Timetable
6234 5969Real people, real results
The primary focus of Personal Best Fitness is to encourage clients to commit to a long-term lifestyle pattern of independent healthy living , and promote exercise as an integral part of our everyday lives. Personal Best Fitness is conveniently located at 67 Letitia Street, North Hobart, offering outstanding service and facilities for your total wellbeing. Open seven days a week, Personal Best’s purpose-designed facility is committed to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals. Our personal trainers are also available to travel to your business or home.
Meet the Team
At Personal Best, we pride ourselves on providing you with a professional, dynamic and highly skilled team of health and exercise specialists who have the common goal of helping you make sustainable changes to your health and fitness, and educating you about the benefits of choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle. All our personal trainers and lifestyle coaches are Certified Level 4 and registered with Fitness Australia. All of them have invested in further enhancing their skills in specialist areas such as weight loss, pain free movement and exercise and the use of kettlebells & Vipr. We encourage our personal trainers to develop two or three specialist areas – for example, if your goal is weight loss you would work best with Fran, Shiela, Marc or Urszula. Our personal trainers also participate in weekly education workshops to improve their skills. We can say with confidence that we have the best team of personal trainers in Australia.
Eidolan Erin
Master Personal Trainer & Activation Practitioner
Being a passionate believer in the power of the human body, and a dedication to excellence is what makes Eidolan Erin one of the most sought after personal trainers in the Tasmanian fitness industry.
Read moreEidolan Erin
With more than 11 years as a personal trainer and clients of every shape, size, age and fitness level, Eidolan is in high demand for his skills in the rehabilitation of injuries old and new, and for his extensive knowledge of how the body works and functions.
His client success stories include: assisting in the rehabilitation and subsequent strength and conditioning of a Beijing Olympic rower; successfully helping a client with over 30 years of hip and lower back pain become pain-free, fitter and stronger; teaching clients with a long history of knee pain to squat pain-free; And regularly teaching male and female clients to perform full body chin ups – this includes a client who spent almost 2 years in a wheelchair.
Eidolan is also proud to contribute to the exceptional high standards of services at Personal Best Fitness by regularly facilitating the weekly educational workshops for the team of personal trainers. He is a Sifu teacher, and student with the Cheng Dao Kung Fu School.
Marc Hand
Master Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
How are we going to change your world?Marc Hand
Shiela Askey
Master Personal Trainer & Activation Practitioner
In 2011 I became a Certified Level 4 personal trainer, my qualifications also extend to the following areas: older Adults, childhood, kettlebell and TRX suspension training. As a personal trainer I am proud to have helped clients achieve goals in the areas of weight loss, toning, strength and movement. These goals have been achieved through trust, motivation, a commitment to change, hard work and fun! I feel very privileged to have been able to share in so many life-changing journeys, both mine and others.
Read moreShiela Askey
In September of 2001, just before turning 40, I joined the gym to tone up. Little did I know where this journey would take me. Almost one year later, I sought the assistance of a personal trainer (Eidolan Erin) to help with technique, strength and cardio fitness.
Group exercise classes were fun and I formed many friendships but… personal training made me feel great. One day I realised the aches and pains I was so used to putting up with had gone – well now that was a bonus! After almost nine years I started to think of how great it would be to make other people feel as good as I did when I trained.
So began my journey into the professional side of health and fitness.
Fran Sullivan
Strength and Conditioning Coach & Master Personal Trainer
Making a change to your lifestyle can be a challenging process. Essentially to become the ‘you’ you want to be, the challenge must become real.
At times you may feel uncomfortable but recognising this and being OK with it is the best way forward. My role as your personal trainer is to guide and support you in an environment that is trusting, reassuring but, yes you guessed it, somewhat challenging!
Read moreFran Sullivan
Together we will set goals, work on movement patterns, exercises, and lifestyle choices that you and others will see and feel a positive change.
Stop contemplating and take action now. I am looking forward to connecting with you and starting your journey to a better you.
Sofia Tsamassiros
Master Personal Trainer, Be Activated Practitioner & Front Desk
I have a particular interest in helping clients move and function more efficiently and allow them to break free from pain, as well as exercise as a form of preventative medicine, in both the physical and mental realm.
