My Story
I am 51 years old and have over 20 years experience in the health and fitness industry. I have a great desire to help people and share my research and knowledge. I studied BA Human Movement Sciences through the University of Stellenbosch with Psychology as my major and Personal Training through ETA. I have completed the crisis pregnancy counselling course (Equipped to Serve) and have also completed the Lifeline Counselling course.
I have struggled with anxiety most of my life and I want to share how exercise, awareness, counselling and breathing got me through many challenges in my life. I want to help people to manage their stress levels more effectively. I offer a safe space where there is no judgement and no expectation to meet. I love working with beginners, people that struggle with their physical and/or mental health, the elderly and anyone who realises that this is the only body they have, and they have to look after it.
I chose one of my favourite pictures for my story because oom Willem Pretorius reminds me daily how important it is to put your health first. We trained weekly till the age of 90. What an inspiration! You can stay strong and healthy without putting your body at risk. I have learned through the years that I have to find my own balance and power and it is very attainable to live a healthy and happy life.
My Approach
I feel Modern Exercise has morphed into a sport and tend to leave people with feelings of inadequacy, frustration and an empty wallet. I found the following in my research and it really resonated with me ... "Getting some exercise in can increase your mood. It can even decrease depression symptoms as much as an anti-depression medication like Zoloft….. It's a totally free and super easy way to make your life happier and healthier. ” Dr Laurie Santos – Yale
I like using a variety of training styles and design sessions to fit the clients' needs. Sessions are not just about exercise and breathing but also about emotional support. My aim is to allow time to reflect and understand the origin of unhealthy habits and thinking, offering guidance in introducing new habits and finding the best possible support and help. The body will struggle to stay strong and healthy if the mind is full of anxiety, stress, shame and guilt. There is healing in sharing. I hope to create sustainable changes in your lifestyle so that you can look after your own body and mind and find some peace.
I would like to ask you to reflect on how you are dealing with your stress currently. If chronic stress goes untreated, the body will respond by staying in freeze mode which leads to depression, or the body stays in fight mode which leads to high blood pressure and can cause heart attacks and strokes. Maybe it is time to change some habits to reduce your stress.
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." Arthur Ashe