Gary Tapiolas

Program Director - Dip Teach PE (1979)

I have spent over 30 years searching for better ways to assist people to become healthy. I  began my career in 1979 completing a Diploma of Teaching in Physical Education. I then spent the next 24 years working directly in the fitness industry with the single minded purpose to get people fit and healthy. Whilst my focus has been in the health area my interest also lies heavily in achieving personal freedom through financial independence and personal improvement strategies.

 In 1980 I opened the first aerobics centre in Brisbane when there were only what were then termed as "sweat boxes" (weights gyms), packed with free weights and patronised by hulky scary guys. Some girls too. Though they weren't as scary.

This experience gave me an incredible insight into the highs and lows that an industry goes through during its birthing process. I experienced great success initially followed by the collapse of the whole industry in 1984. This devastated me financially and I had to learn how to survive in a cruel world. I succeeded and sold my last remaining centre in 1986.  

In 1987, (with my current spouse Debra), I commenced Fitlink, a training college to specifically train personnel for the fitness industry. It was here that Fitlink  gained a high reputation for the standard of fitness leaders and personal trainers needed for the industry. Through Fitlink, I met and worked with Peter Rhodes and Brian Cooke and was so highly impressed with the standard of their teaching that when it came to setting up Busting Free, I couldn't pass on inviting Peter & Brian to be part of the busting free team.

After 16 years of successfully operating Fitlink I sold it in 2003 and spent the last few years researching how I could follow my passion of delivering quality health programs to consumers on a global scale. I discovered internet marketing opportunities and resolved to bring quality programs to people globally at a realistic fee.

I have lived my passion and I am passionate about the quality and delivery of these programs so that everyone who wants to, can access quality educational health programs. I am determined to seek quality presenters (like Peter & Brian)  to bring different perspectives and different topics in an online environment. I am also a great believer in the face to face delivery of programs and will endeavour to present as many locally based face to face programs as is feasible.

I also want this site to represent the greatest tool for connecting like minded health and lifestyle orientated people to events, places and people through a unique "Get Connected" feature this site will develop as we progress.