Course Provider: Australian Fitness Network

Launched in 1987, Australian Fitness Network – or ‘Network’ as it is known in the industry – was the first organisation in Australia to service the fitness industry.

Established by myself, Greg Hurst and Dr Garry Egger, the organisation was initially known as ‘Fitness Leader Network’, and then from 1990 as ‘Network for Fitness Professionals.’ In 1999 we became ‘Australian Fitness Network’, a name reflecting the expansion of the industry from consisting purely of fitness instructors, to encompassing all areas of fitness, from facility owners and managers, to gym instructors and personal trainers.

Network began with the release of aerobics music tapes. In 1987, it was the first aerobics music company to operate outside the USA. Today, Network continues to produce music under the TRAX Music label and is used by group exercise instructors around the world. Around the same time, Network also launched the first national workshop tour, the National Aerobics Championship, a fitness convention and a membership publication for those in the fitness industry.

In 1988, Garry Egger left Network to pursue a career in public health and in 2001, Greg Hurst also ceased his day-to-day responsibilities with Network, to assume the role of chief executive officer of Zest Health Clubs. Greg's current role sees him as the active Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Fitness in NSW, ACT and QLD.

Lisa Champion, a company director, plays an active role in the life of Network. An exercise specialist and co-creator of the Perfect Practice™ Training System, Lisa is also the associate editor of Network magazine. She is a popular FILEX Convention presenter and workshop facilitator, and also contributes to the content and structure of Network’s education courses.

Today, Australian Fitness Network is proud to remain the leading source of information, education and events in fitness, and we strive to continue to provide you with innovative, inspiring and valuable membership benefits to help you remain motivated, focused and challenged in your fitness career.

The growth of our publications, conventions and membership base over the years is a reflection of how hungry our industry is for continued education and constant opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Our annual fitness convention – FILEX – sees more than 2,000 fitness professionals and enthusiasts come together for three days of edu-tainment. Our publications have also expanded, from a single-page black and white newsletter to a library of full-colour publications servicing specific segments within the industry.

The industry has seen many changes since it’s inception in the 1980s. Exercise fads have come and gone (the slide, kangoo boots), while some programs have successfully stood the test of time (step aerobics). The most recent global fitness trend is probably the popularity explosion of mind body practices, such as Pilates and yoga.