Mellita Bingley
Co-Founder

Bachelor Digital Media, University of New South Wales

Other:
Certificate III Fitness
First Aid & CPR

Mel Bingley is co-founder and operations manager of Century Strength & Conditioning. Mel is a coach, media specialist, busy mum to 3 young children, and in her spare time trail endurance runner.

Many years ago, while still living in Sydney, Mel entered her first City 2 Surf, little did she know at the time this was to be the beginning of her passion for health, fitness and running. What she discovered from committing to, training for, and participating in this event was the power of the human body and mind. She was inspired by how the event attracted people of all backgrounds and abilities to come together, do something active, and achieve something to be proud of. She also saw the value in a group of people working towards a common goal and the influence that belonging can have in success.

At the same time, her partner Steve Bingley was transitioning out of the Australian Army and himself getting into the fitness industry. For several years, Mel and Steve worked and trained in Sydney’s eastern beaches before returning to Steve’s home town of Canberra in 2010 to branch out and start coaching there. This is where Mel developed her firm but friendly coaching style and became infamously known for her killer ab sessions. Once again, she found herself incredibly inspired by the athletes around her. These athletes were mums, dads, grand parents, teachers, business owners, public servants, CEO’s, defence members, police and more. Though different, they all had a common goal of improving their health through exercise while at the same time forming some lifelong bonds through their shared adversity. Fostering that sense of team and staying true to their coaching style is how Mel and Steve became the largest outdoor fitness provider in Canberra.

Having qualifications in digital media and a strong business background, Mel has been key in business operations, ensuring that behind the scenes everything is running like clockwork. With Mel at the operational helm, Century is the leader in providing high performance science based programming to athletes of all abilities. Her business practices are one of excellence, integrity, transparency, consistency, and customer focused – always.

Leading by example in business has also spilled over into life and is how Mel approaches her own fitness pursuits. A self-confessed un-co, she found her perfect fit in trail running where equipment and coordination are fairly straight forward. Mel has participated in several ultra-endurance runs including two Ultra Trail Australia’s with a PB distance of 78km. Living next to Kowen Forrest, you’ll often find her hitting the trails for a morning run amongst the pines.

Her greatest achievement to date though, is her family. Mother to 3 children including a set of twins, life is busy and keeping up with them is reason enough to stay fit! Recognising that happiness and health doesn’t always come easy to everyone, Mel has spent time paying it forward to charities including Australian Cancer Research Foundation, Kmart Wishing Tree, Uniting Care Kippax, and Street Swags, raising over $20,000 in support of the good work they do. There is no doubt about Century Strong’s co-founder, with Mel you are guaranteed to be cared about.