About BFF

Jo

Hi, my name is Joanne and I am the founder of B.F.F.

I have always been active. Throughout school I experienced many different sports from netball to basketball to little athletics then volleyball where I settled for several years competing in 2 national championships.

After volleyball, I tried karate for a little while. This wasn’t for me so I had fun with aerobics for a number of years.

Aerobics took me into a gym in my late teens where bodybuilding became my thing for approximately six years winning 2 state competitions and competing in 1 national championship.

From bodybuilding, it was back into aerobics, then I had my 2 daughters which life left little room for exercise.

In 2012 I decided it was time to pull my socks up and put on some goggles so off to swimming it was.

It was only after a friend at my day time job told me she was going to a boxing session that I tagged along and immediately! developed my passion for boxing. So thank you friend (you know who you are) 🙂 I have never looked back.

I just LOVE the energy of a group session, combined with great music and good people. These are ingredients for a fun but hard working class.

The precious friendships I have made, the people whom I have met through BFF, the amazing BFF Team are my inspiration and motivation. Helping people and seeing people achieve their fitness goals, and improve their mental health makes it all worthwhile.

Helping people and seeing people achieve their fitness goals, and improve their mental health, the precious friendships I have made, the people whom I have met through BFF and the BFF Team….they are all my inspiration and motivation. They make it all worth while.

My partner and my daughters are my rock and support and they keep me grounded. Our 2 pooches are my BFF’s, and shopping, watching movies, listening to music (Keith Urban and Elvis Presley are my faves), a quiet scotch, and being with my family are my most favourite things to do in my spare time.

My qualifications: Level 1 Thump Boxing Instructor, Advanced Level Thump Boxing Instructor, Level 1 Punchfit Boxing Instructor, Advanced Level Punchfit Boxing and Kickboxing, Group Exercise Leader, Cert IV Training and Assessment, Cert IV in Fitness and PT, Senior First Aid, pre & postnatal certification, police cleared to work children, Family Bootcamp

Angela

I am Angela and I am a qualified level 2 Yoga teacher and have been teaching Yoga since 2011. My training includes the completion of a 300hr Sivananda teacher training program with the Swami Vishnu Yoga Centre in Ontario, Canada.

The concepts I learned during my training gave me an insight into an entirely new world at which time I realised I wanted to know so much more. As a result, I committed to focus on weaving the new-found principles and philosophies into my life, not only regularly practicing yoga, but working towards living my life in accordance with these philosophies and sharing my knowledge with others. This is not as simple as it seems… This shift in direction has been profound and began the start of a lifelong path of growth and change.

I have also completed a Vinyasa Flow advanced immersion with Yoga Trinity in Canberra and I am a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner, but not currently practicing. I also trained in core Yoga, kids Yoga and chair Yoga.

So far, my Yoga journey has been life-changing and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn daily from students, friends and family.

I love to move and love a good workout as much as my Yoga practice. HIIT and boxing are her favourite workouts!

I try to keep the home chemical free and enjoy making my own natural products from raw materials and essential oils.

I adore the beach, long walks, good food and wine, and a gin and tonic!

My qualifications: Level 2 Yoga teacher and have been teaching Yoga since 2011.  My training includes the completion of a 300hr Sivananda teacher training program with the Swami Vishnu Yoga Centre in Ontario, Canada.

Jodi

Hi, My name is Jodi and I have been a group trainer at BFF since July, 2018. It is because of Jo that I found a love for boxing when I started as a member back in January, 2016! I love the BFF community. Watching people improve their fitness and challenge their mind sets is very satisfying and rewarding.
When I’m not at the studio, I love checking out live music or heading away for a weekend in the caravan.

Liam

I am Liam Sandford. I have been a PT for 14 years and have an extensive range of experience which includes body rehabilitation and muscle management. I love sports, spending time with family travel and history. I try to make everything fun and enjoyable.

Mark

Hi Guys, My name is Mark Gully and I’m very excited to be part of the BFF training team.

I’ve been involved in the fitness/martial arts space for over 10 years now and picked up plenty of experience along the way that I’m happy to share with you all.

Favourite warm up – Thunderstruck 😎
Favourite exercise – Crocs🐊

My qualifications: Certificate 3 / 4 Personal Training; Level 1,2 and 3 Boxing / Kickboxing; Bootcamp Level 1 / 2

Melissa

My Yoga journey began while studying, as a tool to manage stress and to calm my mind. I developed a love of the moving meditation and yoga became ingrained in my life.

I appreciate that Yoga teaches us to connect our mind and body, breath and movement.

My Yoga journey continued when I became a certified Yoga teacher in Hatha and Vinyasa. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to be creative and share the benefits of Yoga with others. Outside of Yoga, I am an Occupational Therapist, and enjoy a good dance or hike in beautiful nature.

My qualifications: Occupational Therapy, Certified Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher

Nikki

Hi i’m Nikki, I am a qualified yoga teacher and have been teaching since 2020. I fell in love with yoga when my mental health was at it’s lowest and I was battling a lower back injury from a car accident. I remember the very first class I attended and feeling all the benefits- physically, mentally and emotionally. I knew at that point I needed to share the gift of yoga with anyone and everyone. That is what inspired me to start teaching, with emphasis on making sure my classes are inclusive of all levels, especially beginners! My training also includes teachings on pregnancy, chair and kids yoga, meaning I can cater to more of the community. My teaching style is very gentle with emphasis on stretching and strengthening, not just the physical body but also creating mental/emotional awareness.

Outside of Yoga I am a Veterinary Nurse and Lecturer, my free time is spent with my dog, enjoying the outdoors or at the gym training my new found passion of weight lifting. I strongly believe that yoga is for every-body, if you have been thinking of attending a class I challenge you to book in!

Taylor

Hi, I’m Taylor! While I am new to the fitness industry, I have always had a love for exercise, particularly boxing. As a teenager, I would spend hours in my garage with my boxing bag as a means of empowerment and a way to build confidence.

Through the years I’ve followed several health and fitness influencers, completed a variety of at-home workout programs and been a member of various gyms. It wasn’t until July 2021 that I found my home with BFF, attending the 6am classes. My love for the style of workouts, the BFF community and the BFF team has only grown and I am so excited to be on this journey. My goal is to empower our members and have them leaving the class with a smile.