My clients say that as a trainer and instructor I do not just lead it, I live it. This is true, what I do for a living is more than a job. It is my passion – not only do I work it and live it, I love it.

Radically changing people's lives for the better is a hugely rewarding experience, and is the strongest driver for me since the days I stepped off the world podium and stopped racing professionally. The successes of my clients are now my successes and their health and fitness goals are my top priority. I have trainees who, like myself, have defended their national colours and stood on the world podium, those who became the best divers at the New Zealand Navy, those who had to embrace the fear and learn to walk again after severe strokes, those who had to fight obesity and lose 65 kg, and those who simply enjoy training with me. Every single one of my clients is equally important to me.

Top 5 losers collectively lost 150 kg – more than three times their trainer's weight,
Rotorua Daily post March 2011

I believe that it's very hard to take someone where you haven't been yourself, and for that reason I am holistic about my personal health, fitness and well being. I aim to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Yes, I do have a life, but don't believe in overdoing the food or alcohol, or slacking off at work, and I get extremely frustrated when I meet trainers who do - because for many of my clients what we do can be the difference between illness and health, and for some it can be the difference between life and death.

When someone comes to me expecting that I will give them magic pills I have to disappoint them – I do not do overnight miracles. But if they are ready to step out of their comfort zone, push the limits and put the effort in every day, I will help them to the best of my abilities. And when my clients are testing the limits of my knowledge and abilities, and exceeding them, it's my job to stay ahead of their needs.

It is not uncommon for the Fitness Queen's classes to bring many people together

I am constantly innovating and searching for better, more efficient, more productive ways of training that pushes me to continue completing certification courses, researching on the internet, books and magazines, and learning from other trainers who are better than me. I believe that knowledge with action is power. And that's how I empower my clients.

Like everyone else I feel tired and lazy at times, but when the alarm goes off in the morning, I know that someone will be waiting for me at the fields and that gets me going. If I've managed to help someone today to make a change for the better, then it was worth crawling out of bed. That is why my clients trust me and believe in what I do - they know that dark or light, sun or rain, I will be there for them.

You can make the choice to BE good as well as just look good. And you can make a change towards a life well lived compared to just an existence. Many of my clients who shared their success stories, below, made this choice. And so you can. Remember, life rewards effort, not excuses.

Aiden Muggleton, the man who was dying but returned to life

Before, 185 kg, September 2010

After, 125 kg, April 2011

"I have just completed two 12 week challenges with Fitness Queen and have lost over 60 kg."

"I would never have believed that I would feel so different with those kilos not weighing me down. I would like to thank Oksana for her continuing support on getting me on the right path to good health, nutrition and fitness."

"Lastly to all the people sitting on the fence about losing a bit of weight and getting healthier - get onto it and come run round the fields with us - you will not regret it."

Paul Cooper, rehabilitation after stroke

Twelve months after a traumatic accident-related stroke, Paul began working with Oksana at Gold's Gym, which has made a huge difference to Paul's wellbeing.

Over the past nine months Paul has made tremendous progress in his physical recovery, with increased mobility and functional gains. Oksana used her depth of knowledge in anatomy and body mechanics to design and implement a rehabilitation programme to develop and strengthen muscles affected by the stroke, and to recover overall fitness. Joints and muscles that were previously inactive are now progressively returning to more functional use.

Paul has improved greatly with his walking, balance and use of his affected limbs which is helping his progress towards independence. Paul's daily sessions at the gym have significantly boosted his confidence to undertake activities that pre-stroke were achieved with ease, and with little effort and thought.

In spite of being left with aphasia as a result of the stroke, he has achieved a wonderful rapport with Oksana, which is having a positive impact on recovery of language and communication. Paul enjoys his daily workouts at the gym with Oksana, because he feels well supported and encouraged while being progressively challenged on his journey to recovery.

Sjors Corporaal,
North Island Triple Crown Challenge 2009 and 2010 Winner

New Zealand Triple Crown Challenge consists of three toughest trail runs:
Tois Challenge, Whakatane - 19 km,
Kauri Run, Coromandel - 32 km,
The Goat Alpine Adventure Run, Tongariro National Park – 21 km

"My goal was to increase my speed and endurance and win The Triple Crown. Oksana gave me detailed advice on nutrition and recovery methods. She was able to take me from where I was to another level through targeted training sessions. I was able to achieve my goal of running the three consecutive races of the North Island Triple Crown. My first attempt led to only being able to win The Goat (one of the Triple Crown races), but with Oksana's advice and guidance I was able to run and win all three. I am really happy with my achievements with Oksana and I look forward to taking it further again!"

See you out there at the fields,
Oksana