Read moreSofia Tsamassiros
I first attended Personal Best Fitness in 2009, seeking Eidolan Erin’s help after being sidelined from a knee injury. I was continually amazed by Eidolan’s ingenuity and his approach to ‘problem solving’ how the body moves and functions, which inspired me to gain my certification in fitness in 2014. From starting and continuing my role at the front desk in 2014, to training clients from the ages of 17 to 78, people and the bodies in which they reside never cease to amaze me.
Coinciding with my journey in the fitness industry, I continued to follow a pretty ‘mainstream’ path through university and the medical profession. However, I like to think the catalyst for me being where I am as a personal trainer today began in 2018 after attending what I can best describe as a life-changing few days at Douglas Heel’s ‘Be Activated’ course. It is through the knowledge learned at this course and my interest in continually learning about the body that I am able to facilitate the body into a place of strength, whether for athlete performance, ongoing pain relief/management or for general wellbeing and functional movement.
I am a firm believer that if you give the body what it wants, it will respond. My challenge as a personal trainer is to facilitate this experience with you and your body to discover what that actually is for you.
Urszula Stanny
Personal Trainer
Urszula has been a personal training client and member at Personal Best for over five years. Being a mother of two active boys she faced the challenge of scheduling exercise into her busy life and of regaining her former fitness and body shape.
Read moreUrszula Stanny
If you were wondering why Urszula makes the rower look easy it’s because she was a Gold medallist in rowing at the 1986 Commonwealth Games, and found that in her late 40s with regular personal training she was competitive again at Masters level.
“The renewed fitness helped me to balance the demands of hectic work and family commitments and I felt I had more energy,” says Urszula. She has coached rowing crews ranging in age from 12 years to older adults, helping them to achieve their goals, which included success at state and national championships. Urszula is passionate about encouraging others to experience a balanced, healthy and functional lifestyle.
She is keen to share her skills and experience as a personal trainer and to help clients achieve their fitness and body shape goals. Urszula enjoys travel and being outdoors, and she swims and bushwalks with friends, often followed up with a chat over a good coffee.
Alia Knight
Group Exercise Instructor
An accredited group exercise instructor and personal trainer, Alia teaches a variety of classes at Personal Best including: Spin, Tabata, Boxing, Fitbar, 3 Peaks and BAAM. She has a particular passion for BAAM (body weight and animal moves). Alia strongly believes classes should always be fun and challenging – this is where success and better health lies.
Read moreAlia Knight
Alia’s greatest fitness inspiration has always been her Grandfather, who started up one of Tasmania’s first gyms, which she attended from a young age. Alia fondly remembers treadmills that were completely powered by your own power!!
Exercise to Alia is an integral part of health management. In her daily life she runs a very busy acupuncture and naturopathic practice.
Hannah Marmion
Yoga Teacher
Coming from a dance background, fitness has always been a passion of mine. In 2019 I was fortunate enough to travel to India to complete my 250+ hour Yoga Teacher Training. I love teaching yoga. My vision is to help people to live happy healthy lives. Through teaching yoga I really feel like I am doing this. I look forward to having you in my class.
Read moreHannah Marmion
I truly believe that yoga is for everyone. My classes aim to be accessible for all levels and goals. I provide a solid foundation that we can build on over time. I love to throw in challenges to keep class interesting and fun. You will leave my class feeling stretched, strong, while also relaxed and refreshed. See you on the mat!
Namaste.
Nadia Roulias
Group Exercise Instructor & Front Desk Team
Health & fitness to me is something to be enjoyed. It is about feeling confident & capable to undertake and embrace all aspects of life. Having an energetic mind and body allows for a positive outlook and approach to life & enhances overall happiness & wellbeing.
Read moreNadia Roulias
For over 24 years, I have been fortunate enough to work within this wonderful industry, working in a variety of capacities including Fitness Management, Personal Training, Rehabilitation, and Group Fitness.
I am passionate and feel very proud to have been able to share and guide so many individuals through their health & wellness journeys to reach personal goals.
