Question 1

What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

Coming from a small coastal town there were limited options for Coaches with powerlifting and strongman. I jumped in at a comp one day to handle a lifter and found I really enjoyed doing it.

So I went about going and getting certs to become a Strength Coach. Since then it was simple. I wanted to educate others why Strength training is so important for not just sports but life.

Question 2

What qualifications and certifications do you hold?

Accepted Answer

International strength and conditioning cert 1-2-3

Question 3

What is your training specialty or coaching style?

Accepted Answer

- Strongman
- Powerlifting
- Fighters
- Sports people
- Athletic goals
- Injury management
- Movement correction

Question 4

Who do you typically love working with most (beginners, athletes, weight loss, rehab, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

-anyone and everyone
while i have done a lot of work with athletes, it's important to remember they started as beginners and that's where a lot of the groundwork is built from

Question 5

What can clients expect from your coaching style and sessions?

Accepted Answer

Clients can expect sessions catered to their needs, goals, personalities and capabilities. no one style fits every need for every client

Question 6

What makes your training approach different from other trainers?

Accepted Answer

I take the time to learn my clients' bodies, mindsets and lifestyles and take all that into account with my programming and sessions. Training is supposed to support your lifestyle and goals, not feel like a burden or a chore. i like to educate people on whys and how things are going to work and the approach ill take.

Question 7

What is one thing you're passionate about helping clients achieve?

Accepted Answer

Feeling strong, capable and pain free in movements and life

Question 8

What is your proudest client transformation or success story?

Accepted Answer

- 15 x men to their first 300kg deadlift
- IPL 1st place under 82.5kg tested womens
- 270kg squat record under 82.5kg jnr woman
- first woman to total 600kg as a masters lifter
- multiple podiums at australia's strongest man and woman
- multiple pro strongman
- coached many people to their first comp, 100kg deadlift etc
- haze the huntsman hepi - KO last fight
- multiple powerlifting and strongman records
- 15 woman to their first 200kg squat
- helped many people with ongoing injuries make a better recovery working alongside their physios

Question 9

What’s one fitness myth you’d love to bust?

Accepted Answer

one size fits all – and that everything needs to be complex. simple and basics work best

Question 10

What’s your favourite workout or training method?

Accepted Answer

probably better to ask what i don't love - running

Question 11

What’s one fun or interesting fact about you?

Accepted Answer

My real name is Patrick - Mel is a nickname for my nick name Melon

Question 12

Why should someone choose to train with you at Powerhouse Gym Southside?

Accepted Answer

With so many great options, I'm sure it is overwhelming and hard to choose, and I'm certainly no salesman. but I have years of experience coaching all levels of people for any range of goals.

I know what it takes to be at the very top of sports because I've been there and still am, and I've also been a complete beginner and needed help just to learn my body and how it should move.

I adjust my coaching style to work with you; if you ask me to be a powerlifter, I'll treat you that way, but if you just want to be strong, healthy and move well and just enjoy your sessions i'll treat you that way.

Question 13

What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

17yrs ago, my coach at the time said "if sports doesn't take you to the top, you could always make a great coach, it's in your nature" so that's what I did.

Question 14

What qualifications and certifications do you hold?

Accepted Answer

17 years experience coaching
Cert 3 and 4 in fitness
Advanced Strength and conditioning
Level 1 Boxing
IFBB Pro Figure Athlete 2015
Australian Ninja Warrior competitor 2017
CrossFit intermediate athlete
Track and field state representative
Powerlifting push/pull competition
Waka ama State representative
Australian schoolgirls rugby league
Mum of 2
First Aid + CPR

Question 15

What is your training specialty or coaching style?

Accepted Answer

This has changed and evolved a lot over the years; it has often moved more towards the sports I was involved in at the time, but coach to client, I have always worked more predominantly with body recomposition (body fat loss and muscle gain)

Question 16

Who do you typically love working with most (beginners, athletes, weight loss, rehab, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

I love working with anyone willing to put the time and effort into bettering themselves, what ever the intended goal.

