Our Team

Jason Nikakis – Director

Jason’s journey in the fitness industry started when he was studying a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University. He has worked in the fitness industry for the past 20 years and is a qualified Personal Trainer.

For the past 7 years he has lectured in the Certificate IV Personal Training Program.

As well as conducting health seminars and workshops for companies that include National Australia Bank and Australian Unity, Jason has also run health and well being programs for the Melbourne Clinic. During this time he has help implement an active lifestyle into the recovery of patients with depression. This has developed his interest in ACT (Acceptance & Commitment  Therapy), behavioural change and the Health Coaching Model. Jason also provides mentoring for fitness professionals wanting to further develop their skills.

By taking a collaborative approach, he believes in achieving dreams, challenging one’s individual limits and becoming the best you can be. Overcoming challenges will make you a stronger individual and lead you to a new level of personal satisfaction.

With consistent and regular training you can feel better, having more energy to pursue those things that are important to you. Jason’s mission is to help you realise your potential, to lead an active and exciting life and to help you achieve what it is you truly desire. Life is an adventure. Be Vital!

Michael Pringle

Mike has over 15 years experience in the fitness industry that has seen him work with all fitness levels, from de-conditioned rehabilitation clients through to professional athletes. His approach to personal training is to make it exactly that – personal. Mike prescribes exercise according to the individual client’s goals, abilities and lifestyle and sees every training session as the opportunity to move forward.

Mike also holds a fourth – degree black belt in Kung Fu and in 2009 was awarded the title of Sifu (Master). After more than two decades of martial arts training with students that have included presidential bodyguards, Mike has gained a unique perspective and philosophy towards exercise and health.

Joshua Minden

A trainer from a mixed exercise and sporting background, Josh has competed in triathlons and participated in martial arts for many years. His professional experience as a trainer spans over several years in which time he has enjoyed working with clients from all walks of life. Subsequently Josh has explored many different modes of physical activity and has become a strong advocate of the mind-body approach.

Josh prides himself on being able to accommodate for the fitness needs of almost everybody. “I believe understanding to be the foundation of effective exercise programming and the key to reaching one’s potential”.

In order to be an effective trainer in this manner, Josh employs the use of many training methods derived from his personal and professional experiences and formalized methodologies such as Pilates. “I believe I offer stimulating training sessions which keep people interested and on course to achieve their goals!”

Joan Gaughwin

As a mother of four and a passionate exercise enthusiast, Joan’s area of expertise is encouraging and empowering people to ‘make the time’ to enjoy healthy pursuits. She believes that the importance of exercise in our lives promotes a healthy heart, mind and spirit.”We can all take on adventurous activities and I will help you achieve your dreams.”

Joan is a keen cyclist who has  ridden the length and breadth of Australia and  hiked tracks in Tasmania, New Zealand and Nepal. She continues to explore new challenges and as Mark Twain once said …”Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do. So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.  Dream. Discover.”

Shane Yost

After spending 11 years on the global stage as a professional athlete, competing, exhibiting and teaching his sport throughout the world, Shane saw his next career step, as a way to impart some of his knowledge and experience on to others. “This was such a logical step for me, sporting achievement was one thing, but seeing the benefits of some sound positive advice and motivating others, has given me a greater sense of joy”.

Shane has been a personal trainer for 3 years, and has coached various aspects of Inline Skating for over 10 years, as well as competing at state level soccer and athletics during his schooling years. Shane is currently coaching Inline Speed skating in his spare time, and has represented Australia at the Oceania Speed Skating Championships for the past 3 years.

With solid groundings in Kettlebell, Martial Arts, Suspension training, Weightlifting, Resistance and Functional training, Shane believes that you don’t have to train yourself like an athlete to gain the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. “Just being active, getting moving and kick starting ones metabolism can be a real step in the right direction to feeling great and being healthy. Variety is the spice of life, so why get hung up on the same old running or gym routine? There are so many activities out there. Why not find something you enjoy and have some fun in the process of becoming fit and healthy”.