Meet The FitterFaster Team
Jo Butler
I started FitterFaster in 2008 after taking up fitness for the first time in my life at the age of 34. I know first hand what it is like to go from diet to diet and start exercise programs without success. But now I know exactly how to get awesome results and how to keep them and really enjoy showing and helping others to learn the same and put it into practice.
- Kids - Caitlin , Ben, Lauren, Harrison and Olivia
- Hubby - Happily married to Greg for nearly 25 years
- Pets - I have a border collie named Jackson. Olivia has 2 guinea pigs named Leonard and Michael, and some chooks
- Fav Drills - Up Downers, Walking lunges and Burpees/Get Ups
- Least Fav - Heavy Thrusters
- Fav Movies - Monsters Inc, Despicable Me and the whole Harry Potter series
- Hobbies - fitness (duh) reading, gardening, cooking, writing, spending time with my family
- Fav food - roast lamb or pork and salad
- Treat food - I love vanilla ice cream and plain Cadbury chocolate
My favourite thing ever is to spend time with my family. They're a really busy bunch of kids who have taken part in lots of sports and since having them I've qualified as a gymnastics coach, swim teacher, triathlon and running coach and have coached soccer, football, basketball and cross country running coaching to my resume. Not bad for someone who prior to getting married knew pretty much nothing about any sport at all.
I never thought that FitterFaster would continue to grow like it has. But I'm so glad I started. Helping people change not just their bodies but their whole lives is the most amazing thing.
From a few friends asking me how to get into shape, to changing 100's of lives has been unreal. But I couldn't do it without the support of my family and the wonderful team of coaches featured on this page.
Caitlin Butler
Caitlin is my eldest daughter. From a young age she was super organised and good at directing others (some may call that bossy). This and her empathy for others made her an ideal choice for coaching people on their individual fitness journeys at FitterFaster
Caitlin has been training with us from the very beginning. She was the youngest person to start serious training at FitterFaster and still holds this title.
Other job: swim school coordinator at MB Sports and Leisure Centre
Fave exercise: Dead Bugs
Least Favourite exercise: thrusters and mountain climbers
Fave music: country tunes
Fave food: roast lamb and veggies with mum's gravy
Hobbies: walking, hanging out with my friends, cooking, basketball, football
I started training with mum when she first started FitterFaster. I used to get up before school and workout with all the clients.
My first coaching role was FitForce after school. I really enjoyed it and have coached early morning sessions and now run PeakFit on my morning off from my 'real' job.
I love catching up with my regular clients and especially enjoy their funny stories and their recipes.
I also still enjoy training with everyone at Basecamp and at home with the 45Lives.
Caitlin Butler
Amanda Parkinson
Amanda is our resident organisational guru. She loves to have everything in order and lined up perfectly. Her enthusiasm for health and fitness is infectious and she inspires everyone with her can do attitude and her commitment to her own training and nutrition. Ever reliable, Amanda is equally at home teaching new exercises to new clients or pushing our most advanced clients at the other end.
- Kids/Family: No Kids, Fiancé Steven
- Pets: 2 dogs, Axel and Ned
- Fave Movie: I am Sam and The Hurricane
- Fave Music: Any!
- Fave Food Healthy: Roast Veggies and Nourish Bowls
- Fave Treat: Halloumi and Red Snakes
- Hobbies: Aside from Training, Netball/Umpiring/Coaching
- Best day ever would be: Walking the streets of Italy
- Other Job: Accounts/Book Keeper at MTS and S Dell Plumbing
- Pet Hates: Loud chewing and whistling! Oh and some fellow gym buddies would say not having things lined up and in order!!
My health and fitness goals are to maintain my body fat % to under 15% and keep working on my level of fitness and to Walk the Kokoda Trail
I started coaching at FitterFaster in April 2018. I was hesitant at first to take on coaching, but I knew I had a lot to offer other people in my situation with their goals.
