SA’s fit rigs: Ripped fitness influencers are sharing how they achieved their enviable physiques
They’re mega-fit with enviable physiques. Meet 60 of SA’s fit rigs and their top tips for transforming your body.
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They have muscles on muscles and take their fitness super seriously. We tracked down some of South Australia’s motivated health and fitness influencers – and found out their fitness secrets, tips and tricks. Meet SA’s fittest rigs.
Shannon Tilbrook
For Shannon Tilbrook, strength isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional and hard-earned.
The 39-year-old mother of two has fought through more than 30 Muay Thai bouts and decades of personal battles, including a lifelong struggle with alopecia.
Diagnosed at just four years old, Shannon’s hair loss became a source of bullying and pain that haunted her throughout childhood.
“I remember a kid’s mum asking if I had cancer,” she says. “I went home crying, asking Mum if I was dying.”
Her mother, Ruth, recalls noticing a small patch at the back of Shannon’s head before it began falling out in “fistfuls”.
Over time, the condition worsened, and while there were periods of regrowth, the pandemic marked a turning point.
“For the past few years her hair follicles have been dormant … there’s zero regrowth,” Ruth says.
Last year, Shannon took the bold step of tattooing her scalp — a beautiful pattern that’s drawn compliments from strangers.
But it was her sister Imogen’s act of love that really made the difference.
Imogen shaved her own head and donated her hair for a custom-made wig, with a
GoFundMe raising $5000 to make it happen.
“Even Lee, my partner, shaved his head and still hasn’t grown it back,” Shannon says. “We’re bald together.”
Despite the dark days, Shannon has found purpose and belonging at Boars Martial Arts.
“I found my people there. No one has ever made me feel uncomfortable. Even on my worst days, they’ve been there for me.”
Shannon trains hard — hitting pads, lifting weights, and running — to stay fight-ready.
But for her, fitness is about more than sport. It’s survival.
“Some days I feel totally fine … others, it’s like I’ve fallen into a hole. But I keep going.”
Kaysee Liebeknecht
Kaysee first discovered hot yoga while backpacking through Europe at 19, desperately trying to escape the cold.
One steamy session later, she was hooked — fast forward two decades and she now owns Embody Hot Yoga in Ascot Park.
Her day kicks off with a fiery hot yoga class to melt away stress and boost flexibility, followed by a Rowformer pilates session at Strong in Somerton Park to dial up the cardio and strength.
At night, it’s a golden hour stroll with hubby Carl and their golden retriever Gwenevere, plus a sauna and stretch to wind down.
“It’s amazing for sleep,” she says.
Juggling three sporty boys — Ashton, Caleb and Daniel — means her energy needs to stay sky-high.
“Mum’s Taxi is running 24/7,” she laughs.
Her secret to staying fit? Planning.
“Book classes ahead and make them part of your routine. You’ll feel the difference.”
She swears by a training buddy too, and always leaves room for joy.
“Laughter is the best medicine — don’t take it too seriously!”
Kapil Bakshi
Kapil didn’t set out to become a fitness machine — he just wanted to feel good.
But the deeper he dived into strength training, recovery, and nutrition, the more obsessed (in a good way) he became.
“It’s not just about looking fit anymore — it’s about feeling strong, balanced, and helping others do the same.”
His training is all about progressive overload — constantly mixing up routines to challenge every muscle group.
You’ll find him lifting heavy at Derrimut Windsor Gardens, then hiking up Mount Lofty at sunrise on Saturdays to clear his head.
“It’s the perfect way to start the weekend,” he says.
Sauna sessions help him recover, and he fuels up with homemade pre-workout protein truffles (think 10 seeds, zero sugar) and his beloved ABC juice.
Now he’s passing on his knowledge, mentoring gym newbies and preaching the power of good form and smart consistency.
“Start small and stay consistent. Love the process — the results will follow.”
Kristen Kohl
Kristen Kohl is up before the birds — literally.
Her alarm goes off at 4:15am so she can get her weight training done before the chaos of parenting and running her pediatric OT business in the Adelaide Hills kicks in.
“It’s the only time I can fit it in consistently — and honestly, it’s my meditation.”
After hitting pause on her fitness during the early years of motherhood, Kristen reached a point where she knew something had to change.
