Mel Tempest’s autobiography, “From Turmoil to Triumph,” unveils a life shaped by adversity and resilience. Born in Victoria, Australia, her turbulent childhood, marked by domestic turmoil and challenging experiences, paints a vivid picture of her journey. From witnessing her father’s violent outbursts to enduring the pain of parting with a beloved cat, Mel shares the highs and lows of her early years. Despite the darkness, she reflects on positive moments, such as the joy of owning a poodle named Pepi. We at CIO Global, are proud to have Mel Tempest as one of the Influential Women in Fitness, 2023.
Navigating through multiple schools and unexpected detours, Mel’s childhood was a series of transient experiences. Her grandfather’s unconventional method of teaching her to swim in the ocean symbolizes the unique challenges that forged her resilience. At eight, Mel faced a pivotal moment as her mother chose between motherhood and a career. Living with her father’s parents brought stability to her tumultuous journey. Despite her father’s perpetual struggles, Mel extends forgiveness, recognizing the impact of circumstances.
Throughout her life, Mel grappled with family complexities, loss, and personal struggles. Her story, however, is not one of victimhood but a testament to forgiveness, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life. Despite unexpected losses, she found strength in her relationship with her husband, Brad. Mel Tempest’s autobiography inspires readers to confront their own stories, find inspiration, and make positive changes. Her journey from chaotic childhood scenes to unexpected triumphs exemplifies the strength that can emerge from challenging circumstances.
“In the world of fitness, balance is the key. Balancing personal passions with professional commitments, celebrating diversity, and empowering women are the cornerstones of a healthier, more inclusive industry.” – Mel Tempest
Mel Tempest: Defying Fitness Stereotypes
Mel Tempest, a trailblazer in the fitness industry, challenges the pervasive misconception that fitness is reserved for the young, muscular, and conventionally attractive. In her work, she emphasizes inclusivity, showcasing individuals of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds participating in fitness activities. Mel firmly believes that a gym should be a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of appearance, age, or identity. Her own clubs exemplify this philosophy, boasting a diverse community that includes members from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Recognizing the impact of social media on shaping fitness perceptions, Mel advocates for a representation revolution. She encourages showcasing real people—sizes 14 and 16, grandparents, and the LGBTQIA+ community—embracing fitness. Mel believes in highlighting gyms as family-friendly spaces where different generations come together for health and well-being. By fostering a positive and inclusive culture on social media, Mel aims to dispel stereotypes and attract a broader audience to the fitness world.
Motivation and the Key to Healthy Living
Mel’s approach to motivation is straightforward: just get up and do it. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection to identify potential barriers, suggesting finding a gym environment that feels comfortable and supportive. Utilizing community boards or social media platforms to connect with like-minded individuals can make the journey more enjoyable. Mel encourages individuals to prioritize physical and mental well-being, advocating for doing what one loves and maintaining consistency to foster positive habits.
Mel Tempest shares inspiring success stories from her career, recounting individuals who overcame initial fears and achieved significant weight loss. The supportive community within her clubs played a crucial role in their success. Throughout the challenges of COVID, Mel’s clubs became lifelines for veterans, offering a vital support system that contributed to improved mental health. Even online platforms, like Facebook Live classes, created a sense of community and solidarity, reinforcing the belief that fitness is not just about physical health but also about building a culture of mutual support and well-being. Mel Tempest continues to break down barriers in the fitness industry, addressing the challenges individuals face when adopting a healthier lifestyle. For her, the biggest hurdle is often the first step—walking through the gym’s front door. Mel emphasizes the importance of professional guidance, urging individuals to engage with nutritional experts for informed dietary choices. She encourages overcoming intimidation by becoming socially interactive in the fitness community, highlighting that everyone starts somewhere, even those featured on social media doing advanced workouts.
Mel’s philosophy emphasizes the connection between mental health, movement, and eventual success in weight loss. While she doesn’t inundate her clients with dietary advice, she believes that positive changes in eating habits naturally follow an active lifestyle. Mel prioritizes mental well-being, understanding that success in fitness often leads to improved dietary choices over time.
Top Fitness Apps and Gadgets
Mel Tempest shares her top recommendations for fitness technology. MyZone, a staple in her clubs for over a decade, stands out as the most effective piece of technology. It fosters engagement, friendly competition, and rewards, creating a supportive community. Fitness On Demand and the newly emerged Coach Welly also make Mel’s list, offering versatile 24/7 class availability. For her, these apps contribute to a dynamic and inclusive fitness experience.
Advice for Aspiring Women in Fitness
As a seasoned professional in a once male-dominated industry, Mel urges aspiring women to seek mentors, emphasizing that age and experience are valuable criteria. She advises against assuming that only younger mentors can guide one’s career. Instead, she encourages learning from individuals who have navigated different life stages, providing a wealth of resources and tools for success. Reflecting on the past challenges women faced in the fitness world, Mel advocates for perseverance and self-empowerment. Drawing from her own experiences, she advises women to be vocal, persistent, and supportive of each other. Mel encourages the empowerment of younger women, stressing the importance of mentorship and providing opportunities to foster growth.
Mel Tempest, a self-proclaimed group fitness fanatic, shares her favorite workout routines that easily fit into a busy lifestyle. From combat to steel tonic and cycle classes, Mel’s passion lies in creating innovative group fitness programs. Her goal is not only to excel in her own club but to contribute to the industry by introducing new equipment and programming in various fitness spaces. Mel Tempest, a force in the fitness industry, sheds light on the delicate balance between personal and professional life. Post-COVID, she initiated a practice of not working on set Saturdays and Sundays, dedicating one additional day during the week to indulge in activities close to her heart. Whether catching up with friends, assisting fellow club owners, or enjoying outdoor adventures with her caravan, Mel emphasizes the importance of carving out time for personal pursuits amid professional commitments.
Empowering Women in Fitness: A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mel envisions a transformative shift in the fitness industry. She passionately advocates for more women in leadership roles, on boards, and as speakers at industry events. Her aspiration is to witness a culture of women celebrating each other, encouraging mutual support, and eradicating self-doubt. Mel calls for men to stand up as allies, recognizing and vocalizing the indispensable role women play in the fitness realm. She envisions a future where women confidently express their opinions, unapologetically making their mark in the industry.
A Powerful Message on Fitness and Wellbeing
In her parting message to followers and supporters, Mel Tempest imparts a powerful philosophy on fitness and wellbeing. She encourages taking risks, asserting that the fear of failure should not deter one from pursuing their goals. Mel underscores the importance of living without regret, emphasizing that trying and failing is a more gratifying path than never trying at all. She motivates individuals to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and persevere. Mel recognizes the profound impact fitness professionals have on their communities, emphasizing the industry’s pivotal role in promoting health, mental wellbeing, community, and culture.
Mel concludes with a rallying call for unity within the fitness community, highlighting the potential for collective action to drive positive change in the world. She asserts that the fitness industry, with its focus on health, mental wellbeing, community, and culture, has a unique and crucial role to play in shaping a better future for individuals and society as a whole.
“Fitness is not just about exercise; it’s a powerful catalyst for positive change in individuals and communities. Every day, someone wakes up aspiring to be like us—fitness professionals have the unique ability to be the change the world needs today.” – Mel Tempest
