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.
