Real 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. Eidolan specialises in kettlebell training, strength.
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.
Eidolan Erin
Marc Hand
Master Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach
I’ve been working in the industry for over 12 years. I love what I do, I’m passionate about finding solutions for my clients and helping them to make lifelong changes that improve their quality of life.
Read moreMarc Hand
I firmly believe that life is easier when you’re stronger. I am incredibly proud that the majority of my clients have been with me for over five years, and many have become great friends and that they trust me to look after their health and fitness.
John* is a competitive athlete who came to me over a decade ago when chronic hip pain threatened to put him on the sidelines permanently. I fixed his hip through lengthening and strengthening then we moved on to sport-specific goals, since we have been working together he has won multiple championships including state, national and world titles.
Paul* likes to race fast cars in tarmac rallies, however, constant migraines were making life unbearable, he came with a desire to lose 30kg, because “in a race car every kilo counts”. These days he’s 35kg lighter and has the strength he needs to compete at the highest level in Targa Tasmania, and the migraines that were once frequent are mostly a distant memory.
George* came to get fit for a ski trip in six weeks – five years later he is the fittest he has ever been (at 60). For the first time in over 40 years he fits into the suit he wore on his wedding day, has the lowest golf handicap of his life and recently completed the Kokoda Track.
Annie* is a medical professional who spends long days in the operating theatre. Chronic pain was making her work life a misery, and she was the heaviest she’d ever been. Five years later she breezes through long days at work, is over 20kg lighter and is “the fittest and strongest” she has ever been.
*Names have been changed to protect clients’ privacy.
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.
Shiela Askey
Fran Sullivan
Master Personal Trainer
Since a career change in 2007, I have worked in all aspects of the business at Personal Best Fitness. I have specialised in personal training for 12 years and have had great success in helping clients lose weight and returning them to good health, be it from illness or injury.
Read moreFran Sullivan
One of my clients who has lost 60kg constantly reminds me that I have helped change her life..
Another client presented with high blood pressure and a dangerously high waist circumference, putting him at high risk of coronary heart disease along with lower back pain and breathlessness. After four years of support, he now has a new lease on life, is less stressed, has normal blood pressure and a healthy waist circumference. He has also completed the City to Casino 7km event and the 10km Bridge Run.
A Certified Level 4 personal trainer with Fitness Australia, I also have obtained additional qualifications in the following areas: Older Adults and Children, Kettle Bell Instructor, Crank It Fitness, REHAB Essentials, Pelvic Floor, Functional Movement Trainer and Level 3 Cricket Australia High Performance Coach.
I am very passionate about developing a program for you and ensuring that coming to Personal Best Fitness is the best decision you have made in a while.
If you feel stuck in your chair and looking to make a change, I am looking forward to meeting you and start your journey to an improved lifestyle.
When I’m not at Personal Best Fitness I enjoy spending time with my children aged, 11, 9 and 6.
Fran Sullivan


Sofia Tsamassiros
Senior 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.
Sofia Tsamassiros
Gabby Steele
Personal Trainer
I am passionate about many things, well as long as it generally involves a pair of trainers and gym gear! I’ve always had a love of physical activity and after the birth of my second child I knew it was time to improve my general fitness.
Read moreGabby Steele
Personal Best Fitness emulated my passion for customer service and love of exercise and this is where I started with a regular personal training session each week.
I became a certified Level 4 personal trainer with Fitness Australia in 2015. I am very fortunate to be able to share my health and fitness passion with my clients and I love helping them achieve their goals. To move well with a smile and a laugh are fundamentals in feeling better and help to maximise the best in all of us.
Gabby Steele


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.
Urszula Stanny
Sean Nicholson
Personal Trainer
My interest in sports coaching and martial arts, was my ‘driver’ to become a Personal Trainer in 2010. I enjoy the challenge of a diverse range of clients and the skills and knowledge required to assist them.
Read moreSean Nicholson
Sean Nicholson


