call us now: 0430 052 561

Meet our newest Fitness Coach - Julie

Posted by on 1 August 2010 | 0 Comments

I still remember the day I received the organisation chart (whilst on maternity leave) from the IT company where I had enjoyed a role as Regional Finance Manager. There was my name, at the bottom left hand corner with an asterisk next to it indicating my long term absence. Perhaps it was that I knew deep down I was never going to be on that chart again, as I felt I could not return to work and leave Cate(now 9) & Jack (6). It was a blow to my self worth, that job made me feel important and here I was sitting in my PJs nursing my little one, knowing my life would never be a position on that diagram again. Perhaps it was more for distraction, my husband Jim (James to us) encouraged me into getting out and exercising. There I stumbled on a whole new world. One that made me feel strong, enabled me to connect to other adults I never considered I would have things in common with. It was a world far removed from being “mum” but a place that I was able to rebuild that self confidence, boost my energy, disconnect from the humdrum and give me the benefit of having an extra glass of wine & square of chocolate (Mint Lindt my favourite!!). Why had I not known this existed before? I had always treated exercise as another item on my never-ending ‘To Do” List. When I had achieved some reasonable endurance and increased strength I started to look for new ways to be challenged and so I enjoyed a number of years of motherhood and finding various & challenging ways to exercise. At one Xmas celebration with a bunch of my exercise buddies we came up with the hair brain idea of doing a triathlon in the New Year. I remember jumping on my new bike that Xmas early each morning as the sun rose to ride to my classes and workout sessions. Cycling, Swimming, sprinting, running, cycling, running and so on all in preparation for that first triathlon. (Oh an occasional massage & coffee, that’s my other vice). It was an experience I still recall that was full of excitement and anxiety. I placed 7th in a field of over 100 competitors. The kids & Jim had stood by the sideline cheering me on with their homemade poster “Go Mum”. I barely slept that night from the amazing high I experienced from competing and succeeding in passing what I thought was an unimaginable goal. This was a significant turning point for me. I was now able to continue with confidence and empowerment in completing further triathlons, duathlons, Sydney to Gong bike race and most importantly obtaining my qualifications to become a personal trainer. For me exercise is not just simply shedding some kilos, getting fit or part of the daily grind - it means so much more. I can only hope that my clients take away something from exercise that gives them the benefits I have enjoyed and experienced. So here I am 9 years later and looking forward to belonging to my new team! Who needs an org chart to prove their self worth. I look forward to meeting you and sharing some of your journeys. See you at training! Julie