Qualifications: registered with Fitness Australia as a Fitness Trainer – Children trainer, Personal Trainer & Gym Instructor, qualified diabetes preferred trainer with diabetes QLD, currently completing level 1 Strength & Conditioning coach & C.H.E.C.K institute.

Training Philosophy: As the director of Health for Life personal health & fitness my goal is to provide a team of trainers who are unrivalled in their passion, dedication & commitment in helping people achieve their health & fitness goals. WWith today's busy lifestyle a lot of people
unfortunately don't treat their bodies & health as a priority & their quality of life suffers – It doesn’t have to be this way by dedicating a little time each day to your health & well being can dramatically change your life... The key component to why our clients get such good results is we structure programs that fit in with their lifestyle so the time they do have to exercise is of the highest quality, we understand that some clients are time poor that is why our programs are very individualized to each clients needs. My goal is to educate & empower our clients on the benefits of good nutrition & exercise so they have the knowledge & motivation to live a healthier happier life.

Experience: I have over 8 years experience as a Personal Trainer & over 10 years of weights training experience, I also play rugby league at a semi professional level.

In the 8 years I have been in the industry I’ve worked in a International gym chain as a personal trainer & personal training co-coordinator, I have owned my own personal training studio & was approached to incorporate successful personal training systems & take over the personal training managing role for a centre in Brisbane which was completing 8 sessions a week, within 12 months I built a team of 9 trainers completing up to 200 sessions a week.

I have now opened Health for Life wellness centre which I am really passionate about & believe we have a team of trainers who are unrivalled in their commitment, dedication & passion in helping people improve their health & wellness. That is why I can honestly, without hesitation guarantee a healthier fitter you or your money back!

What I get up to in my spare time: I have trouble sitting still so I don’t have much spare time but when I do I enjoy spending it with family, friends & my girlfriend. I enjoy reading motivational books, autobiographies & the latest research related to the fitness industry.

What my clients have to say: 
I have always led a reasonably active life playing competitive sport into my mid 30’s. I am a senior executive with a large waste management group and found it difficult to maintain a reasonable level of fitness. I made a conscious decision 18 months ago to put more effort into health and fitness and was introduced to Darren. Darren has helped me a lot over the past 18 months & I have noticed significant improvement in strength, stamina & physique, the executive belly is somewhat smaller than it used to be.

Darren’s advice in relation to diet has seen me adopt better eating habits & made me more conscious of what I eat and drink in general. Whilst I have some gym equipment at home I do not get the same workout as I do when supervised by Darren who always seems to manage to get an extra rep out of me. Having a personal trainer has made a large difference in the way I approach exercise. I find that I am more likely to keep an appointment with Darren than I would if it was something I had committed to do myself like a run or exercise session at home, it is all to easy to put it off until tomorrow.

I have 4 sons and can still match it with them in most sporting endeavours, something I am sure would not be possible if I had not opted for a healthy lifestyle. Too many people take their health for granted & it is not until they suffer a serious illness that they realise how important good health is.  Thankyou Darren for rekindling my interest to get healthy.
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I have been training with Darren for four years.  In that time I have had a lot of sore muscles, laughs, sore muscles and results.

I finished studying last year and decided over Christmas that it was time to get serious about my health and fitness.  My liver and I were very excited about the possibilities.  My enthusiasm was matched by the Darren and I started my new training program.  This year has proven to be very successful, as I have made changes to my diet, lifestyle and exercise regime, all of which have helped to make me feel great!

Darren & the boys at Health For Life are friendly, fun and seemingly intelligent, however their inability to count at times can be a concern.

But in all honesty, I have learnt a lot about health and fitness that has educated me to make the right lifestyle choices for my long future ahead.

Thanks Darren!
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Like most people I can easily find an excuse not to exercise. Five years ago I had a gym membership but was uninspired & was having little impact on my fitness level accordingly.

I decided a personal trainer might improve my motivation & therefore my fitness. Darren was exactly what I needed, I began to lose body fat & see improved muscle tone. Not only was I receiving exercise programs & goals but also nutrition advice - suddenly I had direction.

A year later my partner also started with Darren. Whether we’re are unmotivated or motivated at different times we are constantly supported by Darren. We train 3 x per week, which include weights, boxing, cardio & circuit training. He & his team organise group outdoor sessions & Health Retreat weekends dedicated to our Health & Fitness. Health for Life keeps us on track to achieving our health & fitness goals. A slick studio, up to date equipment & information, no queing for machines & as much advice as you need to live a healthier life.

The best decision I’ve made.

