can motivate you and help you lead a healthier life. He or she can also help you achieve your fitness goals safely and more quickly.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a personal trainer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great personal trainer?

Choosing the right personal trainer can give you the confidence you’re getting value for money for each session. Working one-on-one with a personal trainer has many benefits. This includes coaching on your overall health.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a personal trainer:

  • Extensive experience. You’ll want a personal trainer who has worked with clients of different ages, fitness levels and fitness goals. Experienced trainers know how to get you to develop better habits and work towards personal goals.
  • Motivating. Besides wanting a trainer with life experience, you’ll want one who motivates you to make a difference to your life. This includes motivating you to continue training. It also means helping you align your lifestyle and nutrition with your training.
  • Properly trained. A personal trainer must be properly qualified. Ask about their education, including whether they have a Certificate IV in Fitness or other training. Serious personal trainers also continually expand their knowledge. This includes through courses in areas such as rehabilitation, fat loss, muscle development, strength or athletic performance.
  • Knows your limits. A personal trainer will tailor your fitness program. They’ll listen to you and encourage you to excel, but safely. They’ll also refer you, if needed, to a physiotherapist or other specialist.
  • Great communicator. The best personal trainers don’t just tell you what to do. They explain why you’re doing what you’re doing. They explain that training is more than fat loss and muscle development. It’s about moving properly and getting fit without injury.

The best personal trainers in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Joseph Peluko - Elements4Life

Joseph Peluko has more than six years of experience as a personal trainer and coach. He is a Senior Coach and Master Functional Trainer at Elements4Life. Here he was mentored by owner and founder, Sebastian Ellis.

With a strong growth mindset, Joseph specialises in resistance training, strength development, mobility, and rehabilitation. He has evolved into a highly respected and approachable coach with great motivational and communications skills.

Joseph personally understands the power of being fit and leading a healthy lifestyle. His passion for changing lives began after years of school yard bullying. Today Joseph is a key influencer in the community. He inspires clients to grow through a long-term commitment to getting fit and staying fit.

Joseph coaches out of Elements4Life’s Harrison and Belconnen centres. New members can take up the “PT Quickstart” option at either centre.

On Google, Christopher Van-bael wrote, “Great gym and awesome trainers. The gym has all the equipment needed and the group sessions are great for building strength and fitness. Highly recommended this gym.”

Change Fitness

Change Fitness believes in training that is smart and efficient. To keep clients on track, Change Fitness offers one-on-one and group personal training. Change Fitness is a local, home-based, personal training business that runs throughout Dunlop, Holt and Charnwood. Services include health consultations, personal training, nutritional advice, exercise programs, boxing classes and boot camps.

On Riotact, Alex Breen wrote, “Joey Cormick @ Change Fitness is a great PT and also runs separate group programs!"

Drew Gough - Club Lime

Drew Gough, a passionate person trainer, has a Certificate IV in fitness, strength and conditioning and four years’ experience assisting clients to get the most out of their gym sessions. Having played elite level rugby, Drew’s sports background gives him a competitive edge as a personal trainer. Beyond actual exercise, Drew supports clients to enhance their wellbeing by changing their lifestyle and habits.

Anytime Fitness Canberra City

For over 20 years, Personal Trainer Carina Sciberras has helped clients get fit, feel great and reach their fitness goals. At Anytime Fitness Canberra City, Carina works with clients of all body types, fitness levels and abilities. Anytime Fitness members enjoy 24/7 access at over 500 clubs around Australia.

On Google, Jan Spinks wrote, “Anything Fitness Canberra City is a great place to work out ... The staff and trainers are all experienced and they are always there to help you.”

Project Fit Mum Canberra

Founded by Laura, Project Fit Mum, or PFM for short, is a group of friendly, like-minded mums who like to get fit, feel stronger and have fun. Trainers take fitness goals seriously but understand that losing weight and gaining muscle can be challenging. PFM trainers help mums overcome hurdles and reach their potential. Classes and one-on-one personal training sessions are available.