I always like to remind clients that it is the small goals that really count and the weekly workouts that add up. I am passionate about making this achievable by providing classes and programs that will motivate, empower and challenge you while making training rewarding and fun!
Shana Muir
Front Desk Team
Hi, I am the person you see at the front desk three days each week. I manage the accounts, memberships and KPIs for Personal Best Fitness and I enjoy that aspect of my role; I’m a ‘numbers’ person.
Read moreShana Muir
One of the main reasons I love working at Personal Best Fitness is because of my contact with the people, I enjoy hearing about your holidays, families and interests and having day to day banter with our regulars. I treasure the many special friendships that I have at Personal Best.
Away from Personal Best, I’m busy in mum mode with my two children.
Susan Clarke
Front Desk Team
Susan has joined our Front Desk team. She is looking forward to working in the friendly and professional team and learning more about the fitness world.
Read moreSusan Clarke
Susan has many interests; one of her favourites is meeting people, helping them, or just having a chat.
Becoming a Front Desk team member is a big career change for Susan as she is a recently retired teacher of French and English as a second language. Having been a member at Personal Best for several years now she is familiar with the gym environment, and knows that it is a welcoming and positive place, one where no matter your age, fitness level or goals, you will feel accepted and safe.
‘I know how wonderful it is to have the support and inspiration of your very own personal trainer.’ Susan
Susan enjoys walking her dog, spending time with her family and friends, reading, knitting, studying French or spinning wool.
Colin Millington
Master Personal Trainer
Colin has more than 40 years of experience in the health and fitness industry having worked in many health clubs in Tasmania and also established a Fitness Centre in the Australian Taxation Office where he was employed until 2001.
Read moreColin Millington
A pioneer in the industry, Colin was the 1991 Tasmanian Fitness Leader of the Year and a past Board Member of Fitness Tasmania and was a Member of the Regional Industry Council of Tasmania.
Colin has a passion for client service and is committed to develop a best practice approach for the Fitness Industry in Australia.
Colin is a Level 3 Exercise Professional, a Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coach and completed the University of Tasmania Wicking Centre’s Understanding Dementia course in 2018.
In 1989 and 2001 Colin presented at the International and Healthy Lifestyle Convention in Sydney and also at the 2002 and 2003 Fitness Extravaganza in Hobart.
“I now have the discipline to keep active even when I am travelling.”
Noel MundyTestimonials
Leigh Millington
“At 60 I am the fittest both physically and mentally I have been since my 30’s.”
Continue ReadingLeigh Millington
Leigh Millington
Leigh Millington
Leigh Millington
Maureen Coombe
“To be pain free and feeling and functioning well at 70 is fabulous.”
Continue ReadingMaureen Coombe
Maureen Coombe
Maureen Coombe
Maureen Coombe
Pauline Rowan
“I wanted to work with someone who understood my needs.”
Continue ReadingPauline Rowan
Pauline Rowan
Pauline Rowan
Pauline Rowan
Noel Mundy
“I now have the discipline to keep active even when I am travelling.”
Continue readingNoel Mundy
Noel Mundy
Noel Mundy
Noel Mundy
Paul Yonna, 56
“I have been in gyms, but none like Personal Best Fitness.”
Continue readingPaul Yonna, 56
Paul Yonna, 56
Paul Yonna, 56
Paul Yonna, 56
Lesley Green
“The rehabilitation program was so successful that I returned to work.”
Continue readingLesley Green
Determined to return to normal function, I attempted my own ‘fitness program’, but the strength and knowledge was just not there to enable me to successfully achieve my goals.
I was referred to Personal Best Fitness and an intensive rehabilitation program was developed. Commencing with exercises in the pool and continuing on to ground exercises and the use of the gym equipment, including weights, I noticed a huge difference in my strength and ability to carry out daily duties without discomfort.
The rehabilitation program was so successful that I have now returned to work and am able to perform most normal daily activities.
I found the staff at Personal Best Fitness, especially Matt Lamb who was allocated my case, to be professional, relaxed, friendly and encouraging. Attainable goals were set with regular reviews and assessments.