Llian Godfrey

Qualifications: Registered with Fitness Australia as a Fitness trainer – Children trainer, Personal Trainer & Gym Instructor

Training Philosophy: My philosophy is being ‘healthy’ is  more than just going for a walk each day – don’t get me wrong that is better than doing nothing but if you truly want to improve your health & wellbeing you must be prepared to change your eating habits, drink lots of water & do resistance work. Weights is imperative for all populations to be doing. But most importantly you must enjoy it & have fun!

“Stay positive with all aspects of life & good things will come your way”.

Experience: I have always had a passion for health & fitness & challenging the body & mind to achieve my goals in life. My background is 11 years of training under some of the best strength & conditioning coaches in Australia. I have played over 50 NRL games with the Parramatta Eels & North Queensland Cowboys. The experience I have gained over my years as a professional athlete is invaluable for me now as a Personal Trainer. I have now been a trainer for two and a half years & really love helping people adapt a healthier lifestyle, there is nothing more rewarding than helping someone achieve their health & fitness goals.  

What I get up to in my spare time: Spend time with family & friends

What my clients say about me:

When I first started training with Chris I thought I was quite fit, however he has taken me to a new level of fitness & health I didn’t think I was capable of Chris has provided me with inspiration, encouragement & energy in an environment that is a whale of fun. I now feel like no physical challenge is beyond my reach.
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I have been training with Chris since November 2006. The results & more importantly the improvement I have experienced has been nothing short of dramatic. Chris consistently changes the programs to challenge you, never one to let you rest on your laurels, & combined with his focus on technique, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive & has had the effect that I desired at the outset. I have had no hesitation in referring friends & colleagues to Chris for those very reasons
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I started training with Chris in August 2007 and my friends didn't think I would stick it out! Well it's now over seven months later and I'm still training and enjoying every minute – well almost every minute! Chris knows exactly how far he can push you and what you are capable of, he ensures every session has a good combination of hard work (sweat), variety and fun. He has a never ending supply of encouragement and information providing me with an overall approach to my fitness and health which is paying off. I feel healthier and fitter than I have in years and somehow find the strength and energy to do one more rep or go faster, further or longer. I now actually look forward to challenging myself physically and enjoy the results.

There is no way out of slacking off when training on your own either, as the first question Chris always asks is… so what have you been up to? And he doesn't mean on the dating scene! He makes me accountable for my activity and health even when not at HFL, which provides me with great motivation and support in achieving my lifestyle goals.

Oh… and if he tries to tell you bear crawls are fun, don't believe him!

Qualifications: Bachelor of Sports & Exercise Science; Certificate III & IV in fitness instruction & personal training, Member of the Australian Association of Sports & Exercise Science, Member of Fitness QLD & Australia.

Training Philosophy: My philosophy is that the power of the mind is power of the body. The mind is the strongest part of the body. Lance Armstrong once answered a question if he had a choice whether he would’ve preferred winning the tour de France or cancer. He answered said ‘cancer’. His reasoning was because he had been on the other side. He preaches famously in his 2nd book ‘Every second Counts,’ that your mind can control any point in time the way you want it controlled, for example are you really hungry or are your eyes just to big for your stomach. Therefore if you want to reach weight loss, fitness, strength or whatever the goal the power of your mind ultimately has the last say, remember 70% is diet 30% is exercise and 100% is discipline and commitment. Fundamentally if you truly believe in something you’ll find away to achieve it. In conjunction with Resistance, Cardiovascular Training and a healthy diet anything is possible. The only difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength or a lack of education BUT rather a LACK OF WILL.

Experience: I have 5 years experience in the industry. I have personal trained, performed group exercise classes, seminars, gym floor instruction, provided nutritional advice as well as supplement advice. Recently I have been selected in the Queensland Roar soccer team which is the only full time professional soccer team in QLD. Also with this I have played soccer for over 18 years and experienced numerous tours overseas. I have completed many triathlons, cycle tours and the occasional half marathon. Therefore in conjunction with my education and my vast experience within and outside the industry I feel I have invaluable experience in most instances in the fitness spectrum.

What I get up to in my spare time: I play and train with the qld roar which takes up a lot of my time outside of Personal training, however I do enjoy relaxing watching sport on television, going to the movies, training, and Sundays out for breaky digesting the Sunday Mail.

What my clients say about me:
I have trained with Matt for a year and three months and he has greatly transformed my life for the better. I’m the healthiest, fittest and leanest I’ve ever been, losing up to 11kg in the process.

