Hello from Mike James | OWNER, DOWN UNDER CORPORATE FITNESS

Greetings Trendsetters, Welcome to AussieMikeJames.com. I’m Mike James, an Aussie, with over 40 years International experience in the Fitness Industry. Starting as a Gym Instructor in the Western suburbs of Melbourne in 1978 to my 2017 retirement after 24 years managing the World Banks Fitness Centers in Washington D.C., it has been a very exciting and rewarding journey that I would love to share with your group or organization as a Speaker, Writer or Management Consultant.

Over the past 40 years I have experienced nearly every aspect of the fitness business, including being the Worlds most uncoordinated Aerobics instructor (complete with 1970’s head-band, handlebar moustache, and tight Harry High Pants shorts) to my role overseeing the growth of the World Bank Fitness Centers corporate Fitness centers, now the largest corporate fitness program in North America.

But I still haven’t seen it all.

The Fitness industry is constantly changing and adapting to new trends and consumer demands. To survive in the Fitness Industry you either accept change, or as Management Guru Jim Collins says, “Get off the bus.”  

To survive this long and take my place on the bus, I have also been a Licensed Massage therapist, Spin Instructor,  Writer, speaker, voice over artist, and project manager overseeing  8 multi-million dollar reconstruction projects. Now as I enter that new phase they call “retirement” I work with the Parkinson’s community in the “Knocking out Parkinson’s’ Program “and as a certified Health and Wellness Coach. 

Always a big believer in education, in order to adapt and change, I earned a Master’s Degree in Writing from Johns Hopkins University (MA JHU) and numerous graduate diplomas in areas as diverse as Massage Therapy, Medical Exercise, Radio and Voice production, IHRSA Club Management, and Project Management from George Washington University. Right now I am in the process of completing studies to become a certified Health and Wellness Coach endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine and American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

For more details on my career and educational background you can check out my detailed LinkedIn profile or an extensive interview in Club Business Industry magazine in 2017.

As you peruse my website you will see that boxing is definitely a passion of mine. I was fortunate enough to have been taught by art of pugilism by 1960 Australian Olympic representative Des Duguid who I profile in my articles. Now in retirement I work with Parkinson’s patients in the “Knocking out Parkinson’s Program” at the Virginia Outpatient Therapy clinics in Fairfax Virginia. 

By sharing my experiences, articles and videos. 

My goal is to be a resource for folks in the Fitness Industry and in any Management position in the service sector. Managing staff and Customer expectations is always challenging particularly in a hospitality business. My experience managing leading Corporate Fitness programs both in my native Australia with the Coles Myer group and in the USA with the World Bank Group will serve as a great resource for both new and experienced employees. 

I also welcome the opportunity to share my passions and expertise as a speaker on a wide range of topics. With boxing I have given very well received presentations on “The History of the World Heavyweight Championship” and profiles on major boxing figures like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.

I have also spoken to companies and leading industry groups on all aspects of Management including creating a service culture, team building, conflict resolution and marketing to multicultural communities.

As a writer and speaker I am happy to share my knowledge and experience and am available to speak to your team, group or organization.

Contact Aussie Mike to explore speaking or management consulting opportunities.

So enjoy my website, I welcome your comments and any questions you may have!!

Keep Punching!!!

Aussie Mike