The Science of Fitness Podcast · Science of Fitness

From Footy to Fitness Coach - How Mattais Heimuli Rebuilt Identity Through Training And Community

·35 min·2 clips

After footy, Matthias says he felt like he lost his identity and fell into bad habits.

1. The Science of Fitness Podcast focuses on Matthias Hemmouli’s move from footy to fitness coaching and the identity shift behind it. 2. Bruce hosts Matthias Hemmouli, a Soft coach and former rugby league player, because Matthias links sport, training, and community in one career path. 3. The episode asks how a former footy player rebuilt his life through training, study, and coaching after feeling stuck in bricklaying and bad habits. 4. Matthias says he played footy in New Zealand for the junior Warriors before signing with the North Devils in Brisbane at 20. 5. He explains that after footy he worked as a bricklayer, hated it, and gained weight before deciding to get fit again. 6. Matthias says CrossFit gave him the competitive edge he missed from sport, and he also started weightlifting because he hated running. 7. He describes studying Cert 3 and Cert 4 while still doing his bricklaying apprenticeship. 8. Matthias says his first fitness job came through Project 180, where Glenn hired him after trainers left. 9. Bruce and Matthias discuss how external feedback from members made Matthias realise he was good at coaching. 10. They talk about why many fitness careers fail early, and Matthias says six-plus years in the industry has taught him the value of passion and detail. 11. Matthias says group fitness is not just “adult babysitting” because coaches teach movement, help people return from injuries, and support longevity. 12. Bruce says Matthias brings a good vibe and “cultural flavor,” and Matthias agrees that connection matters as much as exercise science. 13. Matthias says routine from footy still shapes him, and he likes having milestones to train toward. 14. He says post-footy training taught him that obsession without balance can become unhealthy. 15. He jokes that his balance strategy can include KFC, while still training hard when needed. 16. Matthias says he has recently shifted from CrossFit toward running, including a half marathon, a marathon, and plans for a half Ironman and Ironman. 17. He says his body feels happier with the endurance shift because CrossFit competition left him with niggles and injuries. 18. The interview feels casual and conversational, with Bruce challenging Matthias, teasing him, and returning repeatedly to practical lessons for members. 19. Listeners into training, coaching, footy, and gym community will get the most from it. 20. Skip it if you want a polished sports story without coaching talk.

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