Question 17

What can clients expect from your coaching style and sessions?

Accepted Answer

As much as I offer online services and love that this allows me to work with a greater number of clients, my heart really is with face-to-face, demonstrational and form-corrective coaching.

Question 18

What makes your training approach different from other trainers?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, unlike many coaches these days, I have, at some stage throughout my career, practised what I preach. I have had that body fat, I have trained with that intensity, I have been injured, and I have worked beyond limitations in order to be the best at something. You're not just getting a coach who has sat an 8-week trainers' course; I have put the work in for over 17 years.

Question 19

What is one thing you're passionate about helping clients achieve?

Accepted Answer

Anything they were unable to achieve on their own, it takes a team; they have to work for it.

Question 20

What is your proudest client transformation or success story?

Accepted Answer

In 17 years, I have shared many memorable and life-changing success stories with clients; 1 client lost a total of 62kg, literally a whole person. Many bodybuilding success stories with athletes gaining Pro status within their class. Another client had 4 miscarriages before we started working with her; she fell pregnant 10 months later.

Question 21

What’s one fitness myth you’d love to bust?

Accepted Answer

That you can't spot-reduce body fat.

Question 22

What’s your favourite workout or training method?

Accepted Answer

Hypertrophy.

Question 23

What’s one fun or interesting fact about you?

Accepted Answer

I competed on the 2017 Australian Ninja and I played Rugby League on the U20's Australian team.

Question 24

Why should someone choose to train with you at Powerhouse Gym Southside?

Accepted Answer

I think the 100's of success stories speak volumes, but from face value, I take pride in running a professional, results-driven team of like-minded individuals, all with one goal: to progress.

Question 25

What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

My family struggled with weight loss for years and saw my parents yo-yo diet my whole life. I kept seeing family and friends struggle with confidence because of how they looked and how they felt about themselves. It limited what they did in life and one day I decided enough was enough and I wanted to help people become more confident and healthy so they could actually live life and not hide away from large crowds or events just because of their weight.

Question 26

What qualifications and certifications do you hold?

Accepted Answer

• Associates Degree in Sport and Exercise Science
• Cert IV in Sports Nutrition
• Pre & Post Natal Training

Question 27

What is your training specialty or coaching style?

Accepted Answer

I love the hybrid lifestyle. The ability to run and lift weights is the best feeling. I’m compassionate and empathetic but I won’t let you get away with any excuses.

Question 28

Who do you typically love working with most (beginners, athletes, weight loss, rehab, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

I typically love working with beginners to intermediates who want to become fit, fast and healthy and leave their old lives behind.

Question 29

What can clients expect from your coaching style and sessions?

Accepted Answer

A whole lot of laughter and sweat! I’m only a short part of your week but I want it to be the best part.

Question 30

What makes your training approach different from other trainers?

Accepted Answer

On one hand I’m a combination of laid back, empathetic and love a D&M to solve the world’s (and yours) problems because I believe that you should have the autonomy to dictate what you get out of your sessions. On the other hand, I won’t let you get away with excuses and lies. You’re fed the honest truth because I want you to be the best version of you. It all comes with love!

Question 31

What is one thing you're passionate about helping clients achieve?

Accepted Answer

Getting the best out of themselves. This looks different for everyone and my team have the motto “You can’t add days to your life but you can add life to your days.” I want my clients to live a full life and a happy life.

Question 32

What is your proudest client transformation or success story?

Accepted Answer

Please don’t make me just pick one. Roy losing 50kg and learning to run again? Matilda losing 40kg and wearing shorts for the first time in years? Heidi losing 30kg and being a park run fanatic? Amy going from never running and barely training to loving it and becoming an inspiration for other women? Dion for losing 60kg and learning to love exercise? Grace for embracing food? Kiana for running TWO ultramarathons? I honestly can’t pick, there’s many more and they all hold a place in my heart.