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.
Alia Knight
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.
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!
Read moreRuby Greig-Hurtig
A safe haven to be vulnerable and open. I am more than excited and humbled that Personal Best has invited me to create a space of stillness for the mind and body. I look forward to seeing your smiles and sharing our yoga journey together.
Namaste.
Hannah Marmion


Larnie King
Group Exercise Instructor
Most group exercise regulars would have done a class with me, having been at Personal Best since 2014. I have been teaching group exercise for some 30 years after completing what was known as the Fitness Leaders course in 1989, as a 17 year old at the University of Lismore.
Read moreLarnie King
In the early days I based my teaching style on Jane Fonda, where I taught on the Gold Coast and also at a Swiss Boarding school!
More recently I have updated my skills to include spin and kick boxing. However my true love is teaching step classes.
After 3 decades in the fitness industry, I still has the same passion and love for teaching classes and just love the enthusiasm of those who come to my classes and also the social contact that brightens all of our days.
Away from fitness I enjoys all things Thai and to relax enjoy horse riding, a good movie and a Kahlua on ice.
Larnie King
Melissa Molloy
Operations Manager
Melissa enjoyed her Personal Best experience so much she went on to become a personal trainer and group exercise instructor, and now seven years after joining the Personal Best Fitness team, she has become the Operations Manager.
Read moreMelissa Molloy
Melissa brings a wealth of business experience to Personal Best from her past life as a Director of Nursing. Melissa has a keen interest in working with all types of people, especially those with health and rehabilitation challenges.
Melissa has a specialised Older Adults Certification and enjoys helping people to reach their goals. She is certified with Fitness Australia as a personal trainer and Group Exercise Teacher. When not at Personal Best, Melissa will usually be found bushwalking. She also loves to cook, garden organically and to travel.
Melissa Molloy


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 Hall
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 enjoy keeping fit and spending going on adventures with my golden retriever Buddy as well as spending time with my family and friends.
I’m now back from maternity leave!
Shana Hall
Laura McShane
Front Desk Team
I started working at Personal Best Fitness as a part of the Front Desk Team in 2018. In this role I have the opportunity to connect with each person as they walk in. Every day I look forward to hearing about our members’ life, work and family. The friendly environment from both staff and members is something I value greatly.
Read moreLaura McShane
Working at Personal Best has helped me to identify an area of interest in business and finance. I will be commencing study of a Bachelor of Business at the University of Tasmania in 2020.
Away from Personal Best, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and training for the 200m and 400m on the track.
Laura McShane


Lisa Crowther
Front Desk Team
My name is Lisa and I’m part of the Front Desk Team. I hope I can make your visit to Personal Best Fitness a positive and motivating experience. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Read moreLisa Crowther
My areas of expertise are administration, customer service, payroll, banking and reconciliation and I’m enjoying my new working environment very much.
Not having a fitness industry background, I am really inspired by our personal trainers as they make you relaxed, confident and a part of the family, regardless of your age, injuries, body shape and size. They really care about their clients.
I have just started personal training and even though I have significant back injuries, I am confident my personal trainer will be able to help me live a pain-free, normal life without the need for back surgery in the future.
Outside of Personal Best Fitness, I love to go ‘glamping’ (glamour camping in a caravan, not in a tent!), kayaking, bushwalking and spending time with my husband, pets, family and friends. I also love to garden, travel, read, sew, recycle furniture and renovate, just to name a few things I enjoy!
Neesha King
Front Desk Team
Hello, I am one of the faces that you see at the front desk. I started at Personal Best in 2020. I am so fortunate in my role to be able to connect with the members and clients that I see on my shift and also the new members that join our amazing gym.
Read moreNeesha King
Away from Personal Best I’m outside with my horses, going on walks with the dogs or at the gym working out myself and at the end of the day cuddled up with my cat. I love my animals and could not imagine my life without them.
Neesha King


