Jen has been a long time client of Red E, and a super committed one, attending PT sessions 3 times per week, as well as Bootcamps! Her consistency has had her achieving so many goals, as you will read in her story below! Her efforts earned her our October 2014 ‘Client of the Month’ Award! Congratulations Jen!
What was your motivation to start training with us here at Red E?
I originally signed up to train with Red E because my 30th birthday was approaching and I wanted to look and feel better for that milestone than I had in ages. When I lived in Brisbane, I’d do boot camp before uni and I loved feeling fitter and stronger. But when I moved to Mackay, I got out of the habit. As the months ticked past to my birthday, I told myself for months that I could do it by myself. “I’ll just start walking or running after work and doing workouts out of magazines.” That never happened. Not even once. I needed someone to kick my butt into action, so I decided to do the smart thing and find out about PT sessions. “I’ll just sign up for a few sessions to give myself a kick-start and get me back into exercise.” That was almost 2 years ago, and I’m signed up for another year yet and do boot camp as well!
What were your goals?
My goals when I first signed up were to look good on my 30th birthday – and find a fabulous dress to wear that I felt confident in. I did that, but weight loss goals really aren’t my thing, so strength and fitness goals took over. I’ve set, achieved, and re-set lots of goals to make me lift heavier weights, run longer distances, and generally just get stronger and fitter than I had thought I was capable (and still can’t really believe).
How have you gone with your goals? What achievements have you made?
I’ve set myself so many goals since training with Red E and achieved most of them! I’ve achieved the ones that are most important to me, anyway (turns out I love chocolate too much, so there was no point setting a goal to give it up – I’ve just found healthier ways to eat it!) 🙂 In 2013 I wrote myself a list of goals and I ticked most of them off, like: 180kg leg press (I got to 200kg!); 100 push-ups on my toes without stopping; 50 decline push-ups without stopping; and hold a plank for 5 minutes (I got to 6 minutes!). I feel SO much stronger now, and new challenges aren’t as daunting. I know I can reach my future goals because I’ve already achieved my old ones. It’s kinda like what Harry Potter says in ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ – “I knew I could do it this time because…well, because I’d already done it!”
What did you do to achieve your results?
I just kept showing up. There are times when other parts of my life get in the way, but I always do the best that I can, and get as many sessions in as I can, every week. Some days and weeks are better than others, but if you take enough baby steps, you get quite a long way. I’m also stubborn, and once I’ve set a goal, I’ll keep chipping away at it until I achieve it. And the trainers at Red E won’t let me quit! They just keep pushing me to do the best I can do. Which is exactly why I signed up – I can stuff around by myself, pretending that I’ll work out and keep finding excuses not to exercise, or I can listen to experts who know what they’re talking about and know what I can achieve with hard work. The choice is pretty easy.
What permanent lifestyle changes have you made?
I was sitting at my desk one day after having a few days off training, feeling kinda yuck, and an unexpected thought snuck into my head, “I really need to do some exercise….Wait! Hang on! When did I become one of those people?” So it turns out I now enjoy exercise, and that walk around the block I couldn’t make myself do two years ago, isn’t so daunting now. I also pay far more attention to what I eat and drink and I know much more about good nutrition now. People now know me as a “fit” person who does a lot of exercise, which is definitely not what anyone would have said about me a few years ago. I’m happier, healthier, and far more confident in myself now, and it’s all thanks to Red E!
Favourite Food? Chocolate!
Favourite not-so-clean food? Chocolate!
Favourite form of training? Weight Training – except when I’m doing it!
Least Favourite exercise? Cardio (I say that, but I am hating it less!)
“I’ve LOVED training at Red E! On bad days, seeing the happy smiling faces of the trainers has made my day! (Although sometimes I did hate them in the moment for being in such a good mood while I was in so much pain!). I’m going to miss you guys so much!!”
Jen has recently relocated to Townsville for work (October 2014). We will miss you too Jen!!
Jen receiving her VIP 50 Club Shirt!