Question 33

What’s one fitness myth you’d love to bust?

Accepted Answer

Carbs are bad for you! I love coco pops!

Question 34

What’s your favourite workout or training method?

Accepted Answer

Either a long or a HIIT session. Good old fashioned high heart rate burner with sweat everywhere!

Question 35

What’s one fun or interesting fact about you?

Accepted Answer

I’m a big anime fan. The stories are some of the best written pieces in the world.

Question 36

Why should someone choose to train with you at Powerhouse Gym Southside?

Accepted Answer

If you’re ready to leave your old life behind, embrace change and get the absolute best out of yourself and your life. You’re going to need compassion and support along the journey and that’s what I’m here for, but I’m not going to sugarcoat things, I’m here to help you enjoy all the good things in life!

Question 37

What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

Becoming an Exercise Scientist felt like the perfect way to combine that curiosity with educating others on feel stronger, more capable, and more confident in their own bodies.

Question 38

What qualifications and certifications do you hold?

Accepted Answer

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and a Diploma of Holistic Counseling and I have continued developing my knowledge in strength training, biomechanics, neuroscience and effective leadership.

Question 39

What is your training specialty or coaching style?

Accepted Answer

My style is strength-based with a big focus on control, safety, technique and understanding how the body moves. I love helping people build strong foundations so they can move better and lift confidently for life.

Question 40

Who do you typically love working with most?

Accepted Answer

I love working with people who want to truly understand their body and be responsible for it. Whether they’re beginners learning the basics, people returning from injury, or clients who want to get stronger and more capable or just challenge themselves for the fun of it.

Question 41

What can clients expect from your coaching style and sessions?

Accepted Answer

Clients can expect sessions that are structured, challenging, supportive and fun. I focus a lot on coaching proper movement, building strength progressively and creating an environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions and learning.

Question 42

What makes your training approach different from other trainers?

Accepted Answer

I place a big emphasis on why we’re doing something and how this benefits for the long term, not just what to do. I want clients to understand their bodies and movements so they can train confidently both in and outside of our sessions for life. I am teaching people how to train independently.

Question 43

What is one thing you're passionate about helping clients achieve?

Accepted Answer

Helping people realise they’re capable of far more than they think and how to train independently.

Question 44

What is your proudest client transformation or success story?

Accepted Answer

When you work so closely with someone, you are invited into their world. You learn about their mindset, their work life, their home life and their dreams and asperations. I am so proud to have been invited into so many people’s lives over the past 15years. I have watched people succeed in so many aspects of life, and I am proud of every moment.

Question 45

What’s one fitness myth you’d love to bust?

Accepted Answer

That you always need to train fast or be exhausted for a workout to be effective. Slowing down and controlling movements is often where the real strength and progress happens.

Question 46

What’s your favourite workout or training method?

Accepted Answer

It’s boring… It’s basic… and it does the trick every time. Strength training with a focus on controlled tempo and good movement mechanics.

Question 47

What’s one fun or interesting?

Accepted Answer

I love learning new skills, so I tend to choose sports I’m terrible at and try to figure them out. So far that list includes BMX, karate, powerlifting, WBFF competitions, ice skating, skiing, rock climbing, triathlons and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Question 48

Why should someone choose to train with you at Powerhouse Gym Southside?

Accepted Answer

Because I genuinely get so excited about helping people move better, get stronger and feel confident in their bodies. My goal is not just to give you a workout but to help you build skills and strength that last long term.

Question 49

What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

I’ve always loved training, but I had a car accident & broke my back. So what really pushed me toward coaching was seeing how much rebuilding & improving your health and fitness changes the rest of your life. Helping people realise they’re capable of more than they thought is what made me want to do this for a career.

Question 50

What qualifications and certifications do you hold?

Accepted Answer

• Certificate III & IV in Fitness
• Certificate Sports Nutrition
• Pre & Post Natal
• CPR
• First Aid
• Boxing Level 1

Question 51

What is your training specialty or coaching style?