Colin Millington
Director & Senior Personal Trainer
Colin has more than 35 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.
Colin Millington
Amanda Coombe
Founder & Master Personal Trainer
Amanda is considered a national expert in lifestyle coaching and personal training, having been a finalist in the Australian Personal Trainer of the Year Award four times. She has five times been the Tasmanian Exercise Professional of the Year and has twice been awarded the Star Performer of the Australian Club Owners Round Table.
Read moreAmanda Coombe
Amanda is the founder and Managing Director of Personal Best Fitness, Tasmania’s most awarded Fitness Business and is recognized as a leader in corporate health programs. Her corporate clients include Nyrstar, Tasmanian Collection Services, Hydro Tasmania, Norske Skog, Tasmanian Audit Office, SEMF, Housing Industry Association, RACT and the Tasmanian Fire Service.
By far her most outstanding professional achievement was being named as the Tasmania Telstra Women’s Business Owner of the Year in 2013. Amanda has won numerous national and state athletics championships over 800m and finished in the top five at the World Masters Indoor Championships in 2017. She was part of the Australian 4x200m team that won the World Title.
Amanda Coombe

“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

The Australian population is ageing and as it does the rate of arthritis, osteoarthritis and other joint issues are escalating, with a 60% increase in hip and knee replacements in the last 10 years. After a joint replacement regaining strength, stability, mobility and learning to walk with confidence can be a challenge for many.
When Leigh started at Personal Best Fitness he had experienced knee pain for most of his life after breaking his knee as a 10 month old. Leigh has had three knee surgeries prior to the knee replacement, considerable muscle wastage and was walking with a limp.
Leigh was starting to compromise his health and lifestyle due to the pain in his knee, and walking up and down the stairs at work was becoming a nightmare. He would have bouts of pain that were sometimes so intense that he was prescribed transdermal patches, became depressed at times and was lacking in motivation.
“I have always thought of myself as a swimmer, but was starting to realise that I needed to do some land-based exercise to maintain my bone density and strength, but could not think of anything worse than going to a gym’. However, a work colleague suggested I try Personal Best.”
“Like many, my perception of a gym was a place full of lycra-clad, very fit looking people pumping weights and lots of mirrors and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Personal Best is not like that.”
Leigh found that at Personal Best there were people just like himself in the gym. He was impressed by the personal service of all the team members, their genuine offer to help in a supportive environment with some friendly banter. He went from being 100% out of his comfort zone to feeling confident with his individual exercise rehabilitation program that his Fitness Australia-accredited personal trainer had taught and explained to him. One of reasons as to why Leigh has recovered so well from his knee replacement is that he gained as much strength and flexibility as possible in his legs prior to the operation, which has significantly aided his recovery.
“It’s been a year since my knee replacement and I’m thrilled to say that I now have more strength and mobility in my knee than I have had for years and my knee is no longer bowed.”
Leigh has been going to Personal Best Fitness now for over four and a half years and credits his continued focus and commitment to working with a personal trainer.
“Having a personal trainer is what keeps me on track and motivated, I really enjoy the process of achieving the exercise progressions. I have no aspirations to become Mr Universe far from it, I think that ship sailed long ago. At 60 I am the fittest both physically and mentally I have ever been since my 30s. I love the sense of achievement in having progressed to swinging a 24kg kettle bell.”
Marc, Leigh’s personal trainer, has now also taught Leigh how to manage his sciatic pain that has been troubling him for years. Having the support of a personal trainer is a key factor in feeling and functioning better and staying motivated through the highs and lows of exercise rehabilitation.
“I never imagined myself looking forward to going to the gym and enjoying it, but to be feeling and be functioning so much better is wonderful.”
Leigh Millington

Maureen Coombe
“To be pain free and feeling and functioning well at 70 is fabulous.”
Continue ReadingMaureen Coombe

