Meet Kourtnee: From Athlete to Entrepreneur

Ever wondered what it’s really like to own a Fitstop? Meet Kourtnee — a professional athlete turned business owner who’s built one of Queensland’s fastest-growing Fitstop communities. Her story is all about passion, purpose, and the power of backing yourself. If you’ve ever wondered what owning a Fitstop actually looks like, or how it feels to turn your passion for fitness into a career — keep reading.

 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself?
I first joined Fitstop as a casual trainer, coaching around 20–30 hours a week while growing my personal training business at Fitstop Jindalee. Sport has always been a huge part of my life — I started playing netball at four years old and never looked back. I represented Victoria at Under 12s and 15s, and have competed at state level since I was 16. These days, I play semi-professional netball with the Gold Coast Titans and made the Queensland Firebirds extended squad in 2024.

Q: What made you want to become a Fitstop business owner?
I’ve always believed in what Fitstop stands for — the impact it has both physically and mentally, and the way it brings people from all walks of life together. There’s a real sense of belonging here. The Fitstop community builds friendships, confidence, and strength, and the product itself has made me the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been in my career. The education and programming are second to none, and they’ve helped me develop a deep understanding of strength and conditioning.

Q: How do you balance being a professional athlete and a business owner?
When you love what you do, you find a way. I’m so grateful to have two amazing passions — playing the sport I love and helping others through fitness. I choose to be busy, to challenge myself, and to keep growing. Practicing gratitude is a big one for me — I remind myself daily how lucky I am to do what I do and to make an impact on people’s lives.

Q: How has your sporting background influenced the way you run your business and connect with members?
Leadership and resilience — they’re everything. Through netball, I learned how to communicate, create an honest environment, and make people feel safe to be themselves. Sport also taught me that quitting isn’t an option; if something’s hard, you find another way. I’ve learned to reach out for help, to listen, and to keep learning from those who’ve walked the same path.

Q: Was there a mindset shift from being a competitor to leading in business?
Definitely. I’ve always led by example — whether it’s on the court, in training, or now in the gym. I’ll never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. But stepping into leadership as a business owner has taught me the importance of empowering others — helping people around you feel confident and capable every single day.

Q: You’ve seen incredible growth in just 12 months. Can you share a bit about that success?
When we took over Fitstop Jindalee in July 2023, we had 85 members — and 15 of them were mid-cancellation. Fast forward to July 2025, and we’re sitting at 210 active members. That growth comes down to mastering the basics and doing the hard stuff well. We treat every member with respect, lead by example, and follow the Fitstop formula the way it’s meant to be executed. We focus on trust, consistency, and keeping things fun — from challenges and bootcamps to game days. It’s about never getting complacent and always giving members something to look forward to.

Q: What’s surprised you most about running a Fitstop?
How much it teaches you about life and people! I’ve been blown away by how willing others are to help, and how genuine the connections are — even with complete strangers.

Q: What makes the Fitstop approach stand out from other fitness franchises?
The progressive programming and constant evolution. The Fitstop programming team is world-class — the structure, the delivery, and the focus on the “perfect session” make every workout purposeful and effective. It’s not just training; it’s training with intent.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about opening their own business?
If you’re passionate about fitness, helping others, and creating a community — go all in. Believe in yourself and be ready to learn. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s how you grow. Set goals, stay consistent, and never lose sight of why you started.

Q: What’s next for Fitstop Jindalee?
In the next 12 months, our goal is to grow to 250 committed, thriving members and continue building a community people can’t stop talking about. We want to be the go-to gym in Brisbane’s western suburbs — the place people get FOMO about if they’re not part of it. We’ll keep delivering the Fitstop experience at its best and continue making an impact on every person who walks through our doors.

Behind every Fitstop is a leader who lives and breathes what we stand for — strength, connection, and growth. Kourtnee started as a trainer, became a semi-pro athlete, and now runs a thriving Fitstop community in Jindalee. Her journey is proof that when you love what you do and lead with heart, incredible things happen.