Helen McAulay reviewed Laura's services on Riotact saying, "She has developed a supportive and fantastic fitness community full of beautiful mamas and their bubbas! I'd be lost without her! And am blessed to have met and made such wonderful friendships along the way."

Define Fitness

Define Fitness takes clients on a journey to be the fittest and healthiest they can be. Programs are tailored to get real results. Define Fitness’s large team of passionate personal trainers motivate and inspire clients.

On Google, Cherry Mayola wrote, “Define Fitness has been instrumental in getting me to my fitness goal. This is the kind of environment that keeps me motivated with knowledgeable, friendly, and professional trainers, an exciting variety in classes, and a family and team camaraderie!”

If you’re looking for more information on getting fit in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best gyms, the best Crossfit gyms and the best high-intensity interval training classes Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with personal trainers in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the personal trainers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a personal trainer do?

A personal trainer works with you one-on-one. They support you to achieve your fitness goals. They’ll help you no matter how old you are or what your fitness level is. Most tailor programs to individual client needs, accounting for existing fitness levels.

How much does a personal trainer cost?

Different trainers charge different amounts. Fees can depend on many factors. This includes the length of your session, where you’re trained and the equipment used. Some personal trainers offer packages. They might discount individual sessions if you visit them often.

Can’t I just go to the gym and train myself?

You can train yourself at the gym. However, quality personal trainers help you target your training. They also help you achieve fitness goals quicker. They’re by your side so you don’t hurt yourself while training.

Do personal trainers need qualifications?

In the ACT, personal trainers need to be qualified. Ask your trainer about their education and qualifications. Ask, for example, whether they have a Certificate IV in Fitness, or other formal qualification. Also ask how long they’ve been in the industry.

How do I choose a quality personal trainer?

You’ll want to consider factors such as experience and qualifications. You may want a trainer who motivates you. Great communication skills are an asset. So is a professional approach and a clean and organised gym or studio.

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Laura Struys founder, owner and PT for Project Fit Mum. Laura really knows her stuff, motivating mums to get fit safely after having kids! The group is so much fun while also being such a good work out! 11 out of 10 stars/ recommendation!

Monica Finlayson8:31 am 17 Nov 21

Laura Struys @ Project Fit Mum is amazing!!!! She creates a welcoming, inclusive training environment, is always looking for ways to do things better for us and is always staying up to date to make things safe. I love Project Fit Mum and I am so glad a friend forced me to go all those years ago! https://pfmcanberra.com.au/

I agree that joining a gym and gaining knowledge is a great place to start, but it can be beneficial to learn from an expert – instead of online – from the outset. It’s very difficult to analyse your own technique, no matter how many books or article you have read.

I personally work out of Integrated Fitness & Nutrition in Braddon, but there are a wealth of quality personal trainers here in Canberra at varying price-points. Fyshwick and Mitchell have a huge number of private gyms with some good trainers, while the commercial gyms tend to be a bit cheaper.

Looking at a website, qualifications and experience are all good, but getting a referral from a friend or someone in the know is even better!

all these personal trainers are gonna teach you is the same what a trainer at a gym would guide you.
they will just push you to your limits.
Join a gym, work out and gain knowledge in the initial months.
having a good gym partner is the key who is keen to get fit. he would help you to go beyond your limits and that has been the key for me, trust me.
no need to waste your money on personal trainers. and have a diet plan setup by a good dietitian.

I highly recommend Steve or John from Achieve Fitness. http://www.achievefitnessact.com.au
Hit them up online, via Facebook or give them a call just to have a chat. Steve has been my PT for years and he helped me lose15kg in under 6 months and he gave me knowledge to have maintained my weight for over 2 years now.

