Fitness fanatic Alana Zubcic loves being a fitness instructor and personal instructor at YMCA Cardinia. 64588Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Emma Schenk
ALANA Zubcic is a woman on a mission to make the world a better place.
After losing both her parents to heart disease at an early age she was determined to help others stay healthy.
The 30-year-old fitness fanatic quit her job as a sales representative last year and decided to finally follow her passion.
“I’ve wanted to do it ever since I left school but I got stuck in my job,” Alana said.
She is now a fitness instructor and personal trainer at YMCA Cardinia.
“It has been 100 per cent worth the change,” she said.
“I’m so much happier now helping people achieve their goals, taking care of them and keeping them happy.
“We’re the top country when it comes to heart disease and I want everyone to know that health is a lifestyle choice, not just a diet that lasts a week.
“It should be thought of every single day and I’m thrilled to help people understand that.”
Working 12 hour days and starting some days at the crack of dawn hasn’t deterred Alana, and she admits she’s given up some things for exercise.
“Yes, I’ve turned down dates for exercise,” she laughed.
But Alana doesn’t go without company in her job and she said one of the best things about it is constantly being surrounded by people. “In my last job I was on the road a lot and that got pretty lonely,” she said.
“But that’s all changed now.”
Alana isn’t only passionate about fitness, though, she’s passionate about everything in life and has a certain contagious enthusiasm.
She will travel overseas for three months in June and said the thought of going around the world and seeing the major sights is fantastic.
“I’ve been held back a bit in the past by certain circumstances but now it’s time to be myself and make the most of my freedom,” she said.
“I’ll be sad to say goodbye to my clients but, hopefully, I’ll see them when I return.”
Alana doesn’t know what the future will hold, but said she will continue to share her passion with others.
“I’d love to become a PT manager or get involved in the health club team management one day,” she said.
But for now, the Pakenham resident just hopes to meet as many people in the gym as possible.
“I’d encourage everyone to come in and try it out.
“I believe everyone needs a personal trainer to guide and motivate them.
“And if people start understanding the foundations of being healthy then we can become a happier nation and save people from heart disease.”