“I looked in the mirror and just knew I needed to start prioritising myself again.”
She now trains 4–5 times a week at Balhannah Anytime Fitness, adding in spin classes and daily walks (usually while her sons, 10 and 12, are at sports training).
But it’s not just about the body.
Kristen trains for her mind, her mood, and her future.
With a family history of dementia, she’s doubling down on brain health — and science says strength training helps.
“I’m aiming to be the oldest person in the gym — not the youngest in the aged care home.”
Rita Windle
Rita Windle has always been on the move.
From school sports to Army Reserves fitness tests, she’s never been one to shy away from a challenge — especially if it comes with mud, fire pits, or 42.2km of road.
“I’ve run marathons, done Tough Mudder and Tru Grit – I just love testing myself,” she says.
Now 50, the Woodcroft local and education support officer is as strong as ever, training mainly with weights at REVO Fitness and sneaking in Peloton cardio sessions when she’s not walking or boxing.
She’s also a certified PT and nutrition coach — so she knows her stuff.
For Rita, fitness is more than a routine — it’s a mindset.
“You only get one body, be kind to it. We invest in everything else — why not our health?”
Her approach is all about consistency and sustainability, not quick fixes.
“Start small, find what you enjoy, and build from there.”
“Surround yourself with like-minded people — community makes it easier to show up, even on the tough days.”
Caitlin Frahn
Caitlin Frahn never expected to end up on a bodybuilding stage.
The former netballer started lifting to get stronger on court but found something deeper — a love for strength, structure and self-discipline.
“At first, I was intimidated by the gym,” she says.
“I didn’t know what I was doing and avoided it. But I wasn’t ready to quit.”
With the help of an online coach, and now Scott Goble from Team Goble, Frahn’s transformed her training and confidence.
She recently wrapped up her debut bodybuilding season and is now deep in a post-comp recovery phase — with plans to come back bigger and better.
“I train four days a week, but it’s not motivation that drives me — it’s discipline. My why is stronger than my excuses.”
She’s also found joy in sharing her journey online, especially through her partnership with Muscle Nation.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to inspire others — especially women who feel scared to start.”
“Just start. There’s no perfect time. Do it scared, do it tired — just do it.”
Penny Godfrey
Penny Godfrey splits her time between scissors and shin kicks — running her McLaren Vale hair salon Goldi the Space by day and training as a professional Muay Thai fighter by night.
A lifelong sport-lover, Penny first picked up Muay Thai as a way to stay active after leaving behind weekend netball.
What started as a fitness outlet quickly became a passion — and then a profession.
“I fell in love with the beautiful violence that is Muay Thai,” she says.
“It’s empowering. It pushes limits you didn’t know you had.”
Now training out of Boars Martial Arts under coach Carly Gangell, Penny averages 15+ hours of training a week on top of her 45-hour salon schedule.
Her prep includes everything from early-morning pilates and long runs to sparring and double sessions almost every weekday.
“When you step into a combat sport, there’s no cutting corners. The ring reveals everything.”
The fight community at Boars has been a game-changer.
“It’s family-owned, super welcoming, and full of people who lift each other up. It’s hard work, but it never feels lonely.”
“Find what sets your soul on fire. Movement should bring joy, not dread. That’s how real habits form.”
Callie Heinrich
For Callie Heinrich, fitness is non-negotiable — it’s how she carves out “me time” in a life packed with work and motherhood.
Running a business six days a week and raising two boys, Miller, 12, and Nash, 10, means Callie hits the gym while the world sleeps.
“I train at 4am, five days a week,” she says. “That way, I’m back home by 6am to be there for my boys.”
Her go-to? Lifting weights — a passion that began as a child alongside her dad in his home gym.
“He was my inspiration,” she says.
These days, her training is all about consistency and long-term health.
“I lift five days a week and aim for 10,000 steps a day. My motivation is simple: to be the fittest and healthiest version of myself for my kids.”
She trains at both Fitness Factory Mount Barker and Gym It Strathalbyn, and says the key to staying on track is choosing movement you love.
“Find what lights you up — when you enjoy it, consistency follows.”
“Fitness should be fun. Make it part of your lifestyle, not a chore.”