MatthewQuixley7:39 pm 17 Jun 13

Hey guys, my name is Matthew Quixley and I just opened a new personal training studio called Deluxe Personal Training Canberra check it out at http://www.canberrapersonaltraining.com.au/

Try Nathan @ Definition Fitness, reasonably priced and knowledgable.

http://Www.definefitness.com.au

Bussie said :

NDelatovic said :

Hi Orangegirl, My Name’s Nick and I’m a pretty great personal trainer. I work out of a gym called ACT Barbell in Fyshwick but I live in Braddon and can take you for sessions in the inner north area.

I pride myself on setting up my clients with the skills and knowledge to be healthy and fit for their entire lives. If you were to train with me then we’d achieve whatever your immediate goals are while also servicing that overarching goal. We’d take a holistic approach towards improving your whole lifestyle, not just the time that you’re in the gym. It’ll be about using the best available knowledge to develop a system that works for you personally. My goal is to get my clients to the point were they’ll never need my services again.

I charge $44 per session, which includes all the outside programming we’ll do for the rest of your week. If you have any health/fitness/nutrition questions or you’d like to organize a free trial session then please e-mail me at nickdelatovic@hotmail.com or call on 0423 535 369.

Failing that, I can personally vouch for the knowledge and skill-base Ben at Elements.

Very modest there Nick, can you help me with my immediate goals of deadlifting 400kg and running a 2:10 marathon?

Nothing a few bicycle rides won’t fix.

watto23 said :

goose said :

Stevian said :

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

If it was that easy everybody would do it

It is easy. Eat less and do some exercise. “SIMPLE”

Because all skinny people are fit, healthy and active….. yes the basic principle is eat better food (less is not always good) and get more exercise, but well lots of people do this get nowhere. There are plenty of normal weight people who are unfit, eat more junkfood than people who are overweight and exercise regularly.

I’ve heard this argument from a lot of people. “I eat well but I’m still overweight”, or “I do lots of exercise but I can’t lose weight”. I’m yet to see anyone who didn’t lose weight from eating well and increasing exercise. The problem is that most of the people who don’t see any benefit either:

a) don’t understand what eating well actually means (just because it’s not “junk food” doesn’t mean it’s healthy eating!). They don’t understand basic nutrition and how your body processes what you put into it, or what the food they’re eating actually contains in terms of fats, protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, etc.

b) don’t understand how to exercise properly or effectively.

If you create a deficit between the energy you consume and the energy you expend, you’ll lose weight. It’s that simple. Not losing weight? You’re either eating the wrong food (or just too much food) or you aren’t exercising properly. Or both.

goose said :

Stevian said :

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

If it was that easy everybody would do it

It is easy. Eat less and do some exercise. “SIMPLE”

Because all skinny people are fit, healthy and active….. yes the basic principle is eat better food (less is not always good) and get more exercise, but well lots of people do this get nowhere. There are plenty of normal weight people who are unfit, eat more junkfood than people who are overweight and exercise regularly.
Plus there is the mental side of it, i’m sure for all those professing the simple eat less, exercise more line, i could find something they can’t do simply. Besides however someone achieves this in their life is irrelevant and one liners usually do more harm than good.

A personal trainer doesn’t let you give up, pushes you harder, keeps you motivated. I’ve had one for 2 years lost 30kgs and am far fitter and healthier than I was by a long way. Also family and friends often won’t push you as hard as you need to be pushed and they provide easy excuses.

You’re right Bussie. I should have included the fact that the first week of sessions will include a full physical assessment, which will be used to formulate realistic goals. I always begin by focusing on movement patterns, strength balance and mobility. These are the most important aspects to lock down for years of injury-free progressive training. OrangeGirl obviously has the right attitude since she’s talking about training over a period of years.

That said, my clients tend to exceed their own expectations by some distance in the initial 6-week period (sorry if that still sounds immodest).

Little_Green_Bag7:12 am 01 Nov 11

Intense Personal Training is the best I’ve come across. More suited to muscle building but they also do cardio as well.

