About the Australian Institute of Fitness

About AIF

We're Australia's longest-standing fitness educator for a reason - it's our legacy, our passion, and our unwavering commitment to helping Australians thrive.

Since 1979, we've been shaping the future of the fitness industry and educating the professionals who power it.

Founded 1979 — Australia's first Nationally recognised qualifications 70,000+ students certified & educated Part of Clean Health Group
290,000+
Students Certified & Educated
3,000+
Gym & industry partners across Australia
47
Years training fitness professionals
Our story

From Fitness Fanatics to Industry Leaders

It was in 1979 that Australia's first fitness training course was born — a Health Studio Attendants program in Perth, conceived by sports educator Nigel Champion. What started as a single course in one city grew, over 47 years, into the country's most trusted fitness education institution.

In 1981, Champion partnered with Dr Garry Egger to establish the ACHPER Fitness Leader courses in Sydney. By 1986, fitness entrepreneur Greg Hurst joined to create the Australian Fitness Network. Then, in 2000, a landmark merger brought together five of Australia's leading fitness training programs — ACHPER Fitness Leader, Australian Fitness Network, Institute for Fitness Professionals, National College of Fitness, and the Australian Institute of Fitness under National CEO Russell Creagh — to create the national AIF as it exists today: Australia's first and largest national fitness training provider.

In 2024, AIF was acquired by Clean Health Group — Australian pioneers of online fitness education with a global reach — marking a new chapter as AIF transitions to a fully online delivery model, making its nationally recognised qualifications accessible to Australians everywhere.

Meet the team AIF in the media
The AIF journey

Our
History

From a single course in Perth to Australia's largest national fitness training provider — over 47 years of shaping the industry.

1979
Health Studio Attendants — Australia's first fitness course

Sports educator and author Nigel Champion began running Australia's first fitness training course — the Health Studio Attendants program — in Perth, Western Australia. The seed of what would become AIF was planted.

1981
ACHPER Fitness Leader — expanding to Sydney

Champion partnered with Australian academic Dr Garry Egger to establish the ACHPER Fitness Leader group of courses in Sydney, broadening the reach of structured fitness education across the country.

1986
The Australian Fitness Network is born

Fitness entrepreneur Greg Hurst joined Champion to establish the Australian Fitness Network — a growing body dedicated to raising the quality of fitness education and professional standards across Australia.

1996
Nationally recognised qualifications

Following the Federal Government's training reform agenda, AIF's courses were incorporated into the Australian Qualifications Framework — making AIF's fitness training officially nationally recognised for the first time.

2000
Australia's first national fitness training provider

A landmark merger brought together five of Australia's leading fitness training programs — ACHPER Fitness Leader, Australian Fitness Network, Institute for Fitness Professionals, National College of Fitness, and the Australian Institute of Fitness under National CEO Russell Creagh — to create the national AIF. Australia's first and largest national fitness training provider was born.

2024
A new era — joining Clean Health Group

AIF was acquired by Clean Health Group — Australian pioneers of online fitness education with a global reach, founded by Daine McDonald. AIF transitions to a fully online delivery model, making its nationally recognised qualifications accessible to Australians everywhere, and cementing its place within a leading network of health and fitness education companies.

Mission & values

No matter your goals — we're here to help

Since 1979, AIF has had a passion for health, fitness and wellbeing. We support people from every walk of life — from Group Fitness Instructors to Personal Trainers, to Nutritionists and Massage Therapists. Wherever you want to go in the industry, we're here to get you there.

We don't just want to train you through your program — we want to hear your challenges, and help you on the right track to actually succeed in the real world. We get up every day because we believe in the power of fitness, and in thriving in this industry and becoming leaders in their field.

Nationally recognised

All AIF qualifications are nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework — the gold standard for fitness education in Australia.

Industry-led education

Our courses are built and delivered by experienced, qualified professionals — not just academics. Real-world knowledge from people who've lived it.

Flexible, online delivery

Study at your own pace, online, from anywhere in Australia. Complete practical assessments at a gym near you — no campus required.

Career-focused outcomes

From enrolment to employment — AIF's Careers Team, industry partnerships, and graduate resources are designed to help you succeed after you graduate.

Notable graduates

In good company

Meet our graduates
Michelle Bridges
Personal Trainer & TV Personality

One of Australia's most recognised personal trainers, Michelle Bridges became a household name through The Biggest Loser and her 12WBT program — an AIF graduate and ambassador 2009–2017.

Kayla Itsines
Founder, Bikini Body Guide

Global fitness icon and social media trailblazer, Kayla Itsines built one of the world's most followed fitness brands from the ground up — starting with her AIF qualification.

Leisel Jones
Olympic Gold Medallist — Swimming

Gold, silver and bronze medallist across the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, Leisel Jones is one of Australia's greatest swimmers and an AIF graduate.

Jayde Taylor
Olympian & Hockeyroo

Representing Australia on the world stage as a Hockeyroo, Jayde Taylor combined elite sport with a passion for fitness education — qualifying through AIF.

Our online education courses & qualifications

Get qualified with AIF

View all courses
Master PT and Nutritionist Program — AIF
SIS30321 + SIS40221 + 11046NAT

Master PT & Nutritionist Program

The ultimate qualification — combining the full Master PT program with the Master Nutritionist Program for coaches who want to cover everything.

Master Nutritionist Program — AIF
11046NAT

Master Nutritionist Program

Australia's leading nutrition qualification — a nationally recognised Certificate IV in Nutrition for those who want to coach clients on food, health and lifestyle.

Diploma of Remedial Massage — AIF
HLT52021

Diploma of Remedial Massage

A nationally recognised Diploma for aspiring remedial massage therapists — blended delivery with hands-on clinical training at AIF's massage campuses.

Looking for a personal trainer course in Australia? AIF has been training personal trainers for 47 years — explore our full range of fitness qualifications.
Industry partners

3,000+ gym & industry partners across Australia

AIF graduates are welcomed by gyms, studios, and health organisations across the country. Our industry partnerships mean you have access to practical placements, career opportunities, and a network that opens doors.

View all partners
AIF students in a fitness training session
Start your fitness career

Want to learn more about the AIF student experience?

Whether you're starting out or looking to advance your career, AIF has a nationally recognised qualification to get you there. Read graduate profiles and learn more about their stories, speak with our Careers Team, or explore our resources to find out more.

0