About Catherine

Personal trainer, researcher, and competitive athlete.

Catherine Ashley, personal trainer and competitive athlete

Hi, I'm Catherine

I’m an endurance athlete, coach, and exercise professional with a background in rowing, running, cycling, triathlon, strength training, and healthy ageing.

My coaching combines evidence-based exercise science with real-world athletic and rehabilitation experience. I work with clients across a wide range of ages and abilities, from younger athletes building strength and performance, through to adults focused on long-term health, fitness, and resilience.

I have experience helping schoolgirl and club rowers improve erg performance, strength, and conditioning, as well as supporting younger women pursuing fitness, confidence, and athletic development. I also work with adults who want to train intelligently for endurance events, improve body composition and strength, return to exercise after illness or injury, or maintain high levels of physical function as they age.

Alongside performance coaching, I have a growing professional focus on women’s health and exercise across midlife, including the training and recovery considerations associated with perimenopause, menopause, and healthy ageing.

I also have experience supporting clients returning to exercise after cancer treatment and those managing more complex health challenges. My approach is structured, supportive, and highly individualised, with programs designed around each client’s goals, training history, lifestyle, and capacity.

Whether you are preparing for competition, improving your fitness and strength, returning to exercise, or simply wanting to feel healthier and more capable in everyday life, I aim to help you train with purpose, confidence, and consistency.

Qualifications & Expertise

Cert III & IV in Fitness
Certified Personal Trainer
Accredited Running Coach
Accredited Rowing Coach
Registered Coxswain
Exercise for Cancer Recovery Instructor
Master Kettlebell Trainer
Spinning® Instructor
AUSactive Member
BA, University of Melbourne
GradDip Business Administration, RMIT
GAICD — Australian Institute of Company Directors

Published Researcher

The Development of Can Walk Can Run: A Walking and Running Program for People Living With and Beyond Cancer — Journal of Physical Activity & Health, February 2026, Vol. 23, Issue 2, pp. 191–205. Catherine contributed as Research Assistant.

Awards & Achievements

2025/26

VIC Regional Series

Series Winner — AusTriathlon

2025/26

2XU Triathlon Series

Series Winner — O2 Events

2025/26

Australian Championships Super Sprint

Second Place Female Age Group — AusTriathlon

2025/26

Vic State Championships Sprint Duathlon

First Place Female Age Group — AusTriathlon

2025

Rowing Victoria Masters State Championships

State Champion — Rowing Victoria

2025

AUSactive National Awards

Social Value & Community Impact Award Finalist — Can Walk Can Run

2024/25

2XU Triathlon Series

Series Winner — O2 Events

2024/25

Club Championships

Most Successful Female Rower — Hawthorn Rowing Club

2024/25

RV Female Masters Premierships

5th Place Overall Individual Standings — Rowing Victoria

2026

Can Walk Can Run Research Published

Journal of Physical Activity & Health — Research Assistant

2025

Staff of the Month

The Y Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre

2024

Rowing Victoria Masters State Championships

State Champion — Rowing Victoria

2023/24

2XU Triathlon Series

Series Winner — O2 Events

2024

Employee of the Month

City of Monash Active Monash

2024

Outstanding Student Award

Certificate IV in Fitness — Holmesglen

2022

Rowing Victoria Masters State Championships

State Champion — Rowing Victoria

2021/22

Club Championships

Most Improved Rower — Hawthorn Rowing Club

What Clients Say

If you want to get faster on the erg, this is exactly what you need. I was putting in the meters on the water but not seeing my splits drop. The rowing-specific lifting program she put together completely changed that. I'm pulling significantly better numbers now, and my back feels bulletproof. Highly recommend if you want coaching from someone who really gets what it takes to move a boat.

Alan, 32

Rowing client

I was honestly a bit nervous about starting a new exercise routine in my 50s, but working with Catherine has been amazing. She didn't just hand me a generic workout; she really listened to what I needed and made sure I was doing everything safely. I haven't felt this strong, energetic, or confident in my own body in years. It has completely changed my day-to-day life!

Sarah

Fitness over 50 client

Ready to Train with Catherine?

Take the first step towards your fitness goals with evidence-based training tailored to you.