Kylie Warren
For Kylie Warren, fitness isn’t just about staying in shape — it’s part of who she is. The mum of three teenagers and finance specialist at Complex Travel Group has always lived an active lifestyle, but things levelled up ten years ago when she discovered CrossFit.
“It gave me the best results physically and pushed me like nothing else,” she says.
Now 40, Kylie is taking a break from the barbell and embracing a new chapter: cardio conditioning. She currently trains at Bio Fit Noarlunga and says the change has been refreshing. “I’m really enjoying trying something new — the key is staying consistent.”
With three active kids and a busy career, carving out time for movement is a daily priority. “It’s not just about how I feel physically,” Kylie explains. “The mental health benefits are just as important.”
“Keep it consistent, find what you love, and be open to change.”
Kalita Donnellan-Fernandez
After a knee reconstruction at 17, Kalita Donnellan-Fernandez discovered the gym through rehab — and never looked back.
Inspired by fitness icon Hattie Boydle, Kalita turned her own challenges with eating disorders and perfectionism into fuel for a career in natural bodybuilding.
“Lifting gave me structure, purpose, and a powerful outlet for discipline and growth,” she says.
Kalita turned Pro at just 21, and after a break to focus on building her physique, she returned in 2025 to sweep three state Overall Titles and a second Pro Card in the Fitness category with Natural Bodybuilding Australia.
Now, she resistance trains five days a week and hits 12,000 steps daily — all while working as a physiotherapist and online coach.
“I love the lifestyle. It’s about showing up every day, doing hard things, and proving to myself what I’m capable of.”
She’s also driven to be a strong role model for women chasing self-improvement.
“I do it for my younger self too — to show her what’s possible.”
“Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start now. Show up for your future self — momentum comes from movement.”
Carly Gangell
Raised on the mats of her family’s martial arts gym, Carly Gangell threw her first punch at age three — and never stopped.
Now a powerhouse trainer and fight promoter behind Boars Martial Arts, Females Fighting Forward, and Pride Fight Series, Carly has turned her lifelong passion into purpose.
“Martial arts has been my life for as long as I can remember,” she says.
Her training schedule is as fierce as her fight game: 6–8 sessions a week blending Muay Thai, boxing, strength work, and early morning sprint sessions.
“Running intervals at the oval before work is better than a morning coffee,” she says.
For Carly, staying fit isn’t just about performance — it’s a foundation for life.
“I train to feel confident, resilient and keep my mental health in check. I want to lead by example and practise what I preach.”
Her hot tip to getting fit?
“Find something you genuinely enjoy — it’ll be easier to stick with. Whether it’s hiking, group fitness or a new sport, shift your mindset and be excited about who you’re becoming.”
Rob Cummings
It’s hard to believe that Rob Cummings is almost 60-years-old.
He says he doesn’t work out just to look good; it’s all about “feeling good” every day.
“Age is just a number and for as long as I can I plan to stay strong, active, and full of life,” he tells The Advertiser.
“My training makes me feel vibrant, young and alive and hold a healthy level of self-esteem.
“As a 59 year old man who trains in the gym five days a week … my training improves bone density, enhances joint stability and flexibility.
“I don’t want my age to limit my mobility and consistent training ensures I stay agile.”
Mr Cummings revealed he particularly enjoys daily walks and the benefits he feels from resistance training.
He also passed along his passion for fitness to his son . . .
Lachy Cummings
Lachy Cummings, 32, makes no secret that he always “looked up to” his “buff dad” Rob Cummings and “wanted to look like him” when he was a young teen.
Fitness has always been part of their family and daily life, from going on walks or hikes together, or playing footy but for this Mr Cummings – it all really began when he was a “13 year-old lad” wanting to sport a fit rig.
“Luckily (my dad) owned an extensive home gym and he taught me the ropes on my summer break between finishing primary school and starting high school,” Lachy says.
“I have been hitting the gym ever since, with no breaks, apart from when I go travelling overseas.
“Some would refer to it as a hobby but I refer to it as a way of life, no different from eating or sleeping.”
Lachy says he predominantly enjoys martial arts and has been boxing for almost 10-years. He believes it’s “a great skill to have in your arsenal”.