I wish to thank them and Matt in particular, for assisting me to achieve my goals, and for being equally as determined as myself to reach them. I would not hesitate to recommend Personal Best Fitness to those in a similar situation.”
Lesley Green
Determined to return to normal function, I attempted my own ‘fitness program’, but the strength and knowledge was just not there to enable me to successfully achieve my goals.
I was referred to Personal Best Fitness and an intensive rehabilitation program was developed. Commencing with exercises in the pool and continuing on to ground exercises and the use of the gym equipment, including weights, I noticed a huge difference in my strength and ability to carry out daily duties without discomfort.
The rehabilitation program was so successful that I have now returned to work and am able to perform most normal daily activities.
I found the staff at Personal Best Fitness, especially Matt Lamb who was allocated my case, to be professional, relaxed, friendly and encouraging. Attainable goals were set with regular reviews and assessments.
I wish to thank them and Matt in particular, for assisting me to achieve my goals, and for being equally as determined as myself to reach them. I would not hesitate to recommend Personal Best Fitness to those in a similar situation.”
Lesley Green
Determined to return to normal function, I attempted my own ‘fitness program’, but the strength and knowledge was just not there to enable me to successfully achieve my goals.
I was referred to Personal Best Fitness and an intensive rehabilitation program was developed. Commencing with exercises in the pool and continuing on to ground exercises and the use of the gym equipment, including weights, I noticed a huge difference in my strength and ability to carry out daily duties without discomfort.
The rehabilitation program was so successful that I have now returned to work and am able to perform most normal daily activities.
I found the staff at Personal Best Fitness, especially Matt Lamb who was allocated my case, to be professional, relaxed, friendly and encouraging. Attainable goals were set with regular reviews and assessments.
I wish to thank them and Matt in particular, for assisting me to achieve my goals, and for being equally as determined as myself to reach them. I would not hesitate to recommend Personal Best Fitness to those in a similar situation.”
Lesley Green
Determined to return to normal function, I attempted my own ‘fitness program’, but the strength and knowledge was just not there to enable me to successfully achieve my goals.
I was referred to Personal Best Fitness and an intensive rehabilitation program was developed. Commencing with exercises in the pool and continuing on to ground exercises and the use of the gym equipment, including weights, I noticed a huge difference in my strength and ability to carry out daily duties without discomfort.
The rehabilitation program was so successful that I have now returned to work and am able to perform most normal daily activities.
I found the staff at Personal Best Fitness, especially Matt Lamb who was allocated my case, to be professional, relaxed, friendly and encouraging. Attainable goals were set with regular reviews and assessments.
I wish to thank them and Matt in particular, for assisting me to achieve my goals, and for being equally as determined as myself to reach them. I would not hesitate to recommend Personal Best Fitness to those in a similar situation.”
Lesley Green
Determined to return to normal function, I attempted my own ‘fitness program’, but the strength and knowledge was just not there to enable me to successfully achieve my goals.
I was referred to Personal Best Fitness and an intensive rehabilitation program was developed. Commencing with exercises in the pool and continuing on to ground exercises and the use of the gym equipment, including weights, I noticed a huge difference in my strength and ability to carry out daily duties without discomfort.
The rehabilitation program was so successful that I have now returned to work and am able to perform most normal daily activities.
I found the staff at Personal Best Fitness, especially Matt Lamb who was allocated my case, to be professional, relaxed, friendly and encouraging. Attainable goals were set with regular reviews and assessments.
I wish to thank them and Matt in particular, for assisting me to achieve my goals, and for being equally as determined as myself to reach them. I would not hesitate to recommend Personal Best Fitness to those in a similar situation.”
Marilyn Martyn
“They provided me with motivation that I had never previously been able to achieve. ”
Continue readingMarilyn Martyn
“Personal Best Fitness has provided me with motivation that I had never previously been able to achieve. This came from personal approach and “tailor-made” programs. I had previously attended aerobic classes, circuit programmes at gyms, swimming sessions and felt I’d tried everything and not achieved much, and therefore lost interest and motivation.