I have ‘been there and done that’ with weight and yo-yo dieting. Since starting at here I've reduced my own body fat from 29% to under 14%. I was in a rut with my training and nutrition and needed someone to motivate me to push myself to the next level.
I have finally found what works for me and am willing to share my experience with others and be genuinely happy to celebrate their successes and be there to help them get back on the wagon if they too fall off.
I love the atmosphere at FitterFaster! I love training alongside clients, the environment and the variety of each session. And I love Challenge Week.
Barry Smith
Barry started training with us in November 2016 and has fitted right in as one of the most likeable and inspirational people here. While he clearly has an amazing fitness level, he's never in your face about it and instead encourages everyone else to do their absolute best at whatever level that may be - from total beginners to the most advanced and everywhere in between.
- Kids/fam. I have two sons Archie and Wil with my partner Tenille
- Fav movie. Kill Bill/ good Will Hunting
- Fav Music. Any. How ever rage against the Machine seems to motivate me. Nutbush also gets me on the dance floor!
- Fav food Healthy/treat. FitterFaster Butter chicken/. Pizza and beer.
- Hobbies. Surfing, riding motorbikes and binge watching TV series
- Best Day would be with friends and family on a warm beach playing and surfing in the water.
- Other Jobs Arborist for the CGSC
- Favourite drill/exercise. I love a good “Chipper” ticking the reps off.
- Least favourite. Lunges... thrusters should be made illegal.
I started at FitterFaster in November 2016 Jo's always been at the Forefront of fitness in Maryborough. I was introduced to her and her family at a function and said I’d be interested in trying Fitterfaster for a few sessions and I’ve never looked back.
I started coaching BoxOut in May 2019. A position became available and I applied. I love the position as it’s a rewarding Job. And seeing athletes push themselves motivates me to be my best.
I feel I’m in a really great place at Fitterfaster. Mentally and physically. To me that’s the definition of fitness. I also love the fact i can be involved in my boys adventures and sports in more ways than being on the sidelines observing. My future goals are to age gracefully and enjoy my active lifestyle
It’s nice to be around positive like minded people. Everyone shows up does the work and has a laugh at FitterFaster. It’s a great community. The legacy Jo is creating has had a major impact on the health and habits on Maryborough as a whole and she should be very proud of what she’s created.
Pet Hates. When people say they wished I was a little more mature.
Tatiana Collier
Tatiana originally coached for us back in 2008. She'd been on her weight loss journey for some time and in her own words, thought she was pretty fit. FitterFaster proved to be the challenge she was looking for to improve her results and when we were looking for a coach to run some of our sessions, Tatiana was keen to help. Sadly (for us) her family moved to Ballarat and she had to leave us 😟 but as soon as she heard we were running virtual training, Tatiana jumped back into training with us. And history repeated itself. We were looking for a coach to continue running most of our virtual session and once again, Tatiana was keen to help.
- Kids/Family: Married to Steve for 12 years, two sons: Blake, 6 and Darcy, 4
- Fave Movie: So many…
- Fave Music: Country (yep, it’s true)
- Fave Food Healthy: Eggs, avocado and veggies, done any way
- Fave Treats: Red wine and dark chocolate
- Hobbies: Workouts, Pilates, snowboarding, wake boarding, mountain biking, fashion, writing
- Best day ever would be: Snowboarding with my boys
- Fav Drill: Walking lunges and get ups
- Least Fav: Up downers
- Other Jobs: PR consultant, lifestyle columnist, mum
- Pet Hates: Excuses
I first tried a FitterFaster class in 2007 to test myself. I’d spent the previous 6 years losing a lot of weight and improving my fitness, and I thought I had reached the top! Wow was I wrong. The class whipped me, and it also set my sights on a new challenge – to be at the top of Jo’s classes.
I quickly became a member and soon enough I was toning up, shedding more kilos and reaching fitness heights I never thought I’d be capable of.
