Our Team

Brendan Rigby

Bach Appl.Sci (HM) (hons.)

Director

Brendan is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with 20+ years of professional experience in clinical and elite sporting environments.  His academic background includes the completion of a 3-year Human Movement university degree at ACU; and then progressed to complete an honours year in 1996 which included the completion of an academic research study into the physical preparation of elite Tennis players.  During his tertiary studies Brendan also completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology; which has been invaluable in his professional work as a Exercise Physiologist.

Brendan is the founder and director of Inspire Fitness, Melbourne’s 1st Exercise Physiology clinic and Allied Health Gym.  Brendan’s vision was to establish a specialized exercise facility where the clinical needs of a client are combined with their overall health and wellbeing goals; and in a fun-and-friendly atmosphere.  This vision has seen Inspire grow into the success it is today.

Brendan has a passion for working and motivating individuals of all walks of life to achieve a higher sense of health and wellbeing. Having worked with elite junior development squads at Tennis Australia in 2005 and 2006, Brendan brings his expertise and enthusiasm into tailoring individual exercise plans into all his sessions.

Sonja Cornes

BAppSc (Exercise Physiology) AES AEP ESSAM

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Sonja is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a passion for helping people live a happier and healthier life through exercise. Sonja has completed an undergraduate Exercise Physiology degree at the University of Sydney. Sonja’s university studies and clinical placements have given her outstanding knowledge in movement, biomechanics, chronic disease management and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Sonja’s experience includes working as an Allied Health Assistant, implementing programs for persons with living with a range of conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease, Osteoarthritis, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Sonja has also worked extensively as a personal trainer, helping people of all ages achieve their goals.

Sonja brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Inspire Fitness and is eager to put this into practice by empowering clients to achieve their goals. Outside of Inspire Fitness you can find her spending time outdoors hiking, cycling, and running or training at the gym.

Heidi Olynyk

Bach Ex Sci, MastersExSc

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Heidi is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist. Completing a Master of Clinic Exercise Physiology at ACU in 2023 and a Bachelor of Exercise Sport Science has allowed Heidi to gain the knowledge and experience to work with various conditions and populations. Heidi has also previously completed studies and internships in Strength and Conditioning working with young soccer players.

Heidi has a special interest in musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and neurological conditions, and sports performance however her passion is to get people back to what they love doing and building a fun environment where everyone feels confident and comfortable to exercise and reach their health goals.

Heidi has a background in tennis, playing since a young age and competing in tournaments throughout Victoria. She has also been a tennis coach for adults and kids over the past 5 years which has helped to develop her skills and understanding of movement and exercise technique.

Niki Holding

Bach Ex Sci, MastersExSc

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Niki is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with impressive array of qualifications under her belt, including a Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science, a Diploma in Remedial Massage with certifications in Pregnancy Massage, and is currently working towards becoming a Diabetes Educator, Niki is a true expert in her field.

Her passion for helping people with chronic health conditions is truly inspiring. Niki’s speciality is working with pre and post-natal women, diabetes, cancer and falls prevention, and she is always up for a challenge. What sets Niki apart as an Exercise Physiologist is her unwavering dedication to helping people find their exercise motivation and achieve their health goals.

On top of this, Niki also has an incredible amount of experience in first aid and as a sports trainer. Niki currently works with St John Ambulance and the Western Bulldogs with the AFLW/VFLW teams

But Niki is more than just a fitness guru. She is also an avid traveller and has hiked to Mt Everest Base Camp, volunteered in Mozambique, taught first aid in rural areas of Tanzania and conquered Mt Kilimanjaro.

Devon Juniper

Bach Ex Sci, MastersExSc (Exercise Prescription).

Accredited Exercise Physiologist (Professional Development Coordinator)

Devon is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a passion for healing through movement. He has a strong belief that anyone can and should be moving in order to promote a longer, happier life!

During his several years working as a personal trainer, Devon gained experience working with sub-elite athletes, expert trainers and promoting exercise internationally to impoverished communities. Devon completed a Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology degree at ACU in 2019. Since then, Devon has gained much experience working with a wide variety of clinical conditions and modalities. His work at Donvale hospital and Multi-disciplinary private practices.

Through these experiences Devon has been worked with a breadth of different populations. This includes clients with neurological conditions, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Devon’s specializes in sub-acute and chronic Musculoskeletal rehabilitation (including pre/post operation) including hip, knee and shoulder issues.

Devon loves exercise and is committed to spreading that passion to help people get the most out of life.

Abhishek Behl

Bach Ex Sci. AES

Accredited Exercise Scientist

Abhishek graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science in 2022 from Deakin University. He has a vested interest on exercise being the medicine to help people improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Abhishek has a knowledgeable interest in strength and conditioning and is passionate about holistically coaching clients with correct technique to ensure they unlock the health and performance benefits of strength training. He has previous experience working with elite level junior athletes; and combines this expertise with an eager interest in athletic performance, injury prevention and improving general health and well-being.

In his private time Abhishek enjoys watching many sports including tennis and AFL; where he is a passionate supporter of the Collingwood Football Club. He has a strong focus on exercise and would like to continue to emphasise how important exercise is as a means of medicine. Abhishek enjoys seeing clients progress towards their desired health goals and outcomes and is why he has chosen this career path.

Abhishek is enthusiastic and eager about helping people improve their health and wellbeing goals; and is a dedicated practitioner in bringing the latest sports and exercise science into his dynamic training sessions. He continues to further develop and amplify his knowledge through readings, learnings, and seminars to be the most effective practitioner possible. As a qualified Level 1 Sports Trainer, he brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to his role as an Exercise Scientist.

 Sebastian Mann

Bach Ex Sci, MastersExSc (Exercise Prescription) (current)

Exercise Scientist

Sebastian is an enthusiastic and caring Exercise Scientist with a passion and intensive knowledge of strength training. He has been assisting people, from young to young at heart, achieve their goals at Inspire since 2019.

Sebastian has completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and is undertaking a post-graduate Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University.

His university experiences have given him a broad depth of knowledge and experience in a variety of settings, including placements at Epworth Hospital, Orygen Youth Health & Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital. Since then, he has coordinated and instructed a variety of exercise programs within the local community.

He has a special interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic disease management, cancer (including prostate cancer), the role of exercise and ageing, falls prevention, neurological conditions and pre/post-operative conditioning. He pursues these interests enthusiastically by attending seminars and completing a number of further courses.

Sebastian’s passion for the role of exercise as medicine provides the foundations for collaboratively developing and prescribing individually tailored exercise plans, to assist others achieve their health and personal goals.