A program which was designed for me and related to my strengths and weaknesses, and which was reviewed on a weekly basis was the answer to achieving success. I started to enjoy activities that I previously found difficult. I also took on training which I never thought that I would, i.e. running. I always thought running was a crazy thing to do that wrecked your joints. However, through proper instruction on technique and correctly fitted specified running shoes I am now addicted and enjoy it more than any other type of training. It was a gradual progression from walk/run intervals to being able to run continuously for an hour, and competing in fun runs.
Swimming became more enjoyable because my programs involved various exercises in the pool which broke the monotony of just doing laps.
One of the most important factors of Personal Best Fitness was being able to continue on programs during times of injury. Previously, injuries had meant a cessation of activity and therefore a decline in fitness and frustration at having gone backwards. However with Personal Best Fitness the programs were altered to avoid using the injured body part and still maintain my fitness level.
After 13 months of Personal Best Fitness I suffered a sudden acute life-threatening event which was devastating after what I had personally achieved in regard to my fitness. However, once again my personal training program was reviewed and rehabilitation was commenced in consultation with my physician. Therefore my return to previous fitness levels was achieved gradually and steadily and my confidence regained.
Personal Best Fitness has provided me with a much higher level of aerobic fitness, and amazing increase in strength, excellent recovery from injuries, a commitment never before realised and the bonus of a better looking body with some weight loss.”
Marilyn Martyn
“Personal Best Fitness has provided me with motivation that I had never previously been able to achieve. This came from personal approach and “tailor-made” programs. I had previously attended aerobic classes, circuit programmes at gyms, swimming sessions and felt I’d tried everything and not achieved much, and therefore lost interest and motivation.
A program which was designed for me and related to my strengths and weaknesses, and which was reviewed on a weekly basis was the answer to achieving success. I started to enjoy activities that I previously found difficult. I also took on training which I never thought that I would, i.e. running. I always thought running was a crazy thing to do that wrecked your joints. However, through proper instruction on technique and correctly fitted specified running shoes I am now addicted and enjoy it more than any other type of training. It was a gradual progression from walk/run intervals to being able to run continuously for an hour, and competing in fun runs.
Swimming became more enjoyable because my programs involved various exercises in the pool which broke the monotony of just doing laps.
One of the most important factors of Personal Best Fitness was being able to continue on programs during times of injury. Previously, injuries had meant a cessation of activity and therefore a decline in fitness and frustration at having gone backwards. However with Personal Best Fitness the programs were altered to avoid using the injured body part and still maintain my fitness level.
After 13 months of Personal Best Fitness I suffered a sudden acute life-threatening event which was devastating after what I had personally achieved in regard to my fitness. However, once again my personal training program was reviewed and rehabilitation was commenced in consultation with my physician. Therefore my return to previous fitness levels was achieved gradually and steadily and my confidence regained.
Personal Best Fitness has provided me with a much higher level of aerobic fitness, and amazing increase in strength, excellent recovery from injuries, a commitment never before realised and the bonus of a better looking body with some weight loss.”
Marilyn Martyn
“Personal Best Fitness has provided me with motivation that I had never previously been able to achieve. This came from personal approach and “tailor-made” programs. I had previously attended aerobic classes, circuit programmes at gyms, swimming sessions and felt I’d tried everything and not achieved much, and therefore lost interest and motivation.
A program which was designed for me and related to my strengths and weaknesses, and which was reviewed on a weekly basis was the answer to achieving success. I started to enjoy activities that I previously found difficult. I also took on training which I never thought that I would, i.e. running. I always thought running was a crazy thing to do that wrecked your joints. However, through proper instruction on technique and correctly fitted specified running shoes I am now addicted and enjoy it more than any other type of training. It was a gradual progression from walk/run intervals to being able to run continuously for an hour, and competing in fun runs.
Swimming became more enjoyable because my programs involved various exercises in the pool which broke the monotony of just doing laps.
One of the most important factors of Personal Best Fitness was being able to continue on programs during times of injury. Previously, injuries had meant a cessation of activity and therefore a decline in fitness and frustration at having gone backwards. However with Personal Best Fitness the programs were altered to avoid using the injured body part and still maintain my fitness level.