Over 80% of the Australian population suffer back pain at some time in their adult life. It accounts for 50% of workers compensation payments and is the single greatest cause of lost work time. It is the most frequent cause of inactivity among adults under the age of 45.
When Maureen started at Personal Best Fitness she had experienced back pain for 19 years. She had lost significant body strength and confidence and at 67 has been compromising her life due to the pain. She would avoid going out after a day at work due to the fear of having to sit in an uncomfortable chair or stand for long periods.
“I would have bouts of pain that were sometimes so severe that driving the car was a challenge, this even happened on holiday and I was completely debilitated. This was the catalyst for me starting a back rehabilitation program.”
Even though Maureen’s daughter had worked in the fitness industry for many years, she was still reluctant to start an exercise rehab program for fear of injury and not knowing what to do.
“Rest, physio and anti-inflammatories would always help resolve the pain, but if I was honest with myself it was only just a ‘band aid’ effect until the next incidence. Some days after being at work I would have to sit with the wheat pack on my back before I could do anything else.”
Maureen thought that the pain she was experiencing was also what happens as you age. She was having difficulty walking and at times had no feeling in her leg which was worrying. Maureen became extremely frustrated that her body would no longer allow her to go on walks with her friends or garden.
After another course of physiotherapy, Maureen’s physio suggested that she start some personal training as a preventative measure, in order to improve her strength, posture and reduce the stiffness in her body.
“Like most people I was aware of the benefits of going to the gym. I knew that I needed to learn how to move correctly again in order to free my body up, regain the strength in my legs and back, improve my balance and do something for myself.”
For Maureen having the support from Eidolan, her personal trainer in the first few months was the key factor in improving her strength and motivating her through the highs and lows of ‘getting on top’ of back pain.
“Eidolan educated me on why and how, rather than just tell me what to do.”
Eidolan helped Maureen understand her body and what exercises she could do to release the stiffness and regain her strength and flexibility.
“My results were immediate, Eidolan was very good at knowing what I needed and how my body would respond. He gave me a program to follow and now I have the confidence and enjoy going to Personal Best in my own time and working through it.”
Maureen is also a regular participant in Forever Active classes at Personal Best. These are low impact classes that are specifically designed for people of her age whose body won’t allow them to partake in mainstream exercise programs.
Maureen is now able to swim and walk pain free and has a new lease of life. She no longer feels stiff and sore each morning.
“I never imagined myself going to a gym and enjoying exercise classes, but to be pain free and be feeling and functioning so much better is wonderful. Some of my friends have since started and enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”
Maureen Coombe

Pauline Rowan
“I wanted to work with someone who understood my needs.”
Continue ReadingPauline Rowan

If weight loss were as simple as calories in and calories out, we would not have 64% of the adult population either overweight or obese. It has become clear that this approach to weight loss is no longer effective. However what we do know is that different types of food produce different responses in the body and this varies from person to person.
Not understanding why we can’t lose weight, we see-saw from diet to diet depriving ourselves of food, then binge and feel guilty and move in and out of exercise without any success – and in many instances put on more weight. It doesn’t have to be like this, says Amanda Coombe, owner of Personal Best Fitness, Tasmania’s most awarded Fitness Business.
When Pauline started at Personal Best Fitness three and a half years ago,, she was overweight and needed to regain some fitness in order to cope with the demands of being a busy medical practitioner.
“Like most people I understand the importance of physical fitness, emotional health and having some time for me, and I had been a member of plenty of gyms throughout Australia and never achieved my goals even with my knowledge about the body.”
Personal Best Trainer, Marc Hand with client, Pauline Rowan of Sandy Bay.
Having never used a personal trainer, Pauline realised she needed to be accountable and wanted to learn how to use her time at the gym more effectively, and the correct way of doing exercises without overdoing it or hurting herself.
“I wanted to work with someone that understood my needs, someone who could help me set achievable goals, which would keep me accountable particularly during the winter months and offer variety and was very patient and encouraging.”
Pauline wanted to achieve her weight loss goal and improve her fitness so she could enjoy her holiday.
“I started working with my personal trainer Marc and he challenged the way I thought about food and exercise. What did I have to lose as I had never been successful with weight loss before?”
Pauline lost 16 kgs in six months and credits her success to setting some specific goals and having a knowledgeable personal trainer who had the skills to help her, particularly in the initial six months.
“I have not been this fit since my early forties and can now run without getting stress fractures as Marc has changed my technique. I have significantly improved my upper body strength and posture and no longer ache after long days on my feet.”
“It’s always rewarding to see someone make positive changes to their life, I’ve found it really gratifying to see Pauline lose weight, gain freedom from constant pain, and gain confidence in her physical abilities. It’s brilliant to see a doctor embrace and succeed with what is a contemporary approach to weight loss,” says Marc Hand.
“The great aspect about Personal Best Fitness is that it is a one-stop shop for weight loss, injury rehabilitation and improvements in general health and wellbeing. I would encourage anyone who needs to make a positive change to their lifestyle to get started.”
Pauline Rowan

