COMMUNITY
MEMBER PROFILE :
BIANCA PARKYN PT & WELLNESS COACH , SA
What fitness qualifications do you hold ?
I ’ ve gained a diverse range of qualifications over 19 years in the industry , including my certificates 3 and 4 of course . I ’ m registered as an Intermediate Fitness Professional .
Where do you live and work ?
I live in Little Douglas , a remote beachside location . My business , First Choice Fitness , is currently contracting out of 24Fit in Port Lincoln .
What are your main roles in the fitness industry ?
Personal training , wellness coaching and mentoring .
How did you arrive at where you are today in your career ?
I started out managing the fitness section of a recreation centre . Since then , my career has taken many twists and turns , including training passengers on board cruise ships . I have won a number of awards , including SA Personal Trainer of the Year and SA Fitness Professional of the Year . Flatteringly , I was once head-hunted to apply to work with The Biggest Loser TV series .
Describe your typical day
I start with gratitudes , meditation , a beach walk and a swim in the ocean most days . Then I train PT clients mid-morning and get a little admin and research done . In the afternoon I take a few more PT sessions and teach a class before watching the sunset . In the evenings I ’ ll often mentor students via Skype .
What skills are needed in your role ?
Customer service , honesty , discipline , selfbelief , determination , integrity , setting clear boundaries and the ability to say the hard things to people when required !
What ’ s your greatest career highlight ?
In all honesty , teaching orphaned children PE , dance and art in Africa – with up to 80 kids in a class ! These kids are radiant , vibrant , have fun and live in the moment , even though their bodies may be riddled with HIV , TB or hepatitis . This chapter taught me kindness , humility , courage and to make the most of each day . These children are some of the 59 million orphans across Africa . They are eager to learn and travel large distances to attend school and collect water for themselves and their families .
Africa changed me for the better and I left a lot of egotism , my own self-importance and materialism behind there . Now I focus on gratitude and my blessings in life a lot more , especially the people and animals that really matter to me . Seeing 270 hungry kids each day sorted me out with priorities !
Who has inspired you in your fitness industry career , and why ?
Michelle Dean for her up-tempo classes and positive energy !
What ’ s your main focus now and what are your goals for the future ?
Wellness retreats . I ’ m currently studying the connection between emotions and how they manifest in the body and how to work on these issues moving people forward in a positive direction . An innovative outdoor group fitness class new to Australia is also in the pipeline .
What motto or words of wisdom sum up your fitness / life philosophy ?
‘ What you think you create . What you feel you attract . What you imagine you become .’ Adele Basheer
And finally – who would be on your ultimate dinner party guest list ?
Cathy Freeman for her guts and determination and getting her point across . Jane Goodall , as I have huge respect for the awareness she raises for the plight of animals . Oprah Winfrey is smart , generous and a positive role model . The late Nelson Mandela for his ability to forgive and overcome great adversity . He had the courage to never give up in what he believed in .
Want to be profiled in a future issue ? For details email editor @ fitnessnetwork . com . au
NETWORK WINTER 2016 | 27