Est. 2014 · A love story on the trail
Our Story
How a friendship forged on a race track — and eight push-ups under a tree — became a community thousands of adventurers now call home.
Once upon a time in 2008, there was a dynamic duo 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 Grylls” park ranger and fitness fanatic. Their story began with a friendship forged on the race track, fuelled 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.
2008
The park
A fitness group takes root in the local park
Tracey started her fitness journey organising 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 neighbouring park ranger, decided to add a dash of functional fitness to his routine and stumbled upon Tracey’s lively group during his morning commute.
Day 1
Eight push-ups
Adrian’s humbling first session
On Adrian’s first session he burst onto the scene, racing around the oval and knocking out eight push-ups. But the intensity got the best of him, and he found himself seeking solace under a tree for the rest 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.
The spark
Rogaine at night
A midnight forest race seals the partnership
As the group grew, so did the camaraderie. One day Adrian needed a partner for a rogaining race that involved navigating through forests at night. With a mischievous glimmer in his eye, he convinced Tracey it would be a thrilling adventure. Despite the initial trepidation, they completed the race — solidifying their shared passion for outdoor fitness and their drive to uplift others.
The studio
Alphington
Take Shape Health & Fitness opens its doors
Encouraged by a growing community, Tracey opened 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 set personal goals and push beyond their comfort zones.
2014
TSA is born
The very first Adventure Weekend
After a fateful race in 2014, the lightbulb moment arrived and TSA was born. They organised an adventure weekend for the clients and friends who trained at the studio. Countless hours of planning, early-morning meetings, and breakfasts at the studio paid off — they embarked on the very first Adventure Weekend with a dedicated team, and Take Shape Adventures took flight.
10+ yrs
Resilience
A decade on, including through COVID
TSA has now been operating for over 10 years, showing resilience through the years during COVID when travel was not taken lightly and people could only imagine themselves doing the things they wanted to do.
Today
Always learning
Further study, always at the forefront
Both have taken to further studies. Adrian achieved a Training and Assessment qualification to add to his Parks & Recreation Degree and Diploma of Outdoor Leadership, while Tracey added a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology at Melbourne University (First Class Honours) to her Masters of Nutrition and fitness qualifications. Their combined experience continues to lead individuals, groups, and teams in the benefit of the outdoors.
Doing hard things is a proven way to build resilience, leadership, courage, and wellbeing — on and off the trail.
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 the TSA community and be a part of this wonderful journey.