Matt’s unfailing good humour and endless commitment and dedication to my health and fitness is impressive and commendable and so I have no hesitation in regularly recommending him as a trainer to others.

He has the emotional intelligence to know exactly how to push me, as a feisty, strong woman, to my absolute limits, and then some. It is, in part, his background and training as an elite athlete and his understanding of how mind over matter can transform your life which makes him such a good, learned trainer.

What’s more, our sessions are always varied, and so are interesting and even fun (at times!) so I’m never bored. I feel empowered and strong and am now addicted to our sessions. Matt is a top bloke first and excellent trainer second.

Nicole Carrington| Editor
Image City North and Westside
Style Editor - City News

Qualifications: Bachelor of Business. Certificate III & IV in Fitness instruction- registered with Fitness Australia as a Fitness Trainer – Children trainer, Personal trainer and gym instructor. (current) Certificate II – Remedial Massage Therapy. Certificate III – Digital Art. Teacher Aide at Brisbane Boys’ College helping students with learning difficulties. (current)

Training Philosophy: I have always loved the physical and mental challenge that comes with sport, it teaches us so much. The human body is fascinating in what it can be trained to do. My idea of keeping fit and healthy represents characteristics which I deeply respect - discipline and commitment. But being healthy doesn’t have to be such an intimidating prospect. Simple daily routines can create a healthy body which preserves you for longer – It is a fact. With healthy eating and daily physical exercise you will see how your body adapts to a great functioning machine. (What it was meant for)

Experience: I have been in the industry for 2 years. I have worked in both studios and gyms. Prior to that I was working and travelling in Europe for 18 months and prior to that helping run a family business. However I have had longer experience in sport itself having the privilege of playing for Queensland in water polo. I’ve been a passionate swimmer for 25 yrs competing all through school and now in ocean racing regularly. However simply put and obvious by my two current employees, I thoroughly enjoy helping people and seeing them achieve.

Spare Time: I love going to the beach and being outdoors. Laughing with my friends is always a great time. Also enjoy watching most sports on TV. Swimming a lot.

What my clients say about me:
Like most women, my battle with fitness and self image goes back a long way. Until 2007 I kept losing the battle.

I had tried all the diets. I had joined, cancelled and rejoined gyms. I had tried dancing, swimming, team sports and any other thing that promised to reshape my body, increase my fitness or improve my health. But for more than 20 years, all I could manage to do was lose a few kilos, and then put them back on again.

Then I called Craig. Through a combination of weight training and boxing, Craig has made a big difference to the way I look and feel. These days I am stronger, I am toned and I have so much more energy than ever before – and people have noticed

Craig helps me to make the most of the limited time I have to exercise and because he delivers results, he makes it easy for me to stay committed.

Michelle Gardiner
Happy client

Qualifications: Registered with Fitness Australia as a Fitness trainer – Certificate III, IV and Personal Trainer

Training Philosophy: Training clients is a passion. I get enjoyment and satisfaction from teaching people how to look after their bodies, through correct diet and exercise. One of the key components in exercise is having a variety of training and making it fun. To get results “we” need to be prepared to come to training sessions with the right mindset & be prepared to push the body out of it’s comfort zone & most importantly be honest and accountable with our nutrition intake.

“Success is where Preparation and Opportunity meet…”.

Experience: I have had over 6 years experience with resistance training and have always had a heavy involment withhealth & fitness. I am into my second year as a personal trainer. I have been in Sydney for the last 2 years playing Rugby League with the Penrith Panthers, and have picked up valuable experience training with the NRL Squad. I am currently playing with the WOW Brisbane Broncos and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls. I am forever broadening my knowledge in the industry with the mentoring of Darren Bain and Chris Muckert.

Spare Time: Playing Rugby League, other sports and activities and spending time with family & friend.

Qualifications: Cert III & IV fitness instructor, Senior First Aid, Advanced First Aid, Kayak Instructor, vertical rescue, Abseil & leed climbing, Olympic weight lifting level I, crossfit level I, officer training Duntroon, Auto Electrician trade, carpentry trade.

Training Philosophy: My thoughts on training are quite basic & that is the only short cut to success is hard work.
You should aim to make everyday better than yesterday.

Experience: 3 years bull riding, 2 seasons rugby in Ireland, Personal Trainer 18 months, 3 years boxing, officer training with the Australian Army (Duntroon)

Spare Time: Rock-climbing, mountain biking, trail running, crossfit training, kayaking, hiking. Anything to do with getting outdoors is my passion. Enjoy spending time with family/friends - chilling out & having fun.