Ararat Active8 will see eight participants from the Ararat and district area paired with a personal trainer and a Biggest Loser contestant as a mentor and put through a 12 week program which will see them get fit and healthy.

Mikaela Graham has been a personal trainer for 18 months and works at the Ararat YMCA.

Having always had an interest in the health industry, Mikaela initially completed the PT course out of personal interest but after starting the course realised how it could be a rewarding career path, being able to help clients feel better about themselves and help them reach their goals. As well as her PT work Mikaela also works as a teller at ANZ.

"I love educating clients on how they can live healthier lives and improve their overall wellbeing," Mikaela said.

"These days there are so many mixed messages relating to health and fitness with fad diets and exercise crazes, which can be confusing and overwhelming for clients. I am there to help steer them in the right direction."

Mikaela was lucky enough to be involved in the training of the Biggest Loser clients, which she said was a great career opportunity for her and prompted her to be part of the Ararat Active8 program.

"It (the Biggest Loser) not only challenged me as a trainer but helped me learn more about training a broader range of clients, which I found very rewarding helping them reach their goals and adjust their new found lifestyle into their everyday lives," she said.

"I am keen to bring this experience into the Active8 challenge to help my client become the best and happiest version of themselves.

"There is no quick fix when it comes to making sustainable healthy changes that a client can bring into their everyday lives.

"I will not only be helping them through our training sessions, but will also help educate them about the important role nutrition plays in improving their overall health and wellbeing.

"I am passionate about balancing fitness and nutrition to improve wellbeing and will pass this on to my Active8 client."