Hi, I'm Irina Coaching for women 40+
I help women feel stronger, steadier, and more at home in their body again with calm coaching, safe technique, and a plan that fits real life.
Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs (in-home or park) with online coaching available too.
Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs (in-home or park) with online coaching available too.
My Story and why I coach women 40+
I’ve been in sport and fitness for 35+ years as a student, coach, teacher, and organiser — and also as a serial fitness entrepreneur. I’ve built and led two fitness clubs, and spent many years working one-on-one as a solopreneur, helping people get stronger in a way that actually fits real life.
But my work didn’t start with confidence. It started with a friend who felt too embarrassed to walk into a gym alone. We went together, and I realised something: without guidance, most people are left guessing. I tried to find reliable training information and there was almost nothing available. That moment taught me a lesson I still coach by today: effort matters, but knowledge matters more. When you understand what you’re doing, you stop spinning your wheels and start progressing.
I went all-in on learning, trained under a coach, and eventually reached the highest levels in my sport. Later, I poured that same energy into building fitness communities, running classes, training instructors, and creating spaces where women could feel supported, not judged.
Then in my 50s, I hit a stage many women recognise. I was active, teaching classes, moving constantly and yet my body started changing in ways that felt confusing and unfair. I tried the usual quick fixes. They didn’t help much. What did help was returning to proper strength training, done with the right technique and consistency.
My body stabilised, I felt like myself again and I went back to powerlifting. I set a world record and won a World Cup, proving (again) what I now want every woman to know: it’s not too late to feel strong, capable, and at home in your body.
Today, I coach women 40+ because I understand this chapter personally and professionally. You don’t need punishment, pressure, or perfection. You need a plan that makes sense, coaching that feels safe, and support that helps you keep going.
But my work didn’t start with confidence. It started with a friend who felt too embarrassed to walk into a gym alone. We went together, and I realised something: without guidance, most people are left guessing. I tried to find reliable training information and there was almost nothing available. That moment taught me a lesson I still coach by today: effort matters, but knowledge matters more. When you understand what you’re doing, you stop spinning your wheels and start progressing.
I went all-in on learning, trained under a coach, and eventually reached the highest levels in my sport. Later, I poured that same energy into building fitness communities, running classes, training instructors, and creating spaces where women could feel supported, not judged.
Then in my 50s, I hit a stage many women recognise. I was active, teaching classes, moving constantly and yet my body started changing in ways that felt confusing and unfair. I tried the usual quick fixes. They didn’t help much. What did help was returning to proper strength training, done with the right technique and consistency.
My body stabilised, I felt like myself again and I went back to powerlifting. I set a world record and won a World Cup, proving (again) what I now want every woman to know: it’s not too late to feel strong, capable, and at home in your body.
Today, I coach women 40+ because I understand this chapter personally and professionally. You don’t need punishment, pressure, or perfection. You need a plan that makes sense, coaching that feels safe, and support that helps you keep going.
A coaching style built on support, not pressure
Progress happens when you feel safe and understood. I listen first, then guide you with clear steps so training feels doable, steady, and built for real life.
A real conversation first
We start with your goals, your body, and your daily reality, so your plan fits you, not the other way around.
Evidence-led, not trends
No fads or punishment. I use proven training principles and smart progression, so you know what you’re doing is safe, effective, and worth your effort.
Safe effort, steady progress
We build strength gradually, with technique and confidence first, especially if you’re returning after a break or feeling cautious.
Always adapting to you
It’s a dialogue, not a script. Your feedback matters, and we adjust as we go: energy, stress, sleep, hormones, and life included.
Warm, supportive coaching backed by serious experience
Decades in sport, coaching, and evidence-led training, shaped into calm, safety-first sessions for women 40+.
35+ years in sport, fitness, and coaching
International Master of Sport (Powerlifting)
World record + World Cup win (Masters) Bench press + deadlift
Founded and operated 2 award-winning fitness clubs
Trainer educator + fitness event organiser (seminars, workshops, city events)
University-trained preventive health coach (women’s midlife + functional weight loss)
A few moments
I’m proud of
A glimpse into the sport, coaching, and community behind my work.
This is for you if you want strength that feels safe and sustainable
Most women I work with are 40+ and want training that supports real life: joints, energy, confidence, and consistency.
You’re 40+ and want training that feels safe, calm, and encouraging.
You’re returning after a break and don’t want to overdo it.
Your body has changed in midlife, and you want a plan that actually works.
You want strength for everyday life: joints, posture, balance, and energy.
You’ve tried “too intense” programs and they didn’t suit your body.
You want a coach who explains clearly, adjusts to you, and keeps you progressing.
You want coaching online with clear technique cues and a plan that keeps you consistent.
What clients say in their own words
“For me, trust is everything. I want to know training will help, not lead to injury. In all the years I’ve trained with Irina, I’ve never had reason to doubt her judgement.”
Long-term client
“I used to keep quitting because exercise felt like a chore. With Irina it feels different, she explains things clearly, adjusts for each person, and the sessions feel supportive. Now I actually enjoy showing up.”
1:1 Personal Training
“I’m 68, and I genuinely look forward to training now. Irina plans sessions thoughtfully, keeps things varied, and the atmosphere is relaxed. I move more comfortably day to day, and my mood has lifted too.”
Long-term client
Not sure where to start? Send me a message
Tell me what you’re dealing with (energy, aches, confidence, strength, routines). I’ll reply with one simple first step and a couple of options that feel realistic for you.
