Meet the Team

Altitude Fitness Armidale (AFA) & Soul Studio

Ali Flynn

Founder, Peak Performance Coach, Mentor

Ali established AFA in 2009 with a mission to empower men and women to achieve a lifetime of fitness, health, and self-worth.

With over a decade of experience, she is dedicated to mentoring, and coaching every person who enters the world of AFA.

Some of her quals include:

  • Degree in Psychology

  • Post Grad in Clinical therapy

  • Cert 3 &4 Fitness

  • L1 Strength and Conditioning Coach

  • Vinyasa Yoga teacher

  • International Breathwork Facilitator

  • Pilates

  • Thump Boxing

  • Pre and Post Natal

  • Expertise in Biomechanics, Mobility and Functional Training

Ali remains deeply involved in every aspect of AFA, ensuring that her passion and expertise are infused into every detail.

Leisa Hunt

Strength Coach

Leisa's fitness journey began right here at AFA, starting as a complete newbie in a beginners' class, never having stepped into a gym.

Fast forward to today, and she’s not only conquered endurance events like half marathons and half Ironman competitions but also developed a deep passion for strength training.

Leisa is an Australian Strength and Conditioning L1 Coach and holds the bench press record at our gym. If you’re serious about boosting your strength and taking your training to the next level, Leisa is your go-to expert. Her dedication to strength training and commitment to helping others achieve their goals make her the perfect coach for anyone looking to get stronger.

Willow Noakes

Cardio & Full-Body Fitness Specialist

For over 12 years, Willow has been a cornerstone of AFA, specialising in cardio and full-body fitness. A true machine, she’s relentless in helping clients discover workouts they not only enjoy but also find challenging. Tough but always caring, Willow’s passion lies in pushing you to reach new heights while ensuring you love every step of the journey.

Sam Brennan

Personal Trainer & Mobility Coach

Sam Brennan brings a unique perspective to our fitness team as a former client turned trainer, armed with her Cert 3 and 4 qualifications. Known for her warm, caring nature and infectious laughter, Sam creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Her mobility and core sessions are thorough and effective, ensuring you feel every muscle you've engaged. With Sam, you're guaranteed a workout that’s both challenging and enjoyable.

Hayden Freeman

Ironman Coach

Born and bred right here in Armidale, Hayden has been racing in triathlons since the age of 15 which has lead him to all parts of this state chasing his passion. he has been lucky enough to have trained to be in elite squads around the North West area and has represented NIAS at the Academy Games. Beyond triathlons, Hayden is also skilled in Boxing and Ironman Coaching, making him a versatile and driven athlete ready to help you reach your peak performance.

Megan Kliendienst

Pilates Legend

Megan's classes are always packed with waitlists, and it's no wonder why. She has earned her reputation as our legendary Pilates instructor. Her sessions are in high demand for a reason—her expertise and passion make every class an essential part of any fitness journey. If you're looking to elevate your workout routine, make sure to book your spot early. Megan's classes are the place to be.

Annie Kanety

Yoga & Meditation Teacher

Annie is a yoga and meditation practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience. In the studio, she specialises in beginner- foundational yoga. Annie incorporates mindfulness, breathwork, and alignment principles, encouraging students to explore poses with a deep inquiry into their own bodies.

She has completed 275 hours of Yoga Teacher Training.

Bec Passey

Senior Yoga Teacher, Mentor

With over 30 years of yoga practice, Bec is our most experienced teacher and plays a crucial role in training our up-and-coming instructors. She completed her first 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2006 with Radiant Light Yoga and has since pursued further training in yoga and meditation with Power Yoga Canberra and Power Living Australia Yoga. In addition to teaching both local and online classes, Bec develops and facilitates yoga teacher training programs, mentors yoga teachers, and is also a skilled sound and breath healer.

Tilly Brauer

Casual Fitness Instructor & Strength Training Coach

Tilly has worked in the fitness industry for the last 12 years, between having 3 children. She has a Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness and particularly loves training in strength, high intensity interval training and pre and post natal training. Tilly is passionate about being active and living a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Brittany Freeman

Swimming Coach

Brittany has been a swimming coach for over 6 years. Starting swimming at 2 years old, Brittany went on to compete at state levels all throughout high school. She is passionate about teaching people from all walks of life about swimming. Her training philosophy is; to never give up even when it gets hard, encouragement is key and always make sure you have fun.

Brandon Forrest

Yoga Teacher & Exercise Sports Science Student

Brandon is currently studying Exercise Sports Science, bringing a deep understanding of the body’s mechanics to his yoga practice. He has completed a 250-hour yoga teacher training, including yin yoga.

Mim Macinnis

Pilates Barre Instructor

Mim, a primary teacher since 2014, found her passion for movement through Pilates. She is a qualified in Stretch & Pilates Barre.

Mim is dedicated to perfecting her stretch classes, constantly incorporating new positions and modifications to ensure everyone, from the least flexible to the most bendy, gets a full head-to-toe stretch.

Emma Abbot

Yoga Teacher & Pre/Postnatal

Emma, a cherished member of our community since its inception, has transformed from client to teacher.

Emma possesses a unique talent for creating a welcoming atmosphere, allowing you to settle comfortably onto your mat. Her classes prioritise alignment, complemented by creative sequencing, ensuring an inclusive space for all. Join Emma as she guides you through a practice that fosters ease and connection. She has completed
200-hour yoga training and specialises in pre and postnatal yoga.

Maddie Corbett

Yoga Teacher

Many of you know Maddie for her fabulous Yoga Essentials class, where she’s been making a big impact. Currently training to become a certified Yoga teacher, Maddie has been an integral part of our Thursday sessions, guiding our community as they explore different poses and deepen their understanding of technique and alignment.

Alfie

Mascot

Alfie is our youngest team member, joining us from his pack in July, 2018. He has come to the AFA team to help educate clients and staff on running techniques, wilderness survival and plyometric training.

Alfie is much loved in the community and will be seen out and about at numerous sporting events…you may even catch a glimpse of him down the street.

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