COMMUNITY
MEMBER
PROFILE:
JENNY CRAWFORD
GX INSTRUCTOR, NSW
What fitness qualifications do you
hold?
I’m a qualified group exercise instructor and
have done many courses, workshops and
qualifications over the last 33 years. Many
years ago you’d have to travel out of your
area and spend time away from your family
to attend courses, but now you can study
online, which is wonderful.
Where do you live and work?
I live and work in the Hills District of Sydney. I
teach my classes from a Community Centre
in Carlingford.
What is your main role in the fitness
industry?
My role is all about community. I’m very different
from the gym scene. I don’t have memberships
or joining fees. A lot of families cannot afford
those, so I have casual class rates only. There’s
a big demand for my classes, and I’ve been
going strong since 1983.
How did you arrive at where you are
today in your career?
I attended my first aerobics class at the
opening of a brand new squash centre 36
years ago – and was offered a job! There
were no qualifications needed in those
days, so I accepted. Not long after, ACHPER
began delivering training courses, and I
enrolled straight away. It was there that I met
Nigel Champion and Garry Egger. I told them
I was not happy teaching at the gym. They
saw the passion I had and Nigel suggested
I should open my own business to teach the
way I wanted. I was horrified at the thought
but also excited. When the gym owner heard
of my intentions I was fired on the spot. That
made me more determined to begin my
career. I thank Nigel for that advice he gave
me all those years ago.
What does your typical day look like?
I’m up at 5:30am for a power walk around
my neighbourhood, then come home to do a
weights workout and have a protein banana
shake before heading off to teach classes.
I teach five days a week (all my classes
are freestyle and I also instruct yoga), but
not at weekends – that’s family time. I’ve
been married to my wonderful supportive
husband for 45 years. We have two children
and two grandchildren. I began my career as
a 35-year-old mum and am still teaching as
a 68-year-old grandmother.
met and the friendships I’ve formed. I
have clients hug me and say my classes
have saved their lives. Everyone at some
time suffers anxiety and exercise is the
best antidepressant available. I work with
doctors, physios and health professionals
who refer their patients to me.
What have been your greatest career
challenges and highlights?
When I began my business all those years
ago, I was terrified of failing. But from that
day I’ve never looked back, only forward. I
love my fitness life and I love my family life.
I challenge myself every day and encourage
my classes to do the same. People ask me
when I will retire and I tell them ‘When my
body tells me to.’
What motto or words of wisdom sum
up your fitness/life philosophy?
I have so many! I’m a real believer in ‘You
are what you eat’, but my favourite quote is
‘Nothing tastes as good as heathy does.’
I don’t believe in counting calories, just
in eating well. I’m vegetarian, eat organic
and don’t touch junk food, but I don’t tell
everyone they need to be as strict as me –
everything in moderation!
What skills are needed in your role?
Number one is compassion for others. You
are not in this business to show off how fit
you are or how good you look – it’s about
teaching others how to lead a healthy
lifestyle and change their lives. You also
have to be friendly, approachable and a
good listener. Also never stop learning. My
passion is nutrition; I’ve done many courses
on this subject and share my knowledge
with my classes.
I could write a book about my 33
years in the industry – the people I’ve
Want to be profiled in a future issue?
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NETWORK SPRING 2016 | 39