In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education podcast, Mish sits down with the dynamic and much-loved Maria Teresa Stone — international presenter, educator, Zumba pioneer, and one of the OGs of group fitness. From a childhood in Mexico as the youngest of eleven, to teaching her first aerobics class at 15, Maria shares her incredible journey across the globe — from Guadalajara to London to New Zealand — and how her love for movement became a lifelong career.

This conversation is packed with stories about family legacy, cultural identity, old-school aerobics, and the power of connection in group fitness. Maria doesn’t hold back when reflecting on the changes in the industry, the skills we’ve lost (like cueing and music mapping), and why she’s committed to mentoring the next generation of instructors through her work with My Group Move.

Whether you're a fitness pro, a curious listener, or someone needing a reminder that joy belongs in movement — this one’s for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

✨The significance of Maria’s full name and Latin naming traditions

✨Her roots in Mexico and how family shaped her values

✨Teaching step aerobics at 15 and what she learned from it

✨How working in London ignited her confidence as an instructor

✨The early Zumba days across Australia and New Zealand

✨What we’ve lost in group fitness education — and how she’s fixing it

✨Her passion for diversity, inclusion, and fitness as a lifelong career

✨What’s next: a new online project focused on movement as joy (not punishment)

Links & Mentions:

•  My Group Move – Maria’s platform for instructor development (co-founded with Marietta Mehanni) 
• Maria’s Website – Find her online programs, training, and more 
• Follow Maria on Instagram
•  Connect with Maria on Facebook

Want to work in fitness — but with the knowledge that actually reflects women’s bodies?
At Women’s Fitness Education, we don’t just offer Cert III & IV in Fitness. We offer the education that’s been missing: pelvic floor, periods, pre/postnatal and perimenopause. It’s time we stop calling women’s health “specialised.” It’s essential.

 Learn more at www.womensfitneseducation.com.au

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification courses

Certificate III in Fitness
Certificate IV in Fitness
Certificate III and IV in Fitness Bundle

In this episode, Mish chats with Anna Hearn, founder of Haven Wellness, about what true inclusivity in fitness spaces looks like. We delve into the nuances of creating environments where all women feel seen, safe, and supported—not just welcomed in theory, but genuinely catered to in practice.

We discuss:
– The importance of trauma-informed approaches in fitness
– How CBD can play a role in women's health and wellness
– The challenges of traditional fitness narratives and who they leave out
– Practical steps to make fitness spaces more inclusive and supportive

This conversation is a call to action for fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike to examine and reshape the spaces we occupy and create.

Connect with Anna:
Website: https://www.havenwellness.com.au/havencbd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havenmovementsydney
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havenwellnessstudio

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Louise is a pre & postnatal fitness instructor and educator with BSc and MSc psychology qualifications and an 11 year research and clinical career in the field. For the majority of her adult life she has struggled with her own body image, believing her personal and professional worth was tied to the way her face and body looked. It wasn’t until Louise had children that she realised she didn’t want them to have these same beliefs and something needed to change. Since then she's used her professional skills to challenge her own beliefs and strengthen her body image resilience and now Louise helps other mums and fitness professionals do the same.

Takeaways

✨Louise transitioned from psychology to fitness after becoming a mother.

✨Her experience in the NICU inspired her to work with mothers.

✨Active listening is crucial in building client relationships.

✨Understanding pelvic floor dysfunction is essential for trainers.

✨Consistency in messaging can lead to positive changes in clients.

✨The journey of motherhood shapes the approach to fitness training.

Socials

Website: strongmums.com

FB: @strongmumsgosford

IG: @strongmumsgosford

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Alissa To’omata is a visionary leader in fitness media, blending movement, creativity, and empowerment to inspire the next generation of fitness professionals. With over two decades in the industry, she played a pivotal role in launching Zumba in Australia, danced with Madonna, and redefined group fitness through innovative strength, HIIT, Pilates, and dance programs. As the former Chief of Group Programming at Crunch Fitness Australia for 14 years, Alissa has shaped the fitness landscape, recently introducing POP Pilates with YouTube sensation Cassey Ho. Now, she partners with industry leaders such as Powerflex, Healthworks and Mumsafe as she continues to build a dynamic platform that unites fitness, innovation, and storytelling to elevate instructors, personal trainers and creators worldwide.  

Takeaways

✨Dancing with Madonna taught Alissa the importance of intention.

✨Group fitness has evolved significantly over the years.

✨There is a blend of pre-programmed and freestyle fitness today.

✨Injury management is crucial for longevity in the fitness industry.

✨Visualisation can provide a physiological response similar to actual training.

✨Teaching group fitness requires letting go of control and adapting to different learning paces.

Connect with Alissa on socials:

FB: Alissa Toomata

Insta: @alissatoomata

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-toomata/

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Carol and Trudi, the mother-daughter team behind Third Age Fitness, are passionate advocates for older adult fitness with over 60 years of combined industry experience. Both hold Certificate III/IV in Fitness and Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, along with additional certifications in areas like Pilates, Pelvic Floor Fitness, and Understanding Dementia.