Mysteryman said :

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

All true, but far too vague to be of any actual help. I’m a big believer in one’s ability to self-teach but sometimes it really does help having someone else teach you and share their insight, or even just show you where you’re going wrong.

Follow this guy: http://www.fit2fat2fit.com/

Stevian said :

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

If it was that easy everybody would do it

It is easy. Eat less and do some exercise. “SIMPLE”

Bussie said :

jenny123 said :

Why bother with comments like this, you just look like an arrogant ass…

Because of Nick’s ridiculous claim that whatever someone’s immediate goals are he’ll help them achieve those goals.

Helping someone reach their immediate goals is ridiculous because….?

jenny123 said :

Why bother with comments like this, you just look like an arrogant ass…

Because of Nick’s ridiculous claim that whatever someone’s immediate goals are he’ll help them achieve those goals.

Bussie said :

NDelatovic said :

Hi Orangegirl, My Name’s Nick and I’m a pretty great personal trainer. I work out of a gym called ACT Barbell in Fyshwick but I live in Braddon and can take you for sessions in the inner north area.

I pride myself on setting up my clients with the skills and knowledge to be healthy and fit for their entire lives. If you were to train with me then we’d achieve whatever your immediate goals are while also servicing that overarching goal. We’d take a holistic approach towards improving your whole lifestyle, not just the time that you’re in the gym. It’ll be about using the best available knowledge to develop a system that works for you personally. My goal is to get my clients to the point were they’ll never need my services again.

I charge $44 per session, which includes all the outside programming we’ll do for the rest of your week. If you have any health/fitness/nutrition questions or you’d like to organize a free trial session then please e-mail me at nickdelatovic@hotmail.com or call on 0423 535 369.

Failing that, I can personally vouch for the knowledge and skill-base Ben at Elements.

Very modest there Nick, can you help me with my immediate goals of deadlifting 400kg and running a 2:10 marathon?

Why bother with comments like this, you just look like an arrogant ass…

NDelatovic said :

Hi Orangegirl, My Name’s Nick and I’m a pretty great personal trainer. I work out of a gym called ACT Barbell in Fyshwick but I live in Braddon and can take you for sessions in the inner north area.

I pride myself on setting up my clients with the skills and knowledge to be healthy and fit for their entire lives. If you were to train with me then we’d achieve whatever your immediate goals are while also servicing that overarching goal. We’d take a holistic approach towards improving your whole lifestyle, not just the time that you’re in the gym. It’ll be about using the best available knowledge to develop a system that works for you personally. My goal is to get my clients to the point were they’ll never need my services again.

I charge $44 per session, which includes all the outside programming we’ll do for the rest of your week. If you have any health/fitness/nutrition questions or you’d like to organize a free trial session then please e-mail me at nickdelatovic@hotmail.com or call on 0423 535 369.

Failing that, I can personally vouch for the knowledge and skill-base Ben at Elements.

Very modest there Nick, can you help me with my immediate goals of deadlifting 400kg and running a 2:10 marathon?

I’d also like to agree with Watto23’s comment. As an athlete myself, I’m very reliant on the knowledge and oversight of my Coach’s to make I keep progressing.

Getting expert knowledge will help you in ANY pursuit. Anyone looking to become healthy who is decent financial means should avail themselves of coaches, psychologists, physiotherapists etc.

Of course their are a thousand ways to be active, many of them free. But many Australians are short on basic knowledge that would make a real difference in their lives. For instance, how to strengthen and mobilize your lower back, or the concept of homeostasis (which explains why many people can’t lose weight just by going for a run). The best part of my job is getting to share this life-changing info.

Hi Orangegirl, My Name’s Nick and I’m a pretty great personal trainer. I work out of a gym called ACT Barbell in Fyshwick but I live in Braddon and can take you for sessions in the inner north area.

