TEAM MOCO
Our experienced team of trainers have had several decades of experience in health, wellness, and personal training.
They’re passionate about helping our community of clients and members set and smash their health and wellness goals.
MOCO Founders
MOCO Founders Mike Truong and Jamey Pemmelaar have been in the fitness industry since 2012 and have over 20 years of experience between them. From running group bootcamps together, to 1-on-1 and small group personal training, they've done it all.
In 2017 they took their first steps in operating their own studio and clinic under a well-renowned franchise. They spent the next 5 years building a truly tight-knit community and culture, which they managed to maintain through a global pandemic.
With lockdowns ending, Mike and Jamey had a renewed focus on delivering a truly holistic workout which allowed for individual growth in a group training environment. In 2022 they parted ways with their franchisor and MOCO was born.
MIKE TRUONG
(PERFORMANCE COACH)
FORMAL STUFF
Certificate 3 in Fitness – Group Training
Certificate 4 in Fitness – Personal Training
Bachelors in Business Information Systems
Level 1 and 2 – Kickboxing and Kettlebell Trainer
WHEN I’M NOT COACHING, YOU’LL FIND ME…
Probably napping while my two daughters Ella and Addie put make-up on me or cut my hair. Without kids, you’ll find me anywhere where there’s a karaoke mic or a dancefloor.
MY FAVOURITE MOCO WORKOUT IS…
Amplify –being time poor getting in a full body resistance workout is my ideal. To quote Ron Burgundy: “It’s a deep burn”.
WHEN I’M IN CHARGE OF THE MUSIC IN THE STUDIO, YOU’LL HEAR…
Any boy/girl band from the 90’s will get me going – if it was on the radio there’s a good chance, I’ll know it off by heart.
HEALTH AND FITNESS…
Is all about balance. Someone smarter than me once said: “if you don’t enjoy the journey, you’ll never reach the destination”. Finding the right method and style of training I believe is important and this goes for nutrition also. I don’t believe in a ‘holy grail’ approach – in all my years as a coach never once have I found a system which can be cookie cut for everyone.
For sure there are certain fundamentals which can’t be ignored (such as calorie deficits, regular exercise etc..) but there is always a way to build these into your lifestyle without the need to sacrifice all of life’s joys (like sleep and treats).
Dr Jamey Pemmelaar
(PERFORMANCE COACH & WELLNESS INSTRUCTOR)
FORMAL STUFF
Bachelor of Exercise and Health Science
Bachelor of Health and Applied science (Osteopathy)
Level 2 Recreational Run Coach
Certified Pilates mat work & Reformers instructor
WHEN I’M NOT COACHING, YOU’LL FIND ME…
Running, riding, walking my dog Spotty, playing basketball (not well might I add)
MY FAVOURITE MOCO WORKOUT IS…
Thrive - a lot of work and no rest. That's my type of workout.
WHEN I’M IN CHARGE OF THE MUSIC IN THE STUDIO, YOU’LL HEAR…
Rock classics from the 90s and early 2000s.
HEALTH AND FITNESS…
Have two different meanings to me.
Fitness suggests that someone is looking to improve their performance (usually cardiovascular related). Whereas health, to me, is someone looking to improve not only their physical health but also their psychological health. For example if someone says I'm looking to get fitter, it generally means that they are looking to be able to participate in a certain activity (e.g. run 5kms). As opposed to someone saying they’re looking to improve their health or be healthier means they aren't only looking just to improve their physical self but improve many other things around lifestyle (e.g. make healthier food choices, cut back on alcohol and meditate regularly)
The two combined are the ultimate challenge in which there are many ways to achieve, what we aim to do is help you find the method that suits you best.
TEAM MOCO
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Vanessa Menjivar
(PERFORMANCE COACH & WELLNESS INSTRUCTOR)
FORMAL STUFF
Certificate 3 in Fitness – Group Training
Bachelor of Music Theatre majoring in Dance
Reformer Pilates Certification
WHEN I’M NOT COACHING, YOU’LL FIND ME…
Creating vegan recipes and lifting weights all while bringing up a newborn baby
MY FAVOURITE MOCO WORKOUT IS…
Momentum - 1 hour of sweat mixed with cardio and strength = the best of both worlds.
WHEN I’M IN CHARGE OF THE MUSIC IN THE STUDIO, YOU’LL HEAR…
I once was told by a fellow MOCO member that they didn’t want to listen to Beyoncé for the fifth time…
FOR ME, HEALTH AND FITNESS…
is the process of journey reflection and achievement.
I started the fitness journey wanting to change my health and well-being and ended up falling in love with the fitness side of it all. I realised how important it is to reflect on your personal achievements and found a deeper appreciation of how to connect with your body and mind.
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Lauren Cafra
(PERFORMANCE COACH & WELLNESS INSTRUCTOR)
FORMAL STUFF
Certificate 3 in Fitness – Group Training
Bachelor of Applied Science
Master of Physiotherapy Practice
WHEN I’M NOT COACHING, YOU’LL FIND ME…
Running, baking, or watching Grey’s Anatomy
MY FAVOURITE MOCO WORKOUT IS…
Fusion – perfect combination of cardio, strength, and core!
WHEN I’M IN CHARGE OF THE MUSIC IN THE STUDIO, YOU’LL HEAR…
Definitely a bit of Harry Styles at some point
FOR ME, HEALTH, AND FITNESS…
Looks completely different for each person. Everyone has their own personal goals regarding their health and fitness journey, whether that’s aiming for progressions in strength, cardio fitness; or just to maintain overall health. No two individual journeys are comparable, and your own journey may change frequently depending on your lifestyle and goals. It’s all about finding a sustainable and flexible routine that allows for growth and challenge, yet most importantly, makes you happy.
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DR Ashe Mooney
(WELLNESS INSTRUCTOR)
FORMAL STUFF
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
B.S. Evolutionary Anthropology
Studio Pilates certified instructor
Australian Professional Skaters Association certified figure skating coach
WHEN I’M NOT COACHING, YOU’LL FIND ME…
Working as a vet, ice dancing, doing aerial yoga, eating cheese, or hanging out with my seven animals (a cat, two golden retrievers, and four birds).
MY FAVOURITE MOCO WORKOUT IS…
Generate or Amplify sessions - I love doing some cheeky handstand practise as well during the circuits
WHEN I’M IN CHARGE OF THE MUSIC IN THE STUDIO, YOU’LL HEAR…
Naughties dance beats
FOR ME, HEALTH, AND FITNESS…
Is about having fun first and foremost - getting fit and healthy should never feel like a chore or a punishment. As someone who has overcome an eating disorder as a teenager, I focus on a mindfulness-based approach to physical and mental health. We should listen to our bodies, and respect how they allow us to function in our daily lives. This can manifest as pushing yourself harder to achieve that one extra rep or a slightly heavier weight, or it might be appreciating a well-deserved rest day and eating your favourite sweet treat.
