Burwood & Waurn Ponds Team

Gyles Marchand

Head Coach

With over 7 years of experience in the fitness industry across a wide variety of settings, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both commercial gyms and smaller gyms, as well as on international cruise ships. In addition to my work as a personal trainer, I’ve also advanced my own knowledge and skills by completing a strength and conditioning certification, which has allowed me to work with several professional organizations across different sports. I’m all about having fun, bringing high energy, and always creating challenging workouts.

Certificates & Experience:

• Diploma of Fitness
• UFC Certified Trainer
• Level 1 ASCA Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Sports specific training
• Working with Bulldogs Lisa Fialoa and HNWP Squad

Interests:

• Rugby League
• Wrestling
• Spring Training
• Shoe Collecting

Amanda Simon

I transitioned into the fitness industry because I wanted a career that was truly meaningful. Personal events led me to see the true impact health &fitness has in life & I decided wanted to be part of that. I decided to follow that passion & become a fitness professional.

My goal is to be a role model for everyone, especially women who are ready to take the next step in their fitness journey. I believe in empowering others & showing them what their bodies & mind can achieve & in turn not only gain physical strength but also cultivate
confidence & resilience that they can apply to other aspects of life.

Qualifications:

• Certificate III/IV in Fitness
• First Aid & CPR

Interests:

• Hypertrophy
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Women’s Health
• Nutrition

Pranay Lal

Competing at the highest level in team sports such as football and individual events including cross country, I have always been enthused about sport and fitness. A new passion found during the COVID 19 pandemic, strength and hypertrophy training, led me to quickly qualify as a Personal Trainer.

With experience in the fitness industry and the countless tools I have adopted playing competitively and resistance training, my goal is to help improve the mental and physical health of clients. Despite the conflicting information out there, I want to show people getting fit and healthy does not have to be difficult.

Certificates & Experience:

• Certificate IV in Fitness (Personal Trainer)
• Certificate III in Fitness (Gym Instructor)
• Community Coaching Certificate

Interests:

• Sport specific training
• Hypertrophy training
• Strength and conditioning

Melody Durupt

I’m Melody, a French coach with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. I believe that fitness is the best way to enjoy life for longer, and it should always be FUN.

I specialize in functional fitness and love helping office workers and seniors live longer, happier lives. I believe in incremental change and that a balanced lifestyle is key to longevity. So, be ready to talk about sleep, nutrition, and stress during our sessions!

EXPERIENCE & QUALFICATIONS

• Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness
• Trained in female health and menopause (MishFit)
• Fitness for healthy ageing, injury prevention (Lift for Life)

INTERESTS

• Board games
• Solo travelling
• Motorbike riding
• Scuba diving

Vanessa Foliaki

As a dedicated personal trainer with over 10 years in the fitness industry and a former NRLW player for the Cronulla Sharks, I bring elite-level experience, discipline, and passion to every training session.

I’m deeply passionate about health and love helping people achieve their goals—whether it’s building strength, improving fitness, or boosting confidence. Outside of the gym, I enjoy playing sports, watching horror movies, and listening to music. Let’s work together to unlock your full potential.

Qualifications:

• Cert III and IV in fitness
• Head Coach Lisa Fiaola Bulldogs U/17 Girls Team

Interests:

• Rugby League
• Music
• Foodie

Ilyas Caliskan

I have 3 years of experience in the fitness industry and am currently studying in UNI in Bachelor of exercise and sport science. I have experience in strength training, muscle building and rehab for injures. I also have experience in rugby league and MMA.

I am friendly and supportive toward people, and motivated to help people reach their fitness goals, and ensure that my clients enjoy the entire journey towards their goals.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Certificate III and IV in fitness
• Rosebank Rugby Sport Coach
• Junior Newtown Jets Centre 2014-2016

Interests:

• Lifting weights
• Working on cars
• Playing footy
• Road trips
• MMA

Jasmine Serje

As a student at UNSW, working as a fitness coach has opened doors for diverse learning experiences, allowing me to pursue my interest in health and wellbeing and build my skillset across multiple fields. I am well equipped to understand the student lifestyle and needs, offering
unique insight to those looking to balance studies, physical wellbeing, and life in general. My interest in the industry stems from a desire to educate and guide individuals towards an improved quality of life –however that may look.

Training goals are unique for everyone, my job is to clarify what your vision is, and how we can execute it together. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, then let’s set up a session!

Qualifications:

• Certificate III & IV in fitness
• Level 1 Basketball Coach (Basketball England)
• First Aid/CPR

Specializations/Interests:

• Olympic Lifting
• Sports-Specific Training
• Mobility

Prakriti

With over 6 years of weightlifting and a love for powerlifting, I’ve seen firsthand how strength training can transform both body and mind. What began as a hobby is now a lifestyle that’s made me more athletic, disciplined, and eager to help others feel their best. I believe training should be something you look forward to – challenging, yes, but also fun and rewarding. Whether you’re pushing for a PB or just learning to move with confidence, sessions with me bring a balance of focused work, plenty of encouragement and a good laugh.

Outside the gym, I love playing sports (pretty much any kind – but basketball has my heart), diving into a good book and chatting all things training and recovery.

Qualifications

• Certificate III & IV in Fitness
• First Aid & CPR certified

Interests

• Strength & Powerlifting Coaching
• Hypertrophy & Muscle Building
• Athletic Performance Training