Tracie’s Story

I have always been a “big” girl for a long as I can remember. After gaining another 20kgs following complicated knee surgery I knew I had to do something. Whilst I had no real health complications, entering into my 30’s I knew it would only be a matter of time.

Tipping the scales at 124.6kgs, I asked my friend to come along with me to the Get Physical open day. I will never forget the feelings I had when we got there -  butterflies, felt like I was going to be sick, ashamed that I had let myself get this way, thoughts that everyone will look at me, etc. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The staff were so incredibly welcoming and I joined that day, knowing full well that if I didn’t there was a good chance I wouldn’t return.

I got to know the classes and picked my favourites, sticking to those to start with so as not to lose interest. The staff were fantastic in giving me alternatives and advice around my knee injury, modifying exercises when required. Results became my motivation, I thrived off every kilo/cm lost and every goal reached. I have participated in a few of the challenges, met some amazing people along the way who I am proud to now call my gym buddies and formed relationships with the trainers. Whilst it’s a constant battle to ALWAYS put the right things in your mouth and the scales are not ALWAYS my friend, I have stuck to the gym with regular classes losing 25kgs so far. As my fitness and ability improves, my favourite classes have changed, my confidence is building and I’m more open about giving new things a go both inside and outside of the gym.

My advice to anyone who might be in my shoes all that time ago, questioning whether or not you can do it, dreading walking into the gym for the first time is to JUST DO IT! You have so much to gain from taking the first step and meeting the team. There is something for everyone and you’ll feel so much better for it!