Noel Mundy
“I now have the discipline to keep active even when I am travelling.”
Continue readingNoel Mundy

Most gyms will try and sell you a membership, which really only gives you access to fitness equipment, and as an enticer they may discount the joining fee. This is much like renting a car in a foreign country without a map. You can drive wherever you want but you may bypass many of the great attractions.
At Personal Best Fitness you can have the car and the map with all the bells and whistles ensuring that you start a physical activity program that gives you the results you want, reduces your pain, helps you lose weight and gives you a better quality of life.
Noel’s wife Jane had been at Personal Best Fitness for a couple of months and suggested that he start too as she felt very comfortable in the non-intimidating environment. When Noel started at Personal Best Fitness his blood pressure had spiralled out of control and he was 20kg overweight. He could barely put his shoes on in the mornings due to back and shoulder pain from years playing football and cricket.
“I had not done much for some years and the whole health and fitness thing had been a constant battle for years and I knew I needed help if I was to lose weight, reduce my blood pressure and be able to move freely without pain.”
“I thought that the pain I was experiencing was what happens when you get older and have played a lot of sport. I was becoming frustrated that my body would not do what I wanted it to do and with Meniere’s disease my balance was becoming a real challenge. There is no way I want to be in a wheelchair in my 60s.”
Noel, like most people, was aware of the benefits of going to the gym. He knew that he needed to learn how to look after his hips, back and shoulders by regaining some mobility, improve his balance and reducing his blood pressure for the long term as his role of State Director of Mission Australia involves a great deal of travel and he sits for much of the day.
“I needed someone who could improve my fitness, motivate me both when in Hobart and interstate and educate me on why and how, rather than just tell me what to do and this is exactly what the personal training programs at Personal Best Fitness have done for me.”
Noel has lost 10kg, his blood pressure is normal and his back and shoulders feel great.
“I now have the discipline to keep active even when I am travelling.”
It’s never too late to take control and put yourself on a path to better health as Noel has done.
Noel Mundy

Paul Yonna, 56
“I have been in gyms, but none like Personal Best Fitness.”
Continue readingPaul Yonna, 56

“After having a hip replacement at age 56, my goal was to be able to snow ski again. I have been in many gyms, but none like Personal Best Fitness, it’s like it is someone else’s lounge room, but with gym equipment in it, it is relaxed and inspiring. Both Julie and I feel right at home. I had complete faith in the program that Ange and Marc, my personal trainers set me, they have that great skill of being able to differentiate between when I needed to be encouraged, made accountable or challenged.”
“I have spent a great deal of time in my professional life, motivating people, both Ange and Marc were amazing in the way that they motivated me to establish an exercise routine and work towards my goal of skiing again, which I achieved only 6 months after my hip replacement. The other great benefit of having an ongoing personalised program is that I lost weight and my trousers are much looser now.”
Paul Yonna, 56

