Meet everyone’s favourite “Pocket Rocket” Linda Marshall! Since starting our Mackay Bootcamp for Women Program in 2011, Linda has become a Red E legend and friend to everyone. She inspires and motivates us ALL that if you really want something, there is no excuse. Linda has driven in from Seaforth for four years now to start Bootcamp at 5.30am five to six times each week. This year Linda has committed to strength training in the studio to get her body even stronger for her annual fossicking trips with her husband. Although she faces challenges with her knees, Linda doesn’t let this stop her, by working around it under supervision from the trainers. She completes every weekend workout we share (in fact we have to tell her to slow down), and is ALWAYS there to support her fellow bootcampers and studio clients. Linda pumps out pushups on her toes, and while she’s away for six months of the year, sends us photos and videos of her outback workouts! Over the years Linda has inspired so many people—trainers and clients—and was awarded our February 2015 “Client of the Month” Award!
What was your motivation to start training with us here at Red E?
I saw the ad in the newspaper in 2011 about Red E’s Bootcamp at the Bluewater Quay. I saw Selina’s and other trainers inspiring stories and achievements and also other client’s results. As I had increased my weight over the festive season in 2010, I decided I needed extra help to reach my own goals!
What were your goals?
To lose a few kilos, improve my fitness levels and tone up the stomach muscles but I have gained much more than that. I’ve made new friends who have the same interests and trainers who give 110% with heaps of encouragements and support and I can still have fun!
How have you gone with your goals? What achievements have you made? What benefits do you feel?
Unbelievable fitness levels (I still have my first fitness test!), decreased my body fat, improved my flexibility and last but not least increased my longevity.
What did you do to achieve your results?
Bootcamp 5-6 morning per week. I often do the suggested weekend workout and reduced my alcohol. If I feel I am being slack, I start a food diary just to become aware of what I am putting in my mouth.
What permanent lifestyle changes have you made?
Regular exercise, no soft drink of any kind, no milk, less wheat products.
Fave “clean” food: Cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast / oats / eggs.
Fave ‘not so clean’ food: Red Rooster takeaway. (I usually feel sick after). Speaks for itself!
Fave exercise: Pushups!
Most “Dreaded” exercise: Any burpees which have added bits (like man-makers and woman-makers)
Favourite Quote: “What doesn’t kill me can only make me stronger!”
Advice for others starting out: I came to the first bootcamp with over 30 other women whom I didn’t know—don’t let that worry you because you have to start somewhere and others are in the same position as yourself. Don’t worry how many exercises other can do in a certain time limit, just do the best you can. It is not about how you can beat someone else, it’s about how to improve yourself against yourself. Never give in, never give up. It will be the best thing you can do for your health and well being. Age is no barrier, there is a 12 year old school girl and I am nearly 70. Mobility is not a problem, exercises can be varied to suit you (ie – joint problems etc). The trainers are trained to adjust the exercise to suit you if needed.
But be warned: it is addictive. Hahaha!
