At Onfit Training College, we love celebrating the achievements of our students, and this month’s Student Spotlight shines brightly on Oliver Geeves.
Nominated by his Trainer & Assessor, Tanisha, Oliver has stood out for his drive, commitment, and ability to balance his fitness studies with school and work – all while inspiring others through his passion for group fitness.
Meet Oliver
My name is Oliver Geeves. I’m 17 years of age, living on the Sunshine Coast, surrounded by the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains.
At a young age, I joined my mum as she attended a local fitness group. Over time, I found a love for step and cardio kick. In each session, my self-esteem and confidence in physical activity built, and I progressed from the back to the front of the class over time.
The trainers quickly recognised my ability to memorise and retain the choreography, and I was invited to assist them in running the class. I knew I was well on my way to progressing from participant to instructor. At 16, I attained my Certificate III in Fitness and started teaching classes at two gyms: Be Farm Fit in Beerwah and Average Joel’s Gym on Bribie Island.
What motivated you to make this investment in your future and how you feel it has paid off so far?
My passion for bringing the community together through fun and varied group fitness classes motivated me to consult trainers on what to look for in a course provider and conduct online research.
With Onfit’s online and self-paced study, I balanced my Year 10 schoolwork and paid work. Upon finishing the course, I am equipped to plan and instruct group fitness sessions and individual-based gym programs. I have expanded my professional scope of practice working in gyms and am excited to be helping others find a love for their fitness journey. Throughout my school week, I can earn income and stay fit. I have the confidence to work with clients ranging from children to older adults and have built a strong client rapport.
What have you enjoyed the most in your study journey so far?
Work placement has been a highlight as it has allowed me to create connections with like-minded people in the industry. Completing my placement afforded me to work alongside a variety of trainers and mentors.
How have you started applying what you’re learning?
I have enhanced my programming by applying the foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology to support safe and effective exercise. Onfit’s approach to student learning allowed me to understand the terminology when looking at credible sources of information.
This enables me to understand and locate evidence-based information, ensuring I remain current in the industry and expand my professional capabilities.
What have you found most challenging?
I found it challenging to move through anatomy and physiology at a consistent pace; however, with support from my trainers and assessors and through placement, I could identify where I needed to work on, in my online studies.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying to work in the fitness industry?
Industry Skills Placement, I believe, will be a highlight throughout your studies. You find the part of the industry you are interested in working in.
As a Group Exercise Instructor, working in a team of many different instructors is important to me as a younger instructor.
I learnt that doing a little more than your placement activities can not only enhance potential employability opportunities, as some facilities do internal hiring, but also build strong client rapport.
I discovered that management greatly benefits from team-taught classes and programs. The collaborative structure not only enhances the experience for participants but also keeps them motivated and engaged, encouraging long-term consistency. So if you want to teach a class, collaborate with like-minded instructors.
Industry Skills Placement allows you to identify any gaps in your skill sets. For me, this was the Gym Instructor side of my studies, so I sourced another facility that was 24/7 and had individual-based gym programs as part of their trainers’ role. Onfits trainers helped me communicate well in the workplace and demonstrated layered learning experiences.
What are your goals once you’ve completed your studies?
I am completing Onfit’s professional development course in Older Adults’ Health and Fitness.
I have recognised throughout my industry skills placement and experience so far, teaching classes and instructing programs, the importance of having the anatomy and physiology and the skills to assist and contribute to the health ageing process. This is setting me up well with my Certificate IV in Fitness, which I look forward to attaining in early 2025.
I am looking to study a Bachelor of Exercise Science or Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in the allied health sector once I complete senior school and run my group fitness classes and personal training business. I am committed to professional development, enhancing my instruction in choreographed fitness. I plan to attend conferences and events on the Sunshine Coast.
How do you stay motivated?
I am committed to ongoing training and learning to become a better trainer/coach.
I am fortunate to work for two gyms and have the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by a variety of fitness professionals. The conversations and observations from experienced instructors motivate me to progress in the fitness industry.
Lastly, what are you looking forward to the most once you’ve graduated?
Once I complete my Certificate IV in Fitness with Onfit Training College, I look forward to engaging and being a positive influence on others through social media platforms and my YouTube channel STRONG with Oli.
Congratulations, Oliver! Your journey is a brilliant example of how passion, discipline, and community can come together to create a meaningful career – even before finishing school. We’re so proud to be part of your story and can’t wait to see where your fitness journey takes you next.