OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
Max
Co-Owner & Head Coach
Max has more than 13 years' experience in the fitness industry, with qualifications in Personal Training, Advanced Sports Nutrition & Fitness Business.
Max has also been practising martial arts for more than 30 years and currently holds a 4th degree black belt in Karate, a 3rd degree in Muay Thai and a 3rd degree black belt in BJMA (in other words, don't mess with him!).
Max believes in the power of developing daily habits. Whether you want to improve your energy, fitness, flexibility, movement, strength, mindset or overall health… or all of the above… you can achieve your goals with everyday healthy habits.
Jack
Membership Consultant
Jack has lived in the Wonga Park area his whole life and has strong community ties.
He graduated from Luther College in 2022 and is currently undertaking a Business and Management degree at RMIT University. When not at work or uni you will often find Jack working on his own health & fitness or spending quality time with friends & family.
With a passion for meeting new people, Jack is right at home as one of Wonga Fitness’ Membership Consultants where his open and supportive nature make him ideal to support existing and prospective members as they continue or embark on their fitness journeys.
So if you are considering Wonga Fitness why not pick up the phone or drop into the gym and ask for Jack who will only be too happy to give you a tour of the first class facilities or just chat through your needs.
Chavonne
Pilates Instructor
Chavonne is one of our amazing and vibrant Reformer Pilates Coaches and is passionate about movement, people and the benefits and joys that come with moving the body. Being a professional dancer, former dance teacher and an aerialist, Chavonne has a great understanding of movement, body alignment, muscle flexibility and the importance of music to get you through that glute burn!
Given that Chavonne can’t sit still and is constantly moving and grooving to music, it just makes sense that she loves to include some upbeat music in her classes and help others feel excited to move their body. She aims to bring a fun, energetic and creative 45 minutes to your day whilst creating a safe space where you feel comfortable to give things a go, not take yourself too seriously and just “move and groove”. Bringing together all of her knowledge of reformer pilates, movement and being a professional dancer, Chavonne’s classes will energise you, help improve your flexibility, strength and alignment while making you feel good and distracted from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Mai
Pilates Instructor
Mai is qualified in Mat and Reformer Pilates, with a background in exercise and sports science. She started dancing and cheerleading from a young age, and her passion for Pilates grew from there. She also attended a dance specialist high school where Pilates was implemented into her weekly routine which made school enjoyable and solidified her love for Pilates.
Mai loves helping people reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Ensuring all clients are performing exercises with the correct technique whilst getting a good burn!
Mai also loves the beach and palm trees - anything that reminds her of Hawaii. She is also always up for trying new things!
Julia
Pilates Instructor
Julia first discovered Pilates as a client and immediately fell in love with its ability to enhance strength, mobility, and the mind-body connection. Inspired by the positive impact it had on her life, she decided to become an instructor to share these benefits with others.
Julia is passionate about helping people find joy in movement. Her goal is to empower individuals to feel their best, both physically and mentally through Pilates.
In Julia’s free time, she enjoys horse riding, running, baking, and going on outdoor adventures.
She is very excited to guide you on your Pilates journey and looks forward to welcoming you to the studio.
Norin
Pilates Instructor
With a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from Budapest, Hungary and a Master's in Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from UNISA, my professional journey began in clinical practice working as a Physiotherapist for several years, where I quickly realised the need for more holistic, movement-based rehabilitation approaches. This led me to complete a comprehensive Diploma in Pilates in 2012, and I’ve since been teaching equipment-based Clinical Pilates using the Reformer, Mat, Combo Chair, Trapeze Table, and Ladder Barrel.
In 2013, I deepened my exploration of mindful movement with Teacher’s Training in Hatha Yoga, followed by studies in Gyrotonic and Aerial Yoga in 2014 and 2018, respectively. These modalities have shaped my teaching style - anchored in precision, breath awareness and intentional movement. I try to be a stickler for precision, slowness and quality of movement. I encourage strong emphasis on breath through movement so the movement is more efficient, effortless and includes harnessing the mind to be in the present moment.
Pilates came into my life as a natural progression right after my Master’s where I saw my own learning gaps in prescribing exercises that needed to be safe, supportive and directive in managing patients’ pain while restoring their function. Pilates has some of its roots from Yoga and that prompted me to understand that field a bit more and I learnt the blend of Pranayama and movement. Who I am, how I move in the world and teach in some ways is through the blend of Yoga, Pilates and Gyrotonics – these specialties helped bring in discipline and mindfulness which I am still working on embodying.
I like my classes to be balanced, inquisitive, reflective, mindful and challenging at the same time, with a strong emphasis on mindful presence and quality over quantity.
