Sporty childhood
Dilani grew up and has lived in Melbourne (SE suburb of Glen Waverley) her whole life. She suspects this could be why she has always enjoyed travelling!
Dilani has always been active growing up and tried as many sports as she could including cross country, soccer, basketball, surfing and skiing. She was a fairly petite kid so she enjoyed surprising others with her speed and agility. Dilani played tennis for 5 years and did swimming for around 10 years (from age 6). As she grew older she focused more on gaining strength and endurance.
Qualifications
Dilani is a qualified and registered radiation therapist holding her Bachelor of Biomedical Science (2006) and Masters of Medical Radiations (2012). This job involves planning and treating people who have cancer with radiation. Dilani has always had an interest in health care and working with other health professionals in order to help people through a difficult journey and improve their health. It’s a rewarding job where she meets extraordinary people who have made her aware of how much the body can withstand.
Taking on Fitness
Radiation Therapy is quite a specialized industry, with a lot of competition for full-time roles. Dilani wanted to take on something to compliment her radiation therapy. She knew she enjoyed working with people to improve their health so combining this with her interest in being fit and active, becoming a Personal Trainer was a natural progression that made the most sense. Her favourite part of being a PT is being a positive, motivating influence in improving people’s health, happiness and lifestyle.
Training style
Dilani likes to use a combination of High Intensity Interval Training and weights for both herself and her clients. Efficient and effective. She believes even those who think they hate exercise will find something they enjoy. Dilani also has a boxing qualification which she incorporates into many sessions – it’s a great full body workout and also great fun!
5 Questions with Dilani:
1. What is your biggest achievement as a Personal Trainer?
Helping people make positive changes in their life from getting off medications, being able to do something they haven’t in years (eg. run 5km) or gaining the strength to lift something they never thought they could. It also great to see someone go from not enjoying exercise to looking forward to our sessions and making fitness/being active a part of their life
2. What is your most memorable training session?
I don’t have one specific session but whenever a client achieves something they didn’t think they would or sees results related to whether fat loss or gaining strength it is a pretty great feeling to be a part of that change
3. What is your favourite exercise as a trainer?
Core exercises as it strengthens your back and also reduces the chance of injuries
4. What is your favourite exercise or sport outside of work?
I enjoy hiking outdoors and getting off the beaten track. I also like boxing – great full body workout, good way to get out any frustrations and it’s nice to be in front of the pads for a change!
5. What is your favourite quote?
Don’t wish for it…work for it. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you