Accepted Answer

My coaching style focuses on simple, effective training that actually fits into real life. I use a Minimum Effective Dose (MED) approach, meaning we focus on the few things that create the biggest results rather than overcomplicating training or nutrition.

Question 52

Who do you typically love working with most?

Accepted Answer

I really enjoy working with people who feel like they’ve let themselves go and want to get back in control of their health. A lot of my clients are dads who haven’t prioritised themselves for a while and want to rebuild strength, energy, and confidence.

Question 53

What can clients expect from your coaching style and sessions?

Accepted Answer

Clients can expect sessions that are structured, challenging, and supportive. I focus on teaching proper technique, building strength progressively, and helping clients understand the “why” behind what we’re doing. It’s not about destroying people every session it’s about consistent progress and building habits that last.

Question 54

What makes your training approach different from other trainers?

Accepted Answer

A lot of people think they need to train harder, longer, and more often to get results. My approach is about doing the right things consistently. Instead of extreme diets or random workouts, I focus on structured strength training, sustainable nutrition, and realistic habits that people can maintain even when life is busy.

Question 55

What is one thing you’re passionate about helping clients achieve?

Accepted Answer

Helping people build confidence in themselves again. When someone starts feeling stronger, fitter, and more capable, it changes how they carry themselves in every part of their life.

Question 56

What is your proudest client transformation or success story?

Accepted Answer

There are too many to choose from, but the most rewarding transformations I’ve seen is when a client not only loses weight and builds strength but completely changes their lifestyle. Watching someone go from feeling stuck and frustrated to being confident, consistent, and proud of the work they’re putting in is incredibly rewarding.

Question 57

What’s one fitness myth you’d love to bust?

Accepted Answer

That you need to train every day and completely cut out the foods you enjoy to get results. Most people get far better results by training a few times per week, eating enough protein, and staying consistent rather than trying to be perfect.

Question 58

What’s your favourite workout or training method?

Accepted Answer

I love strength training combined with conditioning, especially workouts that build both strength and fitness. Lifting weights while incorporating running or conditioning work keeps training effective and time-efficient.

Question 59

What’s one fun or interesting fact about you?

Accepted Answer

I used to be a blackjack dealer.

Question 60

Why should someone choose to train with you at Powerhouse Gym Southside?

Accepted Answer

Because my focus is helping people get real results in a way that actually fits their life. I’m invested in my clients’ progress, and my goal is to help them become stronger, healthier, and more confident while building habits they can maintain long-term.

Question 61

What inspired you to become a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

I was once in the exact same position as many of my clients. I struggled with anxiety and low self esteem for a long time. Finding a passion for training and nutrition didn’t just change my body: it completely transformed my mental wellbeing, quality of life & confidence. I became a trainer because I wanted to help others experience that same shift- from feeling stuck to feeling capable.

Question 62

What qualifications and certifications do you hold?

Accepted Answer

• Certificate 3 in Fitness
• Certificate 4 in Fitness
• Currently studying my Certificate 4 in Nutrition

Question 63

What is your training specialty or coaching style?

Accepted Answer

I specialise in strength training and body recomposition, but my true focus is on sustainable habit change. I don’t believe in the ‘all or nothing’ approach, I believe in building a lifestyle that fuels your body and mind.

Question 64

Who do you typically love working with most (beginners, athletes, weight loss, rehab, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

I absolutely love working with beginners. There is nothing quite like watching someone’s love for training grow as they realise what they are capable of. I love working with people who are ready to move away from restrictive mindsets and start training for strength, confidence & longevity.

Trainers

Mel Tolone (Personal Trainer)

Paul Watts (Personal Trainer)

Eliyan Lobez (Personal Trainer)

Ryan Colcough (Personal Trainer)

Juliana Neveski (Personal Trainer)

Sam Pincott (Personal Trainer)

Kaila Truter (Personal Trainer)

Jedd Porter (Personal Trainer)

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