He also eats a high protein and healthy whole foods diet, although says “naughty treats” are necessary to maintain “balance and consistency”.
Jake Adey
Fitness “has always been a cornerstone” of Jake Adey’s life.
However, Mr Adey says he knew he had to get smart about his health after he bulked up to weigh 96kg but still didn’t feel great.
“I was introduced to the gym by my dad around 15 to bulk up for footy,” he said.
“It started as a casual thing but when I hit 19, I decided to get serious, hitting the weights 5-6 times a week … I managed to get up to 96kg but honestly, I didn’t feel great, so I knew something had to change.”
About a year and a half ago, the 26-year-old decided to switch to hybrid training and says it has been a total game changer.
“I locked in, started eating whole foods, cut out partying, and committed to daily runs with weight training four to five times a week and am now weighing in around 79kg,” he says.
“Being able to run far and lift heavy feels amazing.
“I love pushing my limits every session.”
Keeping this habit hasn’t always been easy for the business development manager whose job requires a lot of travelling.
But he says he makes sure to always prioritise his fitness.
“Working out is part of who I am - it’s helped me through tough times and keeps me grounded.
“It’s not just about physical strength, and aesthetics but mental resilience too. Staying consistent and disciplined with my training keeps me looking and feeling at my best, both in and out of the gym.”
April Kerrison
A traumatic injury could have been the end for April Kerrison’s fitness journey but instead of giving up, the young woman took her misfortunes and made them her strengths.
As a teen, Ms Kerrison was an Aussie Rules footy player, to the point that she considered it her “whole identity” at the time.
However, the sport resulted in an ACL injury and she was forced to have knee reconstruction surgery.
“The first time I stepped foot in a gym was when I was 17 because my physio said so,” she recalled.
“I was a lost and scared young girl who has just come out of a knee reconstruction surgery.
“I cared more about sport than school … so to have something so valued ripped away hurt so much. I no longer knew who I was or what my future entailed.
“So I worked my butt off in the gym lifting weights, making myself the strongest mentally and physically I had ever been.”
Ms Kerrison also gained a lot of life experience, leading her to finding herself a pathway as an injury prevention educator for female athletes
“Hindsight is such a funny thing because the injury that crushed me, had actually redirected me,” she says.
She is now in her final year of a Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science at Uni SA, with special interests in weight training for female sporting injuries.
“My passionate 22-year-old self helps educate female athletes and others about injury prevention and how empowering it is to over come physical and mental challenges through exercise and weights.”
And yes, she’s back into footy but with a much healthier fitness focus on injury prevention and more confidence in her kick.
Tayla Goody
For Tayla Goody, fitness is more than having a fit-rig – it’s more about the unexpected ways she’s been able to enjoy connecting with people as a trainer and coach.
She started out as a kid playing basketball, before eventually transitioning to the gym.
“I spent a lot of time on the court, and that naturally built a strong foundation of discipline, athleticism, and a love for movement,” she says.
“As I got older, that passion slowly transitioned into the gym.
“At first, it was just about staying in shape for basketball, but over time, I fell in love with fitness itself — the structure, the challenge, the progress.
“It became more than just training for a sport; it became a lifestyle.”
But the real highlight for her has been the people.
“It’s the people I’ve met along the way that have truly made it special.
“On a more personal level, I’ve learned to love and appreciate my body in a way I never used to, and now I get to help other women do the same.
“That’s probably the most rewarding part, empowering others while continuing to grow stronger myself, both physically and mentally.”
Jordan Steffens
Strongman Jordan “Biggie” Steffens is not your ordinary ripped guy at the gym.
The state weightlifting coach and former professional strongman has achieved Guinness World Record breaking feats including pulling planes, trains, trucks and more.
He was scouted as a 14-year-old by the South Australian Sport Institute after he lifted 80kg over his head on his first attempt of lifting a weighted bar.
But more importantly, his weird and wacky talent has been harnessed to do this world some good.
His 2019 record-breaking train pull raised funds for the restoration of another much-loved locomotive — the 520 Sir Malcolm Barclay-Harvey steam ranger.
Jesse Sciancalepore
It is easy to look as Jesse Sciancalepore and assume he might have had a little enhancement help to achieve his aesthetic physique.