Their mission is to help older adults achieve optimal health and happiness through tailored fitness programs. They believe that age is no barrier to exercise and encourage participants to work at their best capacity.

Third Age Fitness offers accredited training courses for fitness professionals, recognised by bodies such as Physical Activity Australia, AUSactive, FITREC, and NZ Reps. They provide comprehensive resources including online courses, workshops, mentoring programs, and class plans.

Their expertise and dedication have established Third Age Fitness as a respected name in the industry, benefiting both older adults and fitness professionals specialising in this field.

Takeaways

✨Third Age Fitness is a unique mother-daughter fitness team.

✨Older adults can perform advanced exercises if capable.

✨Balance training is crucial for older adults.

✨New participants often feel invisible in gyms.

✨Instructors should be authentic and relatable.

✨Ongoing training is essential for fitness instructors.

Socials:

Website: thirdagefitness.com.au

FB: @thirdagefitnessau

LI: @third-age-fitness

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Rachel is a voice expert with 30 years of experience helping individuals, from singers to speakers, find their true voice. She holds a Bachelor of Education from The University of Melbourne and is an accredited Advanced Voice Teacher with the Institute for Vocal Advancement.

With experience working with singers, actors, public speakers, podcasters, and corporate professionals, Rachel specializes in voice function, helping clients use their voices with ease, power, and longevity.

Takeaways

🌟Many teachers experience voice strain due to lack of training and awareness.

🌟Warning signs of voice strain include sore throat, huskiness, and fatigue.

🌟Investing in voice training can help strengthen vocal cords and improve projection.

🌟Diaphragmatic breathing is crucial for effective voice projection.

🌟Humming is a beneficial exercise for isolating and strengthening vocal cords.

🌟Awareness of tension in the neck and throat is important for vocal health.

Socials

FB: @rachelpietschvocalstudio

IG: @rachelpietschvocalcoach

LI: @rachelpietsch-nowyouretalking

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Kirstin Bouse is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience, specializing in forensic assessments, trauma, pregnancy, motherhood, and menopause, with a focus on the intersection of perimenopause and ADHD. After leading Perth Psychology Collective for 18 years, she transitioned to a solo practice offering supervision for practitioners and reflective guidance using a range of therapeutic approaches. In 2024, she launched All About Her – The Centre for Menopause, a community of health professionals dedicated to supporting women through menopause. The center offers evidence-based services, events, and a professional membership program for practitioners specializing in menopausal care.

Takeaways  

✨Menopause significantly impacts mental health and requires informed support. 

✨Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for menopause-related issues.

✨Fitness professionals play a crucial role in supporting clients through menopause.

✨Women should have access to a range of treatment options for menopause.

✨Hormonal changes can lead to unique mental health challenges.

✨Community and support are vital for women navigating menopause.

Socials

LI: @kirstin-bouse

IG: @the_midlife_psychologist

IG: @allabouthercentre

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

Scott Hunt is the founder and CEO of Fit Your Ability, an NDIS registered Personal Training and disability support company servicing over 4,000 suburbs around Australia. Beginning in 1999 as Fitness Enhancement Personal Training, and franchising in 2014 to partner with other businesses in the fitness industry, Scott's companies have always been about helping those who need to exercise with a fitness professional, but feel that gyms can't cater to their ability. 

As Australia's largest and longest-running NDIS registered fitness company, Scott and his team advocate for a more inclusive fitness industry with the goal of the fitness industry being truly inclusive to all abilities.

Scott has a Bachelor in Business Majoring in Sports Management, a Certificate III and IV in Fitness and his multi-award-winning companies most recently won the 2022 AusActive Employer of Choice (for a brand with 10+ locations) and the 2023 AusActive Franchise Group of the Year.

Takeaways
🌟The NDIS aims to support individuals with disabilities in accessing fitness services.
🌟Empathy is crucial for personal trainers working with clients with disabilities.
🌟Becoming an NDIS registered provider involves a lengthy and complex process.
🌟Education and training are essential for fitness professionals in this niche.
🌟Raising awareness about inclusive fitness is vital for the industry.
🌟The fitness industry must recognize its diversity and inclusivity. 

Socials
FB -@fityourability
IG -@fityourability
YT -@fityourabilityNDIS

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/

In this episode of the Women's Fitness Education podcast, Mish interviews Billie Cox, the General Manager of Business Development at AUSactive. They discuss Billy's journey into the fitness industry, the role of AUSactive in supporting fitness professionals, compliance standards, advocacy efforts, and exciting initiatives like the A Million Moves campaign aimed at increasing physical activity among Australians. The conversation also covers the transition from student to professional, the importance of continuing education, and the diverse career opportunities available in the fitness sector.

Takeaways
🌟AUSactive supports fitness professionals through compliance and advocacy.
🌟The fitness industry is unregulated, but AusActive sets standards.
🌟A Million Moves aims to increase physical activity in Australia.
🌟Students receive free AUSactive membership during their studies.
🌟Continuing education is essential for fitness professionals.
🌟Networking opportunities are available through AUSactive events.

Socials
LI: https://au.linkedin.com/in/billiecox

Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courses

https://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/