Embracing physical fitness transformed Jordan Bourke’s health and future. Now, the UOW College fitness graduate has made it his mission to make a healthier, stronger life accessible to all.
“When I was growing up, I was quite unhealthy; at my worst, I was 155 kilograms and so unhappy with my life,” says Jordan.
Determined to turn his life around, he lost 70 kilograms. But when he first signed up for his local gym, Jordan was paralysed by fear. He sat, hyperventilating, in the car park for 45 minutes before the gym manager opened the door and welcomed him in, helping him feel at ease in an environment that had once seemed so intimidating.
When he started working out, he quickly fell in love with how good it made him feel. He decided to explore a career in fitness.
“For a long time, I was doing just whatever I could in terms of work, trying to figure out what I was good at. It got to a point where I felt like I wasn’t good at anything,” Jordan recalls.
“But then I found fitness, and I knew it was an industry where I could do something I loved and make a difference to others. I wanted to be that person who brings others in and shows them it’s not scary.”
Finding his fit at UOW College
Jordan chose to complete his Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) and Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) via distance at UOW College, enabling him to gain both qualifications within one year while maintaining flexibility around his lifestyle.
“The blend of online and practical, face-to-face aspects was the right learning environment for me,” says Jordan.
“I gained so much knowledge about programming for clients, and the business units were really helpful. As a personal trainer, you’re running your own business and so you need to be across business planning, insurance, taxes, first aid, and everything else.”
Jordan says the connections he built while studying at UOW College have been integral to his success, his teacher Kelly McMullan in particular.
“Kelly is so knowledgeable in the field. She made even the difficult subjects easier and always had time for me when I needed help. She’s been a constant since graduation too, checking in to make sure I’m doing well,” he says.
“The small cohort also meant we were more connected, and I’m still in touch with many of them. It’s not just the teachers and the classmates, though; it’s the whole package. I’d be confident recommending this course and UOW College to anyone.”
From strength to strength
Graduating in early 2023, Jordan hit the ground running, building a thriving personal training business. Based out of Anytime Fitness in Fairy Meadow, he spends his days helping his diverse client base reach their personal fitness and health goals. He is also a positive and inspiring presence on the gym floor.
“I want to help people feel comfortable, to show them that most of the people in the gym, even if they’re huge and super fit, are actually quite lovely,” he says.
“I make an effort to find the people who are keeping their heads down and looking intimidated and build up their confidence. Because I’ve been there. I just want to create a safe space for people to exercise, have fun and get strong.”
Jordan has recently been accepted to study a Bachelor of Nutrition Science at UOW, keen to expand his repertoire and grow his career in the industry he loves. He is also supporting the next generation of fitness professionals, sharing his insights and providing work placements for UOW College students in the Fitness certificate courses and with them.
“A lot of the course is focused on programming and anatomy, but flipping from that to the business subjects was like going from night into day. It’s such a different aspect of the course, but so important once you’re out running your own business.”
Learn more about studying Fitness at UOW College
