From time to time, I will post interviews with some of the people I train with and people in the fitness world that I find fascinating and have something to say.

Sydney, Australia came into my fitness awareness recently when this week, Val and I met triathlete and Olympian silver medalist, Michellie Jones. I am also a long-time customer of, and know Sydney-based Sara, Inze, and Alexander Bont, who make the finest inline and speedskating equipment in the world. Through the blogosphere, I have recently met a very interesting and talented personal trainer and gym owner, Amelia Burton, who graciously allowed me to interview her and feature her in MFBB.

From her own blog, Amelia Burton, Amelia gives this brief profile,

Amelia Burton has 12 years experience as a personal trainer, gym owner, and fitness nut. Armed with a science degree and many years of hands on experience, Amelia’s mission is to get people excited about exercise and the dramatic effect it has on the body and mind.

Amelia, I recently discovered your terrific health and fitness blog. Who is your target audience?

Thanks! I launched my blog 3 months ago, because I got asked so many health and fitness questions, I decided to get them all into a blog. I have about 6000 people on my database, and I email my articles out once per month in a newsletter. My target audience is adults who exercise regularly, but who also have a life outside of training. I appeal to real people who sometimes need that extra motivation or education to get them exercising. It’s this type of person who will reap incredible health benefits exercise has to offer.

You’re still a personal trainer, right? Would you elaborate on your business?

Yes I still train people, but I also own a health club in Sydney, Australia, so I only have time for a few clients. I used to specialize in pre/rehab, mothers, and body sculpting, but nowadays my clients are all about weight loss. I got started in PT when I was 18 because I loved exercise, I thought it would be a nice thing to do whilst studying to get a ‘real’ career. After 12 months, I realized this was a ‘real’ career so I enrolled in a Science degree majoring in human movement, and the rest is history!

Amelia, would you describe your own training and goals? Do you compete in sports?

I love to train, and as I write this I have been forced to take a week off as I have a small injury in my foot. I just competed in a ½ marathon three weeks ago and am looking forward to the Gold Coast full marathon in July. My training involves between 50-80 km per week of running, combined with boxing training, leg weights and the occasional yoga class. When I’m not training for running, I will do Pump and spin classes in the gym. I used to compete in equestrian three day eventing until my business started taking too much of my riding time, but I hope to get back to it soon. To stay motivated I pick an event or goal in the future, and start training for it. I’ve had the marathon in my head since last November. As to my goals, I base them around events rather than body shape, as I find focusing too much on how your body looks can be self destructive.

What combination of diet and exercise do you advocate for good health/weight loss?

Calories in vs. calories out is my favorite diet tip. Eat less, move more I always say! I have had the most success by determining someone’s metabolic type, having them keep a food diary for two weeks (or until they are educated about eating) and then using a score card system to track their progress. I believe protein is extremely important in a diet as is fruits and vegetables. I am a big advocate of Juice Plus (multivitamin supplement) and insist my clients go on it to boost their immune system. I personally follow the Monday – Friday rule, where I eat very strictly mid week, but relax and eat pretty much what I feel like on the weekend. Dessert is my weakness so I have some great low fat treats that I can’t live without.

Is the general population of Sydney fairly fit and health conscious?

The inner city and beach suburbs are buzzing with fitness fanatics all day every day. However, probably like the US and Canada, when you head into the suburban areas, you spot a lot more McDonalds, muffin tops, and big bellies. This does seem to be a growing trend. (pun intended, I’m sure!-markfu).

You said you own a gym?

Yes, I own a health club in the Sydney CBD that caters mostly for corporates and inner city residents. We hold about 30 classes per week from spinning, to boxing yoga pilates and most Les Mills programs. We have a fully equipped weights and cardio area, as well as stretch atrium, sauna, massage and life coaching suites. I’ve had it for four years and absolutely love working there. I am very lucky to have a great team and fabulous members.

What is the funniest gym story that comes to mind?

Haha, there are quite a few! Too many embarrassing fart moments to mention (clients not me of course!). We had one client come out from the change rooms wearing nothing but a towel exclaiming that someone had stolen his clothes. He was still dripping wet from the shower and we thought we were going to have to send him home naked, but luckily we realized he had locked his clothes in the wrong locker!

Are your friends and family supportive of your profession?

Dad did once ask when I was going to get a ‘real’ job, but he fully backs and supports me now. My closest friends are anything but fitness fanatics. They keep me grounded and tell me when I’m starting to act/sound like a fitness freak! Everyone is extremely supportive and love getting involved when they can. I try not to force health and fitness upon them, but I am always attentive when they need advice or assistance.

As you look forward to your future, describe your personal and professional goals.

I am loving where I am at the moment, spending time at the gym and writing. I am definitely looking forward to expanding my blog and doing some more corporate speaking events. I want to complete a marathon in under 3 hours, and get back into my horse riding.

Finally, what advice can you impart to my readers to help them improve their fitness and health?

There are three skills I use to improve myself, which in turn improves my fitness and health.

1. Self discipline: No matter what type of training you do, you need a level of discipline to keep going when the going gets tough. To get discipline, I suggest picking a few people who inspire you and always ask yourself “what would they do in this situation?’
2. Self Respect: How do you talk to yourself? Are you harder than you are on others? You will get what you think you deserve, so give yourself a break and believe in yourself, then others will too.
3. Knowledge: The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know, but the more I learn, the more motivated I get to improve my health and fitness. I think it’s the same with everybody.

Thanks, Amelia for taking the time to “chat”. To read more of what Amelia Burton is writing about, be sure to bookmark her blog and visit often.

Soon, we will feature interviews like, “Confessions of an MMA Fighter” and what a former nationally-ranked swimmer really thinks about triathletes! Stay tuned!