But he says he is a proud “100 per cent natural bodybuilder” and a regular competitor among ‘I Complete Natural (ICN)’ in state and nation based competitions.
And as a fitness trainer he helps others reach their fitness dreams, whether that be in increasing strength, improving mobility, or achieving their dream body. Naturally.
Bella Morrison
Bella Morrison has previously lifted the lid on her fitness journey by admitting that it all began from an unhealthy mindset about weight and looks.
Ms Morrison explained that she was uneducated in the proper training and nutrition intake but wanted change, which led her to finding a coach.
It was this process of training under a coach that she fell in love with the sport of bodybuilding, and developed a healthy attitude towards working out and nutrition – learning it’s much more about the journey rather than the end result.
Now Ms Morrison is a personal trainer and a nurse.
Kristen Ellis
Competitive bikini bodybuilder Kristen Ellis has gone from a determined athlete to a genuine force to be reckoned with on stage and in her business.
Ms Ellis’ journey began in April 2021 and since then she has completed three competitive bodybuilding seasons – and is a nationally recognised bikini competitor.
The fitness queen now shares her knowledge and experience with others, offering one-on-one gym training and nutritional support.
Alana Yeates
Alana Yeates has found many ways to challenge herself to achieve her current formidable strength and endurance.
The Adelaide-based personal trainer has completed various competitions around Australia and recently completed a Tru Grit course challenge.
The ripped trainer says she gone from someone who was “very anxious” during her first work outs to a confident athlete who loves being among the gym and fitness community.
Along the way she has also earned her Certificate III and IV in fitness.
Lori Chandler
As Lori Chandler gets ready to start prepping to compete in ‘I Compete Natural (ICN)’ South Australia, she is stoked to see her consistent training paying off.
The exercise physiologist is the lightest she’s ever been ahead of prep season while also boasting “a heck ton more muscle”.
Previously, Ms Chandler has won third place in ICN Australia Wellness division.
Tom Moore
Tom Moore is owner of the city-based gym Built and ambassador of Lululemon – and is all about being fit and healthy rather than talking about his physique.
This year in May, Mr Moore completed a half-marathon – same as the year before – except this time he is happy to report that he downsized his heavy, bulky body and now enjoys a faster pace.
He still works out by doing impressive weights while bench pressing or dead lifting but it’s not for the purpose of aesthetics. It’s about being better at moving your body.
James Hams
This self-proclaimed “gym lad” always enjoys challenging himself to do different things with his body, including drastically switching up his training to run a marathon.
Although James says came out with a “shiny medal” at the end – he claims the biggest lesson he learnt was in endurance.
And, he jokes, pretending he enjoys running.
The videographer and content creator shares tips and tricks of his gym life on his various Instagram pages @hamsfitt.
Josh Ferreira
Josh Ferreira says the key to his fitness is variety – he makes sure to fit in many different kinds of workout into his life.
Josh Ferreira has a mix of different disciplines, including running, lifting and resistance training, all while sticking to a healthy diet.
But importantly, he enjoys the journey.
On Mr Ferreira’s Instagram page @joshferreira_, which has more than 5.5k followers, he also reveals himself to be a big believer in self-development. He says “you will attract what you are”.
Emily Clements
At work, Emily Clements is a St Mary’s-based physiotherapist at Active Balance Physio but outside the office she is an absolute weapon.
The crossfitter can run, climb and lift and her Instagram account is a show of grit and determination.
She has just competed in the Torian Pro where, for three days, the best CrossFit athletes battle it out to earn a spot at the CrossFit Games.
Will Trengove
For Will Trengove, his life and work is in the gym.
After co-owning 3PC for five years, Mr Trengove took over the space and rebranded it to Better Gym in September 2024.
Mr Trengove harnesses his background in football, strength training and running, as well as his accumulated knowledge to train in a way that helps him and his clients achieve long-term wellbeing.
Zoe Denton
Zoe Denton has participated in the International Fitness and Body Building competition in Australia and although she didn’t place – she is still a winner.
The low-key fitness influencer shares her workouts with her followers and advocates for a healthy balance between a gym life and a social life.
The 25-year-old has also started sharing her journey as an aerial artist @zoedenton__.
