I met Finn and well, was slightly freaked out. What had I signed up for? Little did I know at that time that his dedication, professionalism and conviction would inevitably change my life and the life of my family. Finn talked me through the nutrition plan. Eat 5-6 meals a day? I can do that. Eat a balanced combination of carbs, fats and proteins? I can do that. Commit to 3-4 weight sessions a week? I can try......

And try I did. The journey that strength training has taken me on has been phenomenal. I booked a Personal Training session every 4-6 weeks and Finn would walk me through the technique required for that particular exercise. The mystery was taken out of the equation and no longer did I fear the dumbbells or squat rack. Nothing is more intimidating than walking onto a busy gym floor crowded with men pumping iron. Nothing is more empowering than joining these men and lifting alongside them; showing courtesy and encouragement to one another and soaking in those post workout endorphins!

I lost weight. I toned up. I started showing a little definition. I was hooked.

Strength training is not without its ups and downs and I feel that this realization is perhaps the biggest lesson I have learnt. I have had stellar months where my nutrition and focus have been on point. But I have also had sluggish weeks that turn into fortnights that have turned into months where motivation drops, the gym becomes a chore, the nutrition becomes a shackle.  It’s at this precise moment where Finn and everyone at RWCF stand out from the crowd. The support and interest that the staff at RWCF show to their members really has to be seen to be believed. Finn, as a personal trainer, is in contact daily with motivational messages and displays of support. I've never experienced this type of support and sense of teamwork before and it is this that makes RWCF and BBF