When I overheard Jo saying she needed help running classes I quickly volunteered, and I became the first trainer (other than Jo) at Fitterfaster, a role a happily held for over 5 years.
I had to leave Fitterfaster when I moved to Ballarat, but I kept the workout manual close by to help me maintain my fitness. I also participated in some online challenges from time to time.
Now, thanks to the launch of online classes, I’m back! And I’m so excited. I love being a part of such a positive program; one that encourages and enables people to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Having been through the highs and lows of weight loss and fitness, I know the journey. I hope that with my experience and Jo’s program, I can inspire and motivate people to reach and maintain the level of fitness they’re aiming for.
Trish Bell
When Trish started at FitterFaster, she described herself as 45, fat and depressed. After transforming her own mind and body, Trish stepped up to coach for us to help others transform their lives. Feedback from new clients about the way Trish helps them to fit in is amazing. From explaining and demonstrating exercises, to holding babies and encouraging, often all at once, Trish is fantastic at helping new people feel welcome and supported.
- Kids/family: Ashleigh, Emily, Patrick, Annabel and Isabel and Coral - Yes, that's 6 kids!!
- Pets: Dolly and Danny (Boxers), Rosie (Galah)
- Fav. Movie: Shawshank Redemption
- Fav. music/artist/band: Queen/Maroon 5
- Fav. food healthy and treat: Balsamic Steak Salad is my favourite FF meal and pizza is a weakness
- Hobbies: Horse Racing (playing the Quaddie on a Saturday)
- Best Day ever would be: Doing anything with all my kids
- Other job: Kitchen bitch at the Harness Racing
I first started at FitterFaster when I was 45 years old. I was terrified I'd be yelled at - afterall it was called Bootcamp
I started coaching 2 years after I started (so 5 years ago), because Jo had faith in me.
- What you love about FF: Everyone is so encouraging and supportive and we always laugh.
- Favourite Drill/exercises: swiss ball roll outs
- Least Favs Heavy Thrusters
- What you have achieved at FF: I'm stronger than I ever was and my moods are more even
- Goals - health and fitness and other to keep eating well and training hard
- Pet hates: incorrect spelling and grammar
Sev Fischer
When I first met Sev I assumed she'd been fit and active her whole life. I was so surprised when she shared some pictures and stories of herself in previous years. Not happy to simply transform her body, Sev has a whole new mindset when it comes to health and fitness. She loves to inspire others and her favourite way to train is to box. Something she is great at. Welcome to the team Sev
- Sev Fischer 40yrs
- Kids/Family: 3 children 9-11 and 13 and a very tall husband lol
- Fave Movie: The big steal, The breakfast club and tragic 80’s flicks really.
- Fave Music: love how music reflects your mood. Something upbeat to workout to, but I also love a good crooner Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Michael Buble
- Fave Food Healthy: warm pumpkin salad, Mediterranean inspired dishes, lean chicken breast
- Fave Treat: Home made croissants, Danish can’t forget liquorice and dark chocolate.
- Hobbies: Gym, bush walking, sewing, cooking, word searches and home Reno’s.
- Best day ever would be: forever changing as life continues on. At one point it was the Oxfam 100km trek in 2017, now it would be to complete the 2020 course in under 24hrs (as I hate unfinished business.) At this present time (25/05/2020) it would be having the time to sit and absorb my surroundings with a warm coffee and an untroubled mind.
- Other job: I have been a full time mum for the last 13yrs
- Pet Hates: singing out of tune (usually me) annoying sniffling or fiddling. Lack of organisation or routine.
My health and fitness goals are an ever evolving sequence of targets.
The consistent ones are maintaining weight, remaining mobile and active. To be the best version of me, in that moment in time.
I have learnt a lot in my fitness journey spanning 10yrs and surprise many with my experiences.
You know what they say “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” I’ve done that, I can relate to those struggling with their own health and empathise with their experiences.
I want to motivate others to be the best version they can be. Fitness isn’t a one size fits all. Find a passion and make it work for you.