Get to know our Education Manager, Rob Gardener

We’re excited to officially introduce Rob Gardener as Onfit Training College’s new Education Manager!

After working at Onfit over the last 8 years, Rob has been an integral part of our education team. During his time at Onfit, Rob has shown that being supported throughout your studies can yield phenomenal results for what our students can achieve. Rob’s dedication to furthering his own education, continuing his Personal Training business, staying engaged in what’s next for the health and fitness industry, and his care for our students are just some of the reasons why we are so thrilled to have Rob leading our education team. 

Whether you’re new to studying at Onfit, or you’ve been studying with us for sometime, we wanted to officially welcome Rob to his new role and take the time to get to know the real Rob Gardener! Ps. Don’t worry, Jeff Cook is still part of Onfit Training College! He’s moved into a new role, called ‘Business Performance Manager’ where his expertise in education & management will be harnessed to ensure Onfit Training College is cutting edge in all aspects of our service, education and reputation within the industry.

LET’S GET TO KNOW ROB…

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WORKING IN EDUCATION?

Initially I started in the education sector as I was personally not happy with the level of skill and knowledge of trainers in the industry when I started. So, I wanted to make a difference and change that, working in the education side allowed me to make such a difference and create the best possible trainers.

OVER YOUR CAREER AS A PERSONAL TRAINER, WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT?

The most rewarding aspect for me personally is seeing clients achieve things which they have told me were impossible. Whether that is doing a particular exercise/movement, competing in a competition or achieving results above and beyond their expectations.

WHAT STUDIES HAVE YOU COMPLETED YOURSELF? 

Over the years I have completed: Certificate III, IV and Diploma of Fitness, Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Movement Science, Certificate IV in Weight Management, Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance and lots of short courses along the way as well.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START WORKING AT ONFIT?

I started working at Onfit back in March of 2013.

WHAT’S THE BEST MOVIE/TV SHOW YOU’VE SEEN RECENTLY?

I really enjoy all the true crime documentary series, so most recent would be Trial 4 which was really good.

WHAT DOES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF BEING EDUCATION MANAGER AT ONFIT LOOK LIKE?

There is always the student aspect which is great, answering student questions through email, phone etc. as well as the assessing side of things, marking assessments. But there is also a lot of coordination of the team and organisation for upcoming projects as well.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR DOWNTIME?

You’ll pretty much find me in one of 3 locations, the gym, basketball stadium or on the couch playing Xbox. These are my go to things to help relax.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I really like the diversity in what my role offers, I am still very much involved with the training and assessing side of things as well as the management side of things, so the variety is what I really enjoy a lot.

WHERE’S SOMEWHERE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRAVEL TO?

I’ve always wanted to travel to the US, mainly to watch as much NBA as possible and also do a fast food tour, trying to go to as many different fast food places as possible over there.

WHAT’S YOUR GO TO CHEAT-DAY SNACK?

Very good question here, I am very much partial to having pizza, a block of chocolate, ice cream, chips, lollies, all the good things. Just depends on what I am really feeling like that day. I have also been known to create all sorts of weird food combinations when I go for a cheat snack (the more calories the better). So pretty much anything goes for me there, I don’t have any one set snack.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT YEAR?

Developing more in the role of Education Manager and using these skills to further help improve the level of trainers being produced and sent out into industry.

WHO’S SOMEONE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Vince Carter for me, he’s had one of the longest careers in NBA history, he has (like all of us) had times where he has lost motivation and it showed, but has come back from these times more focussed and determined to achieve what very few have ever done. His determination and focus to have such a long and successful career is a huge inspiration. Plus anyone who can still throw down some of the craziest dunks in their 40’s is definitely an inspiration for me.

WHAT SHOULD WE BE LOOKING FORWARD TO, WITH LEADING THE EDUCATION TEAM AT ONFIT?

The continued high level of support and education that everyone is used to, plus working on improving course content and marking turnaround times to ensure the best possible student experience and student outcomes.