Lesley Green
“The rehabilitation program was so successful that I returned to work.”
Continue readingLesley Green
“Following a serious work-related injury which required major back surgery, I thought I would be unable to resume normal activities both at home and at work.
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.”
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
“With a little reluctance I signed up for a ten-week stint with Personal Best Fitness after a knee injury. I was more than a little frustrated at not being able to perform my usual sporting activities (squash, running and Tae Kwon Do) and was having difficulty with conflicting advice as to how I could get my knee right.
That was over one year ago now and although my knee is long since ‘right’ I am simply too fearful to stop the sessions. This represents not so much as a fear of Amanda (although there is a bit of that), but more a fear of the ‘bubble of positive results’ bursting.
These results include:
Rehabilitation
I have come to realise that this is a complex and tricky business with lots of conflicting advice being offered. In this field one has to know what they are doing, with considerable skill being needed to judge when to forge on and when to back off. Amanda has very expertly guided me through a difficult process.
Fit for Life
I had considered myself fairly sporty, hence thought I knew a fair bit about sport fitness and training. I have found out that I knew very little and what I knew was not appropriate for an ‘ageing sportsman’. Although I still do a little ‘road pounding’ I have discovered the benefits of the pool (never was much of a swimmer before) and the importance of stretching and flexibility.
A gym program has to have method and planning. I have learnt a much more structured and rounded approach to fitness which is not only body friendly, but, more importantly body protective, I believe affording me the chance to maintain physical fitness and sport, hopefully into a ripe old age.
Work and Lifestyle benefits
It has been great to get my knee right and see positive things happening to the ‘post 40s body’, but perhaps the main reason that I continue ‘personal best training’ is its surprising effect on how much better I cope with my busy work and life schedule. My hours remain too long, but there is still a little spring in the step at the end of the day. I feel much better and intend to stay feeling that way!”
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
“We were led to Amanda by word of mouth from a friend who had experienced Amanda’s training and recommended that we take advantage of her skills.
Initially my wife went to see Amanda to get help with her desire to lose weight. Amanda took a detailed history of Heather’s lifestyle and level of activity and designed a program aimed at increasing physical activity, reducing inappropriate eating habits and changing the focus away from pure weight loss on the scales to a healthy attitude of balance between exercise output and dietary input.
The balance is one of the key features of Amanda’s approach and which is incorporated into her help for me when I requested she give me guidance in my self-designed running program that I had been doing for many years, she showed me how variety in training was fundamental to improvement and also essential to maintaining gains made. She skilfully mixed activities, which I had not previously used to increase my interest and keep me motivated.
Her extensive and detailed knowledge of functional anatomy and physiology expressed itself time and again as she would introduce a stretch or activity to improve a particular area of weakness.
I decided to go snow skiing after a gap of 25 years and she tailor-made a 6 week program which meant that I had not only a successful skiing holiday but also I had an injury free experience and surprising endurance on the slopes.
She also designed programs for our children who had needs as varied as skiff sailing, tennis, cricket, hockey and teenage weight gain.
All these programs were successful and after 4 years we have a family fully accepting of the importance of regular physical activity, the need for care with what goes in the mouth and general belief that being fit is a good feeling and the rewards will be seen in the long term by reducing the risk of ill health.
Amanda is a person who with skill and intelligence interprets and reacts to clients needs and desires all the while with the overarching plan of improving health and well being and risk reduction of unhealthy lifestyle.
One could extend her role description to that of ‘Life Coach’ as she incorporates her experience of life and her subtle use of psychology to encourage and help her clients to a happier and healthier life such that we do not see an end to our desire to continuously avail ourselves of her time. She is a leader in her field and an example to all.”
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 readingWe aim to bring our clients the highest level of professionalism, expertise and knowledge in helping them to achieve their health and fitness goals.
We achieve this by building and maintaining relationships with our customers, which is why we are not ‘just a gym’. Our belief is that every client is different and has a right to a membership and exercise program that suits their needs and goals. The club offers its members a range of equipment to improve aerobic fitness and strength together with personal training, group fitness classes, Pilates, boxing and yoga.
We help people change their lives. We provide our clients with life-changing experiences, by regular structured staff education and training programs resulting in our customers feeling valued by all our team.

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.










