MEET MARLEE KING

I’ve never felt like a “typical academic.” I loved learning, but I equally loved being creative and active. Fast-forward to 2009, my first year of a PhD, and I had very few creative outlets and nothing to keep me moving. I was glued to a computer and I was indoors for most of the week. As a result, my mental health started to dip… until Zumba® danced its way into my life. Four years later, I had a PhD, a Zumba instructor license, and a whole new pathway into fitness.

Looking back, the missing piece was obvious: I hadn’t given space to the things that make me thrive — movement and creativity. Movement, in particular, became the cornerstone of my wellbeing. That’s why today I’m such a strong advocate for movement as a tool for mental health — I know firsthand the impact (or the lack of it) it can have.

Now, living in alignment with my passions, I’ve presented internationally on psychology and health, developed university learning modules, and contributed to research on topics including strengths-based approaches, ADHD, leadership, communication, and wellbeing. In the fitness world, I’ve become Australia’s only certified Aqua Zumba® ZIN™ Jammer, choreographing and presenting sessions around the globe. In 2023, I was honoured to be named AUSactive Aqua Professional of the Year, recognising my leadership and innovation in the industry. In 2025, I was awarded Aqua Instructor of the Year by the Aquatics and Recreation Institute (ARI).

Through my business, Life Rhythm & Flow, I design programs that weave research-backed psychology with movement, music, and the unique therapeutic power of water. My workshops — from behaviour change and confidence-building to resilience and positive leadership — have inspired participants in workplaces, communities, and fitness conventions alike.

My approach is grounded, creative, and accessible, and has a splash of humour (and yes, a little quirkiness). Whether I’m leading a high-energy aqua class, facilitating a resilience workshop, or mentoring professionals, my passion is helping people reconnect with themselves and discover sustainable ways to thrive – not simply to survive in this world.

Professional Highlights

• Founder, Life Rhythm & Flow
• Lecturer in Psychological Science
• Speaker and presenter at conferences in psychology
• Australia’s only Aqua Zumba® ZIN™ Jammer
• Aqua Zumba demonstration at Raging Waters
• Published author in academic journals
• Keynote speaker (ARI NSW)
• International Women’s Day panelist
• Featured on Sunrise Weekend (TV), demonstrating Acquapole®
• Experienced presenter at fitness conferences and professional training events
• Quiz master
• Designer and leader of workshops across aqua fitness, wellbeing, and higher education

I’m an Aqua Fitness Expert

As an aqua fitness professional with over a decade of experience, I’m passionate about making movement in water accessible, engaging, and transformative. I’m the 2023 AUSactive Aqua Professional of the Year and Australia’s only Aqua Zumba® ZIN™ Jammer, creating choreography and training instructors across the country.

I’ve presented internationally at events including ZINCON, the world’s largest Zumba® Instructor Convention, and I’ve been featured on Sunrise Weekend demonstrating innovative aquatic fitness equipment like Acquapole®.

I’m a strong advocate for the power of the aquatic environment, having witnessed first-hand the positive impact that water-based movement can have on people’s health, confidence, and wellbeing