Our Story

Once upon a time in 2008, there was a dynamic duo who were bursting with energy and passion. Tracey, a talented personal trainer and nutritionist with a knack for whipping up delicious meals, crossed paths with Adrian, the ultimate “Bear Grills” park ranger and fitness fanatic. Their story began with a friendship forged on the race track, as they sped side by side, fueled by their love for adrenaline and a desire to improve their minds and bodies. Little did they know that this friendship would lead them to create something truly special: Take Shape Adventures.

Tracey started her fitness advocacy by organizing exercise sessions in the local park. With two young kids in tow, she worked tirelessly to help people in her community get fitter and healthier. Meanwhile, Adrian, the neighboring park ranger, decided to add a dash of functional fitness to his routine and stumbled upon Tracey’s lively group during his morning commute. Intrigued, he joined them for a session, and the rest, as they say, is history.

On Adrian’s first session, he burst onto the scene, racing around the oval and knocking out eight push-ups. However, the intensity got the best of him, and he found himself seeking solace under a tree for the remainder of the session, feeling a tad queasy. It was a valuable lesson that fitness is a personal journey, and everyone starts from their own unique point.

As the exercise group grew, so did the camaraderie and sense of community. Bonds formed, and friendships blossomed among the participants who eagerly anticipated their fitness sessions. The fun and supportive atmosphere became the heartbeat of this group.

One day, Adrian needed a partner for a rogaining race—an event that involved navigating through forests at night. With a mischievous glimmer in his eye, he convinced Tracey that it would be a thrilling adventure. Despite the initial trepidation, they completed the race, creating memories that would endure. This experience solidified their shared passion for outdoor fitness and their drive to uplift and motivate others.

Fuelled by their growing community, Tracey decided to open the Take Shape Health & Fitness personal training studio in Alphington. Both Tracey and Adrian led classes there, spreading their infectious enthusiasm and encouraging others to join their fitness journey. Witnessing the transformative power of their guidance, they realized the importance of setting personal goals and pushing beyond comfort zones.

In 2014, after completing a race and buzzing with endorphins, the lightbulb moment arrived. TSA was born! With an unwavering love for the outdoors and a burning desire to inspire others to embrace nature, they decided to organize an adventure weekend for all the clients and friends who trained at the studio. Despite the countless hours of planning, early morning meetings, breakfasts at the studio, and meticulous organization, their hard work paid off. They successfully embarked on the very first Adventure Weekend, accompanied by a dedicated team from the studio. From that moment, Take Shape Adventures took flight, with new and exhilarating escapades coming to life each day.

TSA has now been operating of over 10 years, and has wobbled through a few years during Covid and shown it’s resilience to get past the few years after that where travel was still not taken lightly, and people where just able to re-imagine themselves doing the things they used to do.

With their continued pursuit of wellbeing and expanding their own horizons, both have taken to further studies with Adrian undertaking Training and Assessment Qualifications to add to his Parks & Recreation Degree and Diploma of Outdoor Leadership. And Tracey adding to her Masters of Nutrition and extensive Fitness Qualifications, with another Masters (passing with First Class Honors), this time in Applied Positive Psychology at Melbourne University.

Their combined experience both on and off the trail continues to be at the forefront of the industry, leading individuals, groups, and teams in the benefit of the outdoors and showing that ‘doing hard things’ is a proven way to build resilience, leadership, courage and wellbeing.

And so, Tracey and Adrian’s journey, infused with fun and a commitment to their community, continues to unfold. They lead the charge, showing others that staying active, exploring the great outdoors, and fostering meaningful connections are the ingredients for a truly enriching and adventurous life. We hope you join in the TSA community and be a part of this wonderful journey.