Aidan Clark
Aidan Clark says he “sometimes lifts heavy things” – by which he means he can easily bench press 140kg.
The personal trainer at GYMVT also boasts a degree in exercise science and exercise physiology and trains others to improve their strength training.
He rounds out his weightlifting with cardio, boxing and mobility exercises.
Amelia Dawson
Amelia Dawson discovered CrossFit five years ago.
After falling in love with the sport she felt inspired to turn her passion into a career.
Now, The CrossFit Zenith coach helps others achieve their desired results, while focusing on health longevity.
Rebekah Platonas
Rebekah Plantonas had the honour of achieving a grand win in her first competition at the 2023 International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation SA State Championship in the True Novice category and second in the Open Class 1.
Since the win she says she couldn’t be happier by how far she has come.
However, she says working out is about much more than just looks – it’s about feeling good too.
Scarlett and Theo Ashley
Brother/sister powerhouse Scarlett and Theo Ashley have both put their passion for fitness to work – literally.
The pair are not only avid gym goers but work together . . .at the gym.
Scarlett works as a reformer instructor while older brother Theo leads weights and run classes, both at Platfrm gym.
So how did they end up working together?
Theo says it’s a funny story of serendipity.
“I was just walking along Melbourne St in North Adelaide where the gym is and I thought I’d go in and see Scarlett,” he said.
“She introduced me to her boss, James, and he offered me a job there and then.”
Scarlett said the offer took her a bit by surprise.
“I was just cleaning the room up, putting dumbbells away and James walk in and I say ‘James, this is my brother,” she said.
“He looked at my brother and goes ‘how much do you bench press’, and that’s how they started talking and they just instantly connected.
“James just threw it out ‘I want you working here’, he was like ‘Scarlett, why have you been hiding your brother’.”
That was last year and they’ve worked together ever since.
Lucy Prior
Lucy is a full time physiotherapist and owes her career to her fitness passions.
For Lucy, fitness became her “free therapy” when she was in high school, after having had a poor relationship with exercise and food.
Kathryn Warr
After having three kids in five years, fitness became a “non-negotiable lifeline” for Kathryn Warr for her mental and physical health.
She started Ivoryrose Physio back in 2016 after moving from Sydney to Adelaide.
She holds a special soft spot for mums navigating the season of new motherhood.
Kat says her biggest motivators are her children “because the stronger I feel, the more I can give to the people I love”.
Isaac Heyne
At age 15, Isaac Heyne’s mum died.
Running became an outlet to “stay sane”.
Recently he was the first Aussie and second person overall to cross the finish line in a half marathon in Launceston, Tasmania.
Samuel Mussared
Samual Mussared started hitting the gym at 15.
It wasn’t until five years later that he found out what he was training for. At age 20, Samuel was coward punched at a nightclub.
His fitness helped him with his recovery - and his recovery helped him get serious about his health, weight training and becoming a passionate advocate against violence.
He got hooked and became a bodybuilder.
Samuel is a pro now and in 2023 come first in the ICN Pro Classic Physique competition.
Alex Williams
Alex Williams is a bodybuilder, an industrial electrician and a dad – and says his healthy lifestyle helps him balance and enjoy all three.
That wasn’t always the case though.
In his 20s, Alex struggled managing work, relationships, and food, which led to him becoming overweight.
Marika Poland
Now a studio manager and senior trainer, Marika Poland started her fitness journey when the youngest of her three children started school.
Having some time to grow physically and mentally, Marika hit the gym and says the benefits have been huge.
Taking a class every morning before school drop-off, managing day-to-day operations and teaching classes four days a week is a full schedule “but one that keeps me inspired and constantly moving,” Marika says.
Scott Nelson
AFL was Scott Nelson’s sport of choice, but being hit with sport-related injuries meant he had to get off the oval and into the gym.
Kickstarting the day at 4am, an hour walk, training others then himself, running an online coaching business and then even more training is a lot of work, but for Scott it’s about the discipline.
Sarah Lelliott
Six years ago, Sarah Lelliott wouldn’t have thought she’d be a multi-medal winner as a bodybuilder.
A fresh perspective turned Sarah’s life toward fitness and since then she has been working to improve herself both physically and mentally.
