Paul Gehan

I am the owner of Your Local PT. My History - I was a cook in the Australian Army for 18 years and whilst this gave me immeasurable pleasure my time came to move on in 2003. In addition, I was an Assistant Physical Training Instructor (PTI) for the Defence Force, where I gained my invaluable experience and passion in helping others with their fitness goals. I did this over a 10 year period locally and internationally e.g. on peace keeping missions.

I understand what it is like to be beating the odds and pushing yourself as I have had to do so myself. I was medically discharged from the Army as the result of a push bike accident.

I was paralysed from the neck down and spent many months in the spinal care unit at the PA hospital here in Brisbane. I then spent quite some time in the Army rehabilitation process also after being released from hospital. Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy were a way of life to again learn how to move in a functional way.

Lifting 50gm was an effort in a wrist curl and shoulder pressing 1.5kg with both arms was mentally and physically hard.

To cut the long story short I was in rehab of sorts for almost 2 years. The best part now is I have an opportunity to be able to help others and do something I am truly passionate about. I wake every day thankful to be able to move without a wheelchair and know that even now my job is my rehab.

I am thankful also that I am able to do almost all things as well as anybody.

My Qualifications
In 2004 I completed Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate III and IV in Personal Training at Fitlink Training College

Level 1 Strength and Conditioning coach I have completed Group training as well as Aqua modules.

I have full insurance with Fitness Queensland as well as Senior First Aid qualifications.

Thump Boxing accreddited.
Australian Army Combat Fitness Leader (former)

My Fitness History
I have completed many triathlons over every distance including the Ironman (4km swim, 180km bike ride, 42 km run) at Forster Tuncurry. The Sydney City to Surf fun run 8 times, road racing and canoeing triathlons are just a few challenges I have accomplished.

Another highlight has been completing the 16 day pushbike ride for the Westpac rescue helicopter fundraiser, on the north coast of NSW.

However my greatest achievement to-date has been a 10 month bike tour adventure around Western Europe which brought me great fulfilment and appreciation of what life has to offer.

I guess I could not ignore the serious accident I had in 2002 as another remarkable achievement which is something that is always in the forefront of my mind but I never dwell on it to hold me back.

Your Local PT

Your Local PT was born out of the requirement to return to work after my accident. With my previous jobs and experience I knew I wanted to help people. I began with some One on Ones and then evolved into doing Group classes in August 2005 in the Arana Hills area.

I love the variety and styles of training as they each bring different challenges and rewards. it is this blend that keeps me motivated. Meeting new people always to help them achieve their goals. The greatest rewards are seeing clients lose over 25kg and others that have completed half marathons and triathlons.

Stephanie Swanston

Steph has been in the fitness industry since graduating at the Australian Institute of Fitness in 2003 as a Master Personal Trainer. She has not only worked in Australia but also in England for 2.5 yrs working at various gyms.

Her main specialties are:

Fat loss, core and back strengthening,

Pre and post natal,

Increasing cardio fitness,

Boxing,

Muscle building and toning

and stress management.

She is very results driven but at the same time making sure her client is having fun and having a good workout which is dependant on her clients fitness level. Every session is filled with variety to keep the client motivated and making for a more enjoyable session. She is a very good listener and attentive to her clients needs and wants to allow for a smooth injury free workout. She also has a nutritional background which is extremely important with todays tendancy towards unhealthy food choices. If you are looking for a trainer who has the knowlege, experience and expertise to get you seeing the results you want, than look no further.

Kate Chisholm

Kate Chisholm, is a Certified Personal Trainer as well as Les Mills Instructor and Australian Army Combat Fitness Leader.

Kate has developed her own unique system integrating exercise, nutrition and motivation to help you improve your health, fitness and quality of life.

Some tips From Kate

Five main reasons people don't stick with exercise and achieve their goals!!

1. Results and changes are not seen fast enough
2. The equipment is too confusing or big gyms are intimidating
3. Boredom kicks in - there is no variety
4. Workouts are not specific to their goals or overall objective
5. Some find exercise to be a chore, not fun.

Kate will encourage and motivated you every step of the way, you will be happy with the results and surprised at the changes fitness will make in your life.

Qualifications