Mel Tempest
Health Club Owner, Fitness Business Coach, and Public Speaker in Australia
Mel works alongside gym owners and franchises to create the best group fitness programming for clubs; she consults in innovation, marketing, club technology and fresh concepts; she works alongside
AUSactive, IHRSA, Fitness Expo Australia, FIBO and Fit Summit. She is also the founder of Ignite Fitness Business Events, which was launched in 2019 in Melbourne, Singapore, and the USA.
Her approach to business and advocacy work during CV19 was a testimonial to her brand; Mel met with state leaders and was interviewed on national TV and radio. She spent many days assisting other gym owners, including her competition in her community.
In 2023, she celebrated her club's 20th birthday.
She aims to become the landlord of the business she started and then work full-time in the industry alongside global brands.
Her accomplishments are indicative of her positive impact on the industry:
Induction to the 2022 AUSactive role of honour for her contributions to the fitness industry.
Recognition as the Fitness Influencer of 2020 by the Fitness Business Association, being the first Australian recipient.
IHRSA award scholarship recipient in 2017, another first for an Australian.
Recognition among the top 3 fitness business influencers in the USA by the Association Of Fitness Studios in 2019 and 2020.
Opening of Australia's first male gym in 2005, approved by the Equal Opportunity Board & Human Rights Commission.
As the founder of Ignite Fitness Business Events and host of The Gym Owners Fitness Business Podcast, Mel has created a knowledge-sharing and collaboration platform.
She has organized global fitness business events, roundtable discussions, and women's platforms, inviting world leaders to present educational content in the business. As a speaker, she advocates for the industry and its professionals, focusing on a fairer industry.
Mel's journey and success have proved that with determination and hard work, it's possible to create positive change and become a leading figure in the industry, irrespective of educational background. Based on her life story, her keynote addresses inspire many in the industry, reinforcing her role as a pivotal influencer.
Mel has been a club owner for 20 years and teaches in her club daily. She works alongside AUSactive Australia's fitness industry association, representing club owners.