She does training strength at the gym five times a week and last month won two gold medals and a silver at the NBA Australia competition.
Stevie Linke
Stevie Linke has spent more than 18 years in the health and fitness industry, with a background in remedial massage, yoga, pilates and naturopathy.
Three years ago, Stevie - who you can follow at stevieluv1 - became her own studio owner of The Yard Gym Norwood.
Her proudest achievement is running the Sydney marathon, but the next goals in her sights are the Gold Coast half marathon and then mixed doubles Hyrox (a fitness race) in Perth and Melbourne.
Adrian Musseau
A sports nutritionist and an amateur bodybuilder, Adrian Musseau has been in the game for more than a decade.
When he’s not on the bodybuilder stage or working out, he’s with his family or indulging in his massive anime collection.
Adrian last year placed in the top five in the World Natural Games and has also helped coach several competitors.
Adrian also boast that he can eat a 1kg steak in under one minute.
Megan Knight
Murray Bridge-based gym owner Megan Knight is well known as one of the hottest names in bodybuilding.
In 2023, Megan achieved the title of Miss Universe at a competition in Mexico, but most recently she’s been victorious in the Jay Cutler Desert Classic in Las Vegas.
She took home gold medals from the event’s figure and open physique categories.
On top of running her own gym, Megan still has a busy schedule and spends two to three hours working out every day.
ou can follow her at @meganknight.bodybuilder
Shane Barker
At 17, Shane Barker had a brain infection and after brain surgery and an extended hospital stay he lost all the muscle he’d been working to build during his teen years – a loss of 19kg in just 20 days.
Just under a decade later, Shane has turned things around, picked back up the weights and is helping other people through his own personal training service.
was voted SA’s best personal trainer in The Advertiser’s 2024 vote.
Shane said he liked to let clients know that he’s human and has gone through tough times, but it’s how you get back up that counts.
Jarrah Ingram
Jarrah Ingram specifically works with women to help train glutes and prides himself on the more than 1000 clients he’s worked with.
Jarrah says he doesn’t “just say what to do”.
“I teach you why … and I show you how to train smart, eat with freedom and get results without guilt, restriction, or burnout.”
James Trenerry
James Trenerry has been in the fitness industry for some time, but three years ago he took a leap of faith, and it paid off.
James started his own gym, Platfrm, and it was heralded as “Australia’s first” gym to have run and weights and strength-based reformer group workouts.
Since it all began, James’ business has grown and he’s opened a second gym, continuing to encourage emerging fitness enthusiasts and first-time gym-goers.
Austin Morris
Austin Morris is an up and coming personal trainer in Adelaide’s south with a passion for encouraging healthy eating and fat loss.
Jahara Nolan
Personal trainer and online coach Jahara Nolan has competed in IFBB Po League bodybuilding competitions and focuses on helping her clients achieve their goals while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
Her health and fitness coaching brand Balance By Jahara shares training tips and meal ideas – as well as recipes – on social media while displaying her own results of her hard work and devotion in the gym.
She offers personal training sessions at Anytime Fitness Blackwood, sharing her five years of training experience and her background as a physique athlete with those keen to achieve their health and fitness goals.
You can follow her at @jahara.nolan
Sophie Easton
Adelaide’s Sophie Easton went from fitness novice to fanatic after admiring the dedication of online fitness models.
“Five years ago I decided I wanted to get into shape and pursue the gym.,” Ms Easton tells The Advertiser.
“I started following personal trainers and fitness influencers on Instagram for inspiration and motivation, and I came across a bodybuilder’s account” she said.
“The glitz and the glam of being onstage mixed with insane body condition and immense dedication to compete made me instantly fall in love with the sport.”
Sophie says it took her the best part of four years to become comfortable in the gym and to understand macros and nutrition.
“I decided to take the plunge last year and hired a coach to prepare me for the stage,” she said.
“To prepare for the competition, I had to bulk, which is eating in a calorie surplus that was mainly high carbs in order to build muscle mass while completing two upper body sessions, two lower body sessions and five 30-minute cardio sessions per week.”
She says the bulk was followed by a “cut” which consists of eating in a calorie deficit and prioritising protein and sticking to a super strict meal plan while keeping up with the four weight sessions and increasing cardio to 45-minute sessions everyday.
