Take Your Running to the Next Level with Expert Coaching at Optimum Movement Centre
Whether you're training for your first half marathon, aiming for a new personal best, or simply want to run faster, stronger, and without injury - there's a smarter way to elevate your running. At Optimum Movement Centre (OMC), we offer expert guidance from passionate professionals like Caroline, our specialist running coach and endurance trainer, to help you go beyond the basics and truly transform your performance.
Meet Caroline Chappel – Your Partner in Running Performance
Caroline is no ordinary trainer. With a strong foundation in endurance sports and a deep understanding of biomechanics and injury recovery, she brings a rare combination of lived experience and clinical knowledge to her coaching.
She holds a Certificate III and IV in Fitness and is currently completing her third year of a degree in Exercise Physiology at Bond University. She’s also a certified Triathlon Coach, Running Coach, and Aqua Aerobics Instructor. But what really sets her apart is her story.
After suffering a serious car accident in 2021 that caused spinal compression, nerve damage, and temporary paralysis, Caroline underwent major neck surgery. Thanks to her exceptional pre-accident fitness, she made a remarkable recovery. This experience drove her passion for “pre-hab” - building strength and resilience before injury or surgery - a philosophy she now shares with every client she trains.
Caroline’s mission is to empower runners with tools for long-term health, strength, and performance - helping you not just run more, but run better.
Why Most Runners Plateau (and How to Break Through)
If you’ve been running for a while, you’ve probably hit a plateau. Maybe your pace has stalled, your recovery is taking longer, or those small aches are becoming more persistent.
Most recreational runners train the same way for years: same routes, same pace, same warm-ups (or none at all). Without variation or targeted strength work, progress slows - and the risk of injury increases.
Caroline works with you to break that cycle by introducing:
- Personalized run programming based on your goals and fitness level
- Biomechanical assessments to fine-tune form and prevent injury
- Intelligent strength training using MedX equipment for precise, safe progression
- Mobility and recovery work including myofascial release and joint support
- Hormonal and energy awareness for female athletes - aligning training with natural cycles for optimal results
How the Optimum Movement Centre Approach Is Different
OMC isn’t a traditional gym - it’s a purpose-built indoor training facility combining functional movement, science-backed strength equipment, and a supportive coaching environment.
Caroline uses our exclusive MedX machines to safely build core and lower limb strength, improving running efficiency and reducing impact on joints. These machines are ideal for runners recovering from injury or those who need structured resistance training without compromising form.
We also offer Myofascial Release Therapy, which helps improve tissue quality, reduce tightness, and prevent overuse injuries - especially important for long-distance runners.
By blending these unique offerings with Caroline’s endurance sport expertise, we help you:
- Improve running economy and stride efficiency
- Increase strength and reduce fatigue over distance
- Build injury resilience and faster recovery
- Optimize race preparation with phased training plans
- Support long-term performance and health
The Pre-Hab Advantage: Train to Stay Injury-Free
One of Caroline’s core philosophies is training for prevention, not just performance. Too many runners wait until pain sets in before addressing muscle imbalances or poor movement habits. Caroline helps you identify issues early and build resilience from the ground up.
Her own recovery journey has made her passionate about injury prevention - using smart, structured training to keep you running well into your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
This includes:
- Gait analysis and feedback
- Strengthening key stabilisers like glutes, core, and calves
- Incorporating active recovery sessions and cross-training
- Coaching proper warm-up and cool-down routines
- Educating runners on body awareness and stress signals
Tailored Coaching for Female Runners
Caroline also brings a special focus to women’s health in sport - a vastly under-served area in running. She coaches women to train in alignment with hormonal cycles, supporting thyroid health, energy levels, and optimal performance without burnout.
This approach helps female runners:
- Avoid common pitfalls like overtraining and fatigue
- Adjust intensity around menstrual cycles for better outcomes
- Build long-term consistency and motivation
- Understand and work with their body, not against it
Ready to Run Smarter, Not Harder?
Whether you’re chasing a marathon goal, want to shave time off your 10K, or simply want to feel stronger and more confident when you run, Caroline’s expert coaching at Optimum Movement Centre can help you get there.
This is your opportunity to train with someone who understands the runner’s mindset, knows how to get results, and has overcome adversity through movement. Her science-informed, compassionate approach makes her the perfect coach for anyone ready to step up.
Book a Running Assessment Today
Take the first step by booking a 1-on-1 Running Assessment with Caroline at the Optimum Movement Centre. Together, we’ll map out where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there - safely, efficiently, and powerfully.