Summary of Podcast Episode #36 The Truth About Strength Training for Women: Brooke Scerri on Muscle, Mindset & Real Results

Ann-Marie Antic • August 4, 2025

Summary of Podcast Episode #36 The Truth About Strength Training for Women: Brooke Scerri on Muscle, Mindset & Real Results

In this inspiring episode of the D8 Training Podcast, Ann-Marie Antic sits down with Brooke Scerri, a driven and down-to-earth strength and conditioning coach who’s making a real difference in the gym and beyond.


With a background in exercise and sports science as well as food and nutrition, Brooke shares how her early experiences shaped her career—and why she’s so passionate about helping people feel confident, strong, and capable in the gym.

From Uni to Coaching: The Power of Hands-On Learning

Brooke’s journey into strength coaching began during university, where she pursued a double degree in Exercise & Sports Science and Food & Nutrition Science. An internship at the Australian Athletic Centre gave her valuable real-world experience. From working with baseball players to young female softball athletes, Brooke learned how to build trust, confidence, and performance—all through strength training.


One moment that stands out? Supporting a young girl who transformed through training—not just physically, but mentally. It’s these stories that fuel Brooke’s belief in creating a positive, welcoming gym space—especially for young women

Supporting Veterans Through Movement



Brooke also worked with veterans and first responders through the Invictus Pathway Programme, now known as the Wellbeing for Australian Veterans and Emergency Services initiative. This experience taught her the deep connection between physical training and mental well-being, particularly for those facing PTSD and other challenges. Her takeaway? Training is about more than reps and sets—it’s about empathy, growth, and connection.

Brooke debunks the myths that still surround weightlifting—especially for women. She’s on a mission to change the narrative: strength doesn’t make you bulky—it makes you powerful. Her advice is simple: don’t be afraid of the weights rack. It’s one of the most empowering places you can be.

Nutrition Made Simple



As D8 Training gears up to launch its new nutrition coaching service, Brooke is leading the charge. Her approach is all about making nutrition feel less overwhelming. Instead of strict rules or confusing plans, she focuses on small, sustainable changes that fit into real life.


“You don’t need to overhaul your whole diet to see results—just start with one change and build from there."

Listen In

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey, trying to build better habits, or looking for fresh motivation, Brooke’s story will resonate. She’s smart, relatable, and truly cares about helping others build not just stronger bodies—but stronger lives.

👉 Tune in to Episode #36 here and discover:

  • Why strength training is a game-changer for confidence and health


  • How to create a gym environment where everyone feels like they belong


  • Brooke’s top tips for making nutrition stress-free and sustainable


Connect with Brooke on Instagram @brookescerrisn


Looking for Strength Training for yourself or child at a Gym Near You?


At D8 Training, we specialise in strength training for kids, teens, and adults — right here in Adelaide. We're not just a gym — we're a community that lifts each other, pushes boundaries, and helps you become the strongest version of yourself so that you can dominate your life

More Posts

Busy, kids, shift work: How Adelaide parents actually fit strength training in 2–3 hours a week

By Neven Antic • February 19, 2026
Most adults we coach at D8 are not sitting around wondering what to do with all their free time. They’re: Working full time Juggling kids’ sport and homework Trying to have some kind of life on weekends So “train 6 days a week and meal prep for 3 hours” is never going to happen. Here’s how we help Adelaide parents actually fit adult strength training in Adelaide into 2–3 hours a week.

Why more running isn’t fixing your athlete’s speed (and what actually does in 10 weeks)

By Neven Antic • February 11, 2026
When an athlete is stuck, the default advice is usually: “Do more running. Get fitter.” For a lot of 15–20 year old athletes in Adelaide, more running is not the answer.  Here’s why more conditioning isn’t fixing their speed, and what actually moves the needle in our athlete strength and conditioning Adelaide parents use for results.

The D8 6 Phase Fat Loss Ladder: How Adelaide adults lose 4–6 kg without another crash diet

By Neven Antic • February 5, 2026
Most adults we meet at D8 don’t need another extreme diet. They already know how to starve themselves for 4 weeks. The problem is: Weight piles back on Energy crashes Life gets in the way So we built the D8 6 Phase Fat Loss Ladder and our nutrition coaching in Adelaide to help Adelaide adults lose 4–6 kg in 12 weeks without another crash.

Over 60 in Adelaide? 7 strength myths that quietly steal your independence

By Neven Antic • January 28, 2026
f you’re over 60, you’ve probably been told:  “Be careful, you’re not as young as you used to be.” “Don’t lift anything heavy, you’ll hurt yourself.” The problem is, lots of well meaning advice like this quietly steals strength and independence. Let’s clear up 7 common myths we hear from Adelaide over 60s about over 60s strength training in Adelaide.

Why “I’ll just get fit first” keeps Adelaide adults stuck for years

By Neven Antic • January 21, 2026
“I’ll just get fit first, then I’ll join a proper gym.”  It sounds reasonable. It’s also one of the most common stories that keeps Adelaide adults stuck for years. Here’s why that thinking doesn’t work – and what to do instead.

From uncoordinated to confident: 5 signs your 10–15 year old needs more than school PE

By Neven Antic • January 14, 2026
If you’ve watched your 10–15 year old at sport or in the backyard and thought, “They just don’t move well,” you’re not alone. A lot of kids are:  Tall but uncoordinated Fast but weak Nervous in physical activities because they feel clumsy School PE and sport trainings help, but they rarely fix the underlying movement and strength gaps. Here are 5 signs your child needs more than PE – and could benefit from kids strength training in Adelaide.
More Posts

Need Help With Your Fitness or Health?

If you are stuck with your fitness or health and want to change that, then reach out to see if our 21Day KickStarter would be a good fit for you. We have helped 100's of clients improve their health and fitness and would love to find out more about your unique needs.

21-Day Kickstarter