Currently, I’m expanding my practice by studying Somatics and EMDR, while also working toward certification as a Flower Essence Practitioner. Movement, for me, is not just physical - it’s a path of discipline, inquiry and inner alignment. Whether through Pilates, Yoga or Gyrotonics, I continue to explore how to embody mindfulness both in and out of the studio.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy activities rooted in mindful challenge and somatic awareness. I once hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp in 2017 carrying a 20kg backpack myself and got PADI-certified to 30m the same year - neither planned, both life-changing! Most recently, I completed a 35km charity walk for the Mito Foundation and am currently working on strengthening my auditory and hand-eye coordination skills with Taiko (Japanese drumming). I also love going to the sweatlodge, sauna and taking a cold plunge from time to time.
Last but not least, I am always up for a slice of decadent orange and almond cake with a nice cinnamon and chilli cacao!
Kyra
Pilates Instructor
Kyra began her Pilates journey over ten years ago while training in circus arts, using it as a tool for injury prevention and strength building. Since becoming an instructor in 2020, she’s taught a wide range of
clients across mat, reformer and full studio equipment, with a strong focus on functional fitness and safe, effective movement.
Over and above her Cert IV, she's also completed her Diploma of Contemporary Pilates & Teaching Methodology, graduating in many different sub-specialties of Pilates including Magic Circle, Roller, Barrels, Wunda Chair and Cadillac.
Her classes are dynamic and challenging, designed to build core strength, improve mobility and increase muscular endurance. With an emphasis on alignment, control and consistent time under tension, Kyra delivers
well-structured workouts that help clients move better, feel stronger, and train with purpose.
Nerida
Pilates Instructor
Nerida made the change to the fitness industry after being inspired to learn more about Reformer Pilates after using the repertoire to gain lower back flexibility. She became a certified Reformer Instructor so she could share this way of moving the body with others.
She is exceedingly passionate about teaching Pilates and aims to help individuals improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while providing inspiring and fun physical activity.
Nerida is dedicated to developing her career in the health and wellness industry further so she can help clients at all levels and look at adding additional qualifications like ‘Working with Injuries’ and ‘Reformer Yin’.
Nerida is a big lover of music and creative arts and you can typically find her on a dancefloor shaking off the week with some bass music or checking out a photography exhibition at a local gallery. In the warmer months, she loves relaxing and catching some rays of sunshine or witnessing the gorgeous sunsets at some of her favourite beaches down the Peninsula or locally in Elwood.
Danielle
Pilates Instructor
Danielle is a qualified reformer Pilates instructor who instantly fell in love with Pilates after her first class many years ago!
She is very passionate about teaching and aims to help clients improve their overall physical and mental wellbeing through movement.
She is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science, as well as her Cert 3 & 4 in Fitness. She is always looking to learn new things and continuously develop as a person and as an instructor.
If she’s not at the gym or pilates herself, the only two other places you’ll find her is walking her dog or playing netball!
Danielle's classes offer a variety of different movements aiming to improve mobility, build strength & develop better balance.
Katie
Yoga Instructor
Katie is a qualified yoga teacher who instantly fell in love with the practice after attending her first class at 16 years of age.
After being a student for many years, becoming a teacher was a no-brainer. Katie holds her 200 hour YTT and her Yin YTT Certificates with plans to continue developing her studies and teaching offerings.
Katie loves all styles of yoga but the stillness and silence of Yin - which gives clients the opportunity to go inwards and deeply connect with themselves - makes it her absolute favourite!
Outside of yoga Katie loves spending quality time with her husband and 3 kids, especially watching them play sport. Katie loves eating delicious food and going for long walks in nature.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, come down and meet Katie on the mat! Her yoga classes will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Jema
Coach
Jema found her passion for Pilates after experiencing a lower back injury. She joined a studio to help build her core strength and soon became aware to all the other benefits Pilates has to offer.
It warms her heart to hear the positives Pilates has had on so many of my clients. She loves being able to help others improve their physical health and well-being.
She is patient, compassionate and has an eye for technique. In her classes you will find her hands on & making sure each member of the class is performing the exercise with the correct technique. Whilst enduring a good burn, she can guarantee a laugh & a fun class!
Holly
Coach
Holly has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor for 3 years. She is a huge advocate for the positive impact fitness has on an individual's mindset and loves being part of that change for someone.
Her biggest strength as a trainer is the fact that she is a people person. She aims to meet each client where they’re at, and work with them to achieve their own personal best. When you work with Holly she’ll push you not to be the best in the room, but to be the best version of you.
And although she is definitely a people person, she’s also obsessed with her big fur-baby, Bear!
Charli
Coach
Charli has been in the fitness industry for 3 years, and is qualified in personal training, mat Pilates, boxing skills, technical lifting and interval training.
She has a true passion for helping others, and uses her own motivation to help drive her clients to ensure they achieve the goals they are striving for to help change their life for the better.
When she’s not at work or in the gym, she loves spending time outdoors by the beach or hanging out with friends. She also enjoys snuggling up on the couch with her Staffy watching movies.