After 13 months of Personal Best Fitness I suffered a sudden acute life-threatening event which was devastating after what I had personally achieved in regard to my fitness. However, once again my personal training program was reviewed and rehabilitation was commenced in consultation with my physician. Therefore my return to previous fitness levels was achieved gradually and steadily and my confidence regained.
Personal Best Fitness has provided me with a much higher level of aerobic fitness, and amazing increase in strength, excellent recovery from injuries, a commitment never before realised and the bonus of a better looking body with some weight loss.”
Marilyn Martyn
“Personal Best Fitness has provided me with motivation that I had never previously been able to achieve. This came from personal approach and “tailor-made” programs. I had previously attended aerobic classes, circuit programmes at gyms, swimming sessions and felt I’d tried everything and not achieved much, and therefore lost interest and motivation.
A program which was designed for me and related to my strengths and weaknesses, and which was reviewed on a weekly basis was the answer to achieving success. I started to enjoy activities that I previously found difficult. I also took on training which I never thought that I would, i.e. running. I always thought running was a crazy thing to do that wrecked your joints. However, through proper instruction on technique and correctly fitted specified running shoes I am now addicted and enjoy it more than any other type of training. It was a gradual progression from walk/run intervals to being able to run continuously for an hour, and competing in fun runs.
Swimming became more enjoyable because my programs involved various exercises in the pool which broke the monotony of just doing laps.
One of the most important factors of Personal Best Fitness was being able to continue on programs during times of injury. Previously, injuries had meant a cessation of activity and therefore a decline in fitness and frustration at having gone backwards. However with Personal Best Fitness the programs were altered to avoid using the injured body part and still maintain my fitness level.
After 13 months of Personal Best Fitness I suffered a sudden acute life-threatening event which was devastating after what I had personally achieved in regard to my fitness. However, once again my personal training program was reviewed and rehabilitation was commenced in consultation with my physician. Therefore my return to previous fitness levels was achieved gradually and steadily and my confidence regained.
Personal Best Fitness has provided me with a much higher level of aerobic fitness, and amazing increase in strength, excellent recovery from injuries, a commitment never before realised and the bonus of a better looking body with some weight loss.”
Marilyn Martyn
“Personal Best Fitness has provided me with motivation that I had never previously been able to achieve. This came from personal approach and “tailor-made” programs. I had previously attended aerobic classes, circuit programmes at gyms, swimming sessions and felt I’d tried everything and not achieved much, and therefore lost interest and motivation.
A program which was designed for me and related to my strengths and weaknesses, and which was reviewed on a weekly basis was the answer to achieving success. I started to enjoy activities that I previously found difficult. I also took on training which I never thought that I would, i.e. running. I always thought running was a crazy thing to do that wrecked your joints. However, through proper instruction on technique and correctly fitted specified running shoes I am now addicted and enjoy it more than any other type of training. It was a gradual progression from walk/run intervals to being able to run continuously for an hour, and competing in fun runs.
Swimming became more enjoyable because my programs involved various exercises in the pool which broke the monotony of just doing laps.
One of the most important factors of Personal Best Fitness was being able to continue on programs during times of injury. Previously, injuries had meant a cessation of activity and therefore a decline in fitness and frustration at having gone backwards. However with Personal Best Fitness the programs were altered to avoid using the injured body part and still maintain my fitness level.
After 13 months of Personal Best Fitness I suffered a sudden acute life-threatening event which was devastating after what I had personally achieved in regard to my fitness. However, once again my personal training program was reviewed and rehabilitation was commenced in consultation with my physician. Therefore my return to previous fitness levels was achieved gradually and steadily and my confidence regained.
Personal Best Fitness has provided me with a much higher level of aerobic fitness, and amazing increase in strength, excellent recovery from injuries, a commitment never before realised and the bonus of a better looking body with some weight loss.”
