By Greg Martin
Well, I headed off to interview a strong woman — a physically strong woman.
But after chatting with the delightful Lauren McMillen, I quickly discovered her strength stretches far beyond muscle. It extends to family, work ethic, and the 75 women of all ages who proudly call her Women’s Fitness Collective gym in Richmond their second home.
It was the 31-year-old’s physical prowess that first grabbed my attention.
Lauren is the third strongest woman in Australia — you wouldn’t want to kick sand in her face down at the beach (Baby Boomers know what I mean) — and the 18th strongest woman in the world.
She claimed that remarkable world ranking while competing in the under-73kg division at the prestigious 2024 Strongman Games in Arlington, Texas, held from November 20–23.
The event attracted around 400 competitors from 32 nations. Women in Lauren’s division faced four brutal events — and I nearly developed a hernia just listening to her describe them.
“We had to repetitively log press for 60 seconds with a log weighing 79 kilos and deadlift an awkwardly shaped 204kg timber frame for 60 seconds,” Lauren said.
“Fair dinkum — unbelievable,” I interrupted.
But wait, there’s more!
“We then deadlifted 206 kilos up a ladder and finished the competition by carrying a 79kg sandbag up and over a series of steeples, again within a 60-second time limit,” she explained.
Lauren earned her invitation to this elite event by finishing third at the Australian Championships in Bendigo last March — a podium placing that automatically qualified her for Arlington.
While Lauren’s physical strength is impressive, true success also demands mental toughness.
And it’s safe to say Lauren is strong in the grey matter too.
Much as I admire her achievements as a competitive strongwoman, they are almost overshadowed by her incredible work ethic.
Lauren grew up in Glenhaven with parents Rod and Cheryl, and older brother Jaryd. She completed her schooling at Pacific Hills Christian School in Dural and, after gaining her Higher School Certificate, initially embarked on a career in childcare.
“That only lasted about six months until I realised I wanted to turn my love of sport into a career,” Lauren said.
“I was always into sport — particularly swimming, where I made state finals in butterfly and freestyle, and Tae Kwon Do, where I earned my black belt at 10 years old.
“I was keen to get into personal training and in 2014 landed a job as a group instructor at F45 Training in Richmond.”
In 2017, Lauren’s passion and drive saw her take on the head coach role at Chelsea Ryan’s Mummy Movement Gym in Bowman Street, Richmond.
“The gym primarily offered pre- and post-natal training for pregnant women, but in 2022 it was rebranded as Women’s Fitness Collective, catering for women of all ages,” Lauren said.
Her dedication and skill soon saw Lauren become Chelsea’s right-hand woman, and in 2024 she didn’t hesitate to purchase the business when Chelsea decided to sell.
“Apart from my husband Scott and our kids — seven-year-old Luca and four-year-old Banks — this business is my life, my hobby… my everything,” Lauren said.
Such is the gym’s reputation that Women’s Fitness Collective now boasts 75 enthusiastic members, ranging in age from 18 to a handful of sexagenarians.
(Calm down — that means people in their sixties!)
Long-time member Emma was one of many clients quick to sing the gym’s praises.
“I’ve been training at WFC since 2019, and there is honestly not one thing I would change,” Emma said.
“I love every aspect of what WFC offers women, and the fact that it’s so much more than just another gym.
“All the women behind WFC strive to excel in everything they do, both personally and professionally.
“That’s not only inspiring, but it also means as a client I get the best experience across the board — from the crèche and nutrition advice to the programming. They always go above and beyond.”
’Nuff said!
Breakout Box to fill space:
Lauren McMillen – Key Achievements
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