“This meant that I had no ‘cheat’ meals and ate the exact same thing everyday for six months.
“It took determination and grit to get my ‘fit rig’ and make it on stage.”
She says she loved the challenge and is already training for next year’s competition.
Asha Coulthard
Adelaide’s Asha Coulthard is one of the biggest names in the fitness industry and her 122k Instagram followers are testament to this.
The four-time World Beauty Fitness & Fashion (WBFF) world champion is a personal trainer and coach, specialising in female fitness and nutrition since 2014.
Competing and coaching has taken her all around the world.
Coulthard grew up in Tintinara before moving to the NT, but returned to Adelaide where her fitness journey exploded.
The world champion has worked with elite athletes and high-level figure competitors from all over the world offering premium one-in-on online coaching, lifestyle coaching and competition preparation and performance guidance.
You can follow her @ashacoulthard
Salim Hassan
Salim Hassan’s fitness journey took him from professional footballer with AFL aspirations, to international bodybuilder and now a leading figure in the industry as a business owner and coach.
He was drafted in 2004 to the Port Adelaide Power and in the same year, while playing for the West Adelaide Football Club, Hassan won The Advertiser’s SANFL Player of the Year award.
The father, business owner and coach says his mission is clear; to help drive professionals to build unshakeable body confidence and performance.
“I’ve been coaching for 20-plus years but my journey started long before that,” he said.
“From pro football to international bodybuilding titles, one thing remained constant – my passion for helping others.”
The popular online figure runs Buddha Fit and shares the transformations of his clients and tops fitness tips with his 16k followers.
Ashley Ker
An 11-year veteran in the fitness space, Adelaide mother Ashley Ker’s ‘fit rig’ is a testament to her dedication and discipline.
She is a certified sports nutritionist and health scientist, works as a registered nurse and has competed in bodybuilding competitions as an IFBB wellness athlete.
Ker is also a coach, specialising in competition preparation, powerlifting and sports nutrition.
She hopes to educate, inspire and empower others to help them take their health and fitness journey to the next level.
The former Hallett Cove High student studied a double degree of Health Sciences and Nursing at Flinders University.
You can follow her @akcoaching_
Bailee DeDonatis
Bailee DeDonatis hails from Mount Gambier but is not just a well-known fitness icon in her hometown as the impressive athlete has won interstate championships.
She has shone on the stage in Queensland as the winner of the 2023 INC Sunshine Coast Classic Sport Model Open category.
Bailee says bodybuilding is not about talent but “resilience and having the mental strength to keep pushing even when you have given your all”.
She says the sport is physically and mentally challenging but you only get out what you put in – and that’s why she loves it.
Kristy Pearce
Elite Training owner Kristy Pearce has become a popular name in the fitness industry with just under 100k followers on Instagram @kirstyypearce.
Elite Training has studios in Mount Barker and Strathalbyn and the popular personal trainer also offers online coaching.
Pearce says for more than a decade she has been devoted to creating Elite Training into “more than just a gym”.
“I wanted to create a welcoming, enjoyable space where you achieve results and genuinely enjoy your training,” she said.
“I’ve dedicated years to studying, and I bring my extensive experience in coaching to train my members to the highest degree.”
Kristen Barling
Kristen Barling is a busy woman – she is a business owner and operator, a coach, a single mum of two and a famed bodybuilder.
Barling’s Fernwood Salisbury gym is a popular female-only fitness centre in Adelaide’s north and she offers mindset, nutrition and movement coaching.
She wears many hats as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, a massage therapist, a yoga teacher, and motivational speaker.
Dani Daish
Dani Daish is a personal trainer and fitness model competitor and Hyrox athtetee from Murray Bridge who shares her tips and workout routines online.
Daish has almost 11,000 followers on Instagram and 60,000 followers on TikTok.
She is a keen runner, detailing her road runs on her social media channels and Strava and has extended her scope to include competing in Hyrox events.
She says she specialises in coaching women in Fat loss, food freedom and confidence.
Daish said her mission was motivated after struggling with eating disorders before making the shift from starving to bodybuilding.
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Originally published as SA’s fit rigs: Ripped fitness influencers are sharing how they achieved their enviable physiques
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