Dr Luke Galligan
“It’s been great to get my knee right & see positive things happening to the ‘post 40s body’”
Continue readingDr Luke Galligan
Dr Luke Galligan
Dr Luke Galligan
Dr Luke Galligan
Dr John Banks M.B.B.E
“We have a family fully accepting of the importance of regular physical activity.”
Continue readingDr John Banks M.B.B.E
Dr John Banks M.B.B.E
Dr John Banks M.B.B.E
Dr John Banks M.B.B.E
Where it all started
Having worked for seven years as a teacher of physical education and on the gym floor, Amanda Coombe was often frustrated with dealing with large groups of children for small amounts of time and prescribing first workout programs and never seeing the client again. Moving into the field of personal training successfully addressed this.
Amanda worked in the fitness industry on a casual basis since 1986 and founded Personal Best Fitness Training in February 1998 after working as a teacher for seven years.
Until December 2005, Personal Best Fitness was a personal training consultancy working out of another health club. The initial client base was derived from writing to the parents of the children that Amanda taught and word of mouth.
It then became a dream to provide the clients of Personal Best Fitness with a facility that had a warm and friendly atmosphere and that inspires its members and clients.
Continue reading
Our Charity Support
Royal Guide Dogs Tasmania
Royal Guide Dogs Tasmania assists people who are blind or have a vision impairment gain the freedom and independence to move safely and confidently around the community and to fulfil their potential. They don’t receive any government funding for the breeding, training and provision of Guide Dogs, which are provided completely free of charge to their clients. They rely heavily on the support of business and the community to help them deliver these.
Read moreRoyal Guide Dogs Tasmania
“I was born with very little sight in my left eye, and only have light and dark perception. At three months of age my parents took me to Melbourne to consult a specialist about my eye and it was strongly recommended that I have my eye removed and a glass one inserted. After careful consideration they decided not to follow through with this recommendation, which in hindsight according to today’s experts was the best decision they ever made for me. So all my life I have lived with this so-called visual impairment and can recall hearing many conversations as a child such as:
“Amanda will probably have trouble learning to read and write”
“Amanda may never be able to learn to drive a car”
“Amanda shouldn’t play ball sports” The message I was getting as a child was ‘Amanda should be wrapped up in cotton wool and don’t expect too much from her’.
Well, Amanda graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Education (Hons), has a licence to drive a Heavy Vehicle and played basketball in the National League for the Hobart Islanders and is the founder of Personal Best Fitness.
Each day I realise how blessed I am to be able to enjoy and see this beautiful world that we live in. I now recognise that there are many people in the world who are more visually challenged than I am and are not able to experience the world in the way I do.
I can help some of these people by contributing to the training of guide dogs. So at Personal Best if you are late for your personal training session, we ask that you make a donation to our guide dog.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – Royal Hobart Hospital
We think of ourselves as part of the NICU family and want to give something back to this wonderful group of people and help them help other families like us.
For many years at Personal Best Fitness we have a member night and a member challenge that raises money for the NICU.
Read moreNeonatal Intensive Care Unit – Royal Hobart Hospital
During 2003, Colin and I were really looking forward to the birth of our first child. As parents-in-waiting we did all the ‘right things’ such as reading, eating healthy, going to all the classes and doctors’ appointments and having all the tests.
I enjoyed a relatively easy pregnancy, reducing my working hours as my pregnancy progressed and exercising to maintain some form of aerobic fitness, strength and muscle tone. All had gone to plan.
When you dot all the Is and cross all the Ts in your pregnancy, the thought never enters your mind that your baby would require serious medical attention.
Within four hours of being born our daughter Sofie was in the special care nursery and then 16 hours later was in the NICU at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Sofie spent the first two weeks of her life there, endured two lumbar punches and was prescribed numerous intravenous drugs to fight her suspected meningitis.
When we brought Sofie home we were told she may have ongoing medical and learning concerns.
Words can’t describe the skills, professionalism and dedication of the team who work around the clock at the NICU and the magic they perform.
Sofie is almost 17 years old now and is a happy and healthy young lady, and we thank our lucky stars and the team at the NICU for this.
We are Tasmania’s most awarded Fitness Business and the second most awarded Fitness Business in Australia.
