Ali Marshall
Owner and Trainer
Ali grew up in Newcastle with her, mum, dad and 2 older siblings. During this time she was always physically active, which involved competitive sports and she also developed an interest in business. As a teenager, netball and touch football became a strong focus as did weight training at the local gym.
At the age of 18 Ali went off to University to study and pursued a career as a HR Consultant for the next 12 years, which she soon realised was not in alignment with her long-term goals and passion of fitness. In 2011 she made the decision to become a personal trainer and then along with her husband in 2013 launched CoreFit Newcastle.
At age 26, she sustained an unfortunate injury, when she ruptured the C 5/6 discs in her cervical spine and as a result underwent a rehabilitation regime. The experience was a turning point which then altered her approach to and appreciation of human movement.
Post rehabilitation Ali had to adopt a more cautious, progressive approach to her own exercise and developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for progressive training. The experience has given her a greater understanding of the human body and an ability to relate to clients who have sustained and continue to experience chronic pain as part of their day to day living.
Having to live with and overcome chronic pain has empowered Ali to reinforce the importance of positive mindset and movement practices which contribute to safe, yet effective long term results.
Dan Marshall
Owner and Trainer
Dan grew up around the eastern coast of NSW with his family. During this time he developed a love of sport, and began playing rugby league and union.
At age 19 he become unwell which led to a number of hospital visits, inactivity and a lack of confidence. Months down the track, he was diagnosed with Coeliac disease and began the slow road to recovery which meant a significant change in diet and a very slow return to exercise whilst battling fatigue.
The diagnosis was a blessing in disguise as it forced him to re-evaluate his approach to nutrition, which in previous years had comprised of unhealthy habits, namely lots of takeaway and processed foods. In his early 20’s Dan played first grade union for the Waratahs and Southern Beaches Rugby Union Clubs and was selected as part of the Hawthorne Rugby 7’s Representative team. He also became the Strength and Conditioning Coach for a number of Newcastle’s Rugby Union teams.
Dan spent most of his life playing rugby and attending the local gym but he soon also developed an appreciation for calisthenics training. Today Dan incorporates weights and calisthenics into his training regimes.
The extent of his own personal health challenges alongside his athletic training and experience has provided him with a lifetime of knowledge and different perspectives on training.
These experiences has led Dan to master the art of movement practices which provide stamina, endurance and strength for longevity.
Annette Murray
Personal Trainer
Annette has lived in Newcastle all her life She is now married to Scott and has three daughters, Sophie, Alex and Jess. At school Annette played hockey and was a keen participant in athletics. After leaving school she continued to play hockey and developed a keen interest in going to the gym – think mid 80’s, bright coloured leotards, sweat bands, Olivia Newton-John and the grape-vine.
Annette has tried hard to maintain her fitness over the years but has had her ups and her downs, including a period of two years fighting the ‘black dog’ (clinical depression). Hockey was played intermittently but regular exercise took a back seat as she raised her three daughters and helped her husband with his plumbing business. Around 10 years ago she injured her back and this was the catalyst for her getting back to the gym. It took some time and mental muscle to get back into the routine but the dividends paid off. During this time Annette has competed in such things as the Newcastle Hill to Harbour, Mini -triathlon, Raw Challenge, City to Surf and even joined an over 35’s step aerobics group that went on to win gold in the Australian championships.
Today, Annette loves to train not only for the physical benefits but also because she believes it contributes to the state of her mental health. More recently she has been diagnosed with arthritis of the knee but won’t let this slow her down. Annette is ready to share her experience and assist others in achieving their fitness goals.
So what are you waiting for?
Join the 100’s of others that have benefit from CoreFit Newcastle