I pride myself on setting up my clients with the skills and knowledge to be healthy and fit for their entire lives. If you were to train with me then we’d achieve whatever your immediate goals are while also servicing that overarching goal. We’d take a holistic approach towards improving your whole lifestyle, not just the time that you’re in the gym. It’ll be about using the best available knowledge to develop a system that works for you personally. My goal is to get my clients to the point were they’ll never need my services again.

I charge $44 per session, which includes all the outside programming we’ll do for the rest of your week. If you have any health/fitness/nutrition questions or you’d like to organize a free trial session then please e-mail me at nickdelatovic@hotmail.com or call on 0423 535 369.

Failing that, I can personally vouch for the knowledge and skill-base Ben at Elements.

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

Seriously if its that simple we all would do it. OP don’t be afraid to try a few trainers out. Since I found a good personal trainer she is worth her weight in gold. My life and health have turned around completely.

As someone whos always played sport and been a member of the gym, but also 30 kgs overweight, its easy to suggest to exercise more and eat less. A good personal trainer will help target the right exercise programs, also keep you motivated and also push your own limits. Most professional atheletes need a coach to help push them.

Also if you mentally struggle see a psychologist also. This is far more useful than going on diets and doing fads etc. I’d recommend my trainer, but she is southside and has no spare places right now.

Waiting For Godot3:33 pm 31 Oct 11

Stay right away from a certain gym in Weston. One of their personal trainers is a psychotic, tattooed roid freak with a pathological hatred of “faggots”.

And by Mort St I mean Moore St.
Time for another coffee me thinks.

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

If it was that easy everybody would do it

Ben at Elements Fitness in Mort St. Hands down.

Elements does personal training and fitness stuff, yoga, as well as Martial Arts (BJJ, MMA, Boxing, Capoeria, etc). The benefit to this is the Ben has a large wealth of knowledge and tailors his sessions to meet what you want to work on, or in my case what you need to work on. He’s also a great person to talk to about nutrition and food in relation to what exercise you’re doing. Also I find a lot of his stuff you can take away and do at home.

Their webpage is http://elementsfitnessact.com.au/ but I know they are having issues with that at the moment. Ben’s mobile is 0402 581 977, or drop in if you’re in the City as Ben or one of the other instructors are usually there.

Good luck on your hunt.

I mentioned this in the thread the jenny123 is referring to. Rebecca Brown, Peak Performance. The facilities are at her home in O’Malley so you don’t have to join a gym. She has several large rooms that take up the bottom floors of the house with a lot of different equipment. When I was going there I got true one-on-one personal training each session and I didn’t have to share the trainer or the room I was doing the session in. When I went I had a young baby so it was great to be able to bring baby with me to each session.

She also writes up exercise plans (homework if you like) for you to do between sessions. I found that was great to give me structure so I kept on track between sessions. You get the progress checkups too. It was a really great experience for me. It got me back on track.

As I mentioned on the other thread she wasn’t cheap but I was happy with her, I thought the vibe and the facilities were great and I learned so much about making my own exercise plans to vary my routine so I don’t get bored.

http://www.peakp.com.au – her qualifications and stuff are all on the website.

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

All true, but far too vague to be of any actual help. I’m a big believer in one’s ability to self-teach but sometimes it really does help having someone else teach you and share their insight, or even just show you where you’re going wrong.

That was very helpful, thanks jenny.

I was looking into A Hern personal trainers, not sure if their any good, has anyone had any experience with them??

Orangegirl you might find this helpful

http://the-riotact.com/getting-fit-for-summer-in-canberra/56346

goose said :

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

Thanks, goose. You’re a genius.

Ben and Jamie at Deakin Fitness First are good. They both charge about $60 an hour.

Reduce intake and increase output.
Eat less and walk, run, swim, bike ride etc.
No need to pay someone, self discipline is all that is needed.
Make a set time everyday to do some exercise, and just reduce what you eat by a bit.
Good luck 🙂

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