ANNETTE
SHEPHERD Dip.FH

Annette’s work showcasing her unique approach to personal development has been featured alongside America’s greatest nutrition specialist, Dr Jonny Bowden, as well as world renowned author of Metaphysical Anatomy, Evette Rose and other well known leaders in the health and wellness space after being approached to join an incredible online worldwide wellness line up in 2019.

She was introduced to the world of energy work back in 2014 but wasn’t even aware of her strong intuitive abilities until she fell pregnant at the age of 38.

Way back in 1985, when Annette was only eight years old, she decided she wanted to work in the fitness industry. Aerobics was a huge fad and she had visions of teaching classes and making people feel happy, just like her own mother did at the time.

But it wasn’t until over two decades later, as she turned thirty that she actually made the decision to try to create a career out of health and fitness. It’s a decision that in some ways saved her, and perhaps many others as a result.

Annette is not afraid to share her own personal journey of heartache and healing. “On and off for ten years I went through self-destructive behaviour, from suicidal thoughts, addictions, limiting beliefs, sabotaging habits and self-loathing.”

Attending her local gym had helped Annette to overcome depression and get in control of her anxiety. In fact, it had become somewhat of an obsession for her. Out of 4000 members, Annette was the most frequent visitor. She was working in the corporate world at the time but was studying her Cert IV in Fitness so that she could learn more about her passion.

“I wasn’t completely sold on the idea of being a personal trainer full time but the universe had other plans for me. In the final week of exams, I was made redundant. The next day I was organising my business cards and all signed up ready to start as a full time personal trainer at my gym. That decision was the beginning of all the best decisions of my life.”

Up until that point Annette had been on a journey of learning big life lessons. She was the eldest of seven children and had had a tough time at school and was unknowingly involved in a religious cult. With digestive issues, a social anxiety disorder and an unhealthy relationship with food, she swung from being overweight to being obsessed with dieting.

“I know what it feels like to just ‘exist’, it’s an awful way to live. I also know what it’s like to see life cut short due to mental illness, disease or derailed because of addictions. I love that we have a place where our clients know they can work through any limitation holding them back from living their most rewarding authentic life. I love that we teach them how to live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives! I love that we address things from a whole perspective.”

The success of the studio has not come without real sacrifice. Annette’s entire life savings went into creating the space. Matt and Annette lived with family for several years in order to pour every cent into making it the best that it could be. The pair are constantly investing time and money in attending courses, seminars and workshops run by experts from around the world.

Listening to her soul, working 80 hour weeks for many years after the studio opened, fantastic results and a whole lot of professional and personal development. She credits this as what helped create their point of difference.

“Through the work I’ve done, I’ve found a way to read and learn from the body. Now using tools like forensic healing and applied muscle testing to look at energy flow through meridian points in the body, I’m able to get to the root of where issues are stemming from, then using energy healing, we can clear out negative beliefs, emotions or stored trauma in the soul or our DNA, releasing what’s needed to help restore harmony within the body. What we offer now is truly unique and sets us apart from every other trainer around us. Our approach to training, nutrition and mindset is on another level and forever evolving. We help clients create change from a deep level within.”

After the arrival of her first son, Annette stepped out from her role as a personal trainer and now works as a Mind Body Soul Coach at Assist PT. She is still very much hands on with Assist PT clients and is clear on what the future holds for Assist PT.

“Matt and I are continually investing in our own knowledge and development. We are committed to passing what we learn on to our trainers and clients. The future is bright because we are passionate about getting clients healthier and happier and we are determined to lift the standard of what personal training is in the fitness industry, it’s life changing, not just for our physical bodies”