Cordelia Gibbs Success Story
Cordelia Gibbs, AIPT Graduate
"Having developed a good support network while studying and training at Goodlife, I have signed on with them for this year. I am in my build-up phase and will be operating my own PT business out of Goodlife Camberwell for 2020."
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Cordy Gibbs, I am 28 years old, and I have just completed my Cert IV in Fitness with AIPT! I actually grew up on a farm in Western Australia and was home schooled until high school. I went on to study Fashion at Curtin University and completed a Bachelor of Humanities in Fashion with Honours in 2014. After I graduated from university, I worked as a designer for a local fashion label while also running my own label for a couple of years. In this time, I also taught fashion design at Curtin and was an events coordinator with Curtin’s Young Alumni Advisory Board.
For the last two years, I have worked full time for the activewear brand Running Bare, in Perth and the Melbourne retail store. At the start of 2019, my partner and I packed up our life in Perth and headed across the Nullarbor to Melbourne for a lifestyle change. We plan to stay in Melbourne for another two years… but we do miss sunny Perth (plus friends and family).
What made you decide to pursue a career in fitness?
Unlike many people, I did not grow up with a love of sport and fitness. In fact, I hated physical activity and sports! I only got into it about six years ago when I was experiencing issues with my back from being hunched over a sewing machine. It began with a love of yoga and Pilates and carried onto running. I started lifting weights in my backyard before I outgrew it and finally joined a gym in 2017. Since then, I have been obsessed.
Last year I reached a point where I felt I was no longer being challenged by my retail job. I needed to take the next step and find a career I was truly invested in and motivated by. I asked myself the question: what do I enjoy doing? What gives me a spark? Working in an activewear store, I loved chatting to customers who had just started their fitness journey. I also loved mentoring (fashion) students I was back in Perth. In my spare time, I trained myself and was very engaged in the fitness industry… all these answers lead to finally taking the step in becoming a PT.
Why did you choose to study with AIPT?
I did my research; I phoned a lot of different providers, I looked at what they had to offer (and at what price), I looked at online reviews and asked a couple of people already in the fitness industry and across the board, AIPT won out. I also had the opportunity to study on campus F2F out of my local gym, where I was already training (Goodlife Health Clubs Camberwell).
What are your plans for the future?
Having developed a good support network while studying and training at Goodlife, I have signed on with them for this year. I am in my build-up phase and will be operating my own PT business out of Goodlife Camberwell for 2020.
What would you say to people who are considering taking the leap into a career in fitness?
To those who aren’t sure about taking the leap into a career in fitness, I would say, do it. You have nothing to be concerned about. The people in the fitness industry are so nice, encouraging, and there’s a heap of support. The Cert IV in Fitness provided by AIPT is easy to navigate, and they keep the content interesting and engaging. I literally downloaded the learner guides and took my tablet to cute cafés to study! I completed my course in 6 months while working full time, still training & looking after myself and still managing to have a life. I am so excited to get into the industry and start my business, and I definitely will be continuing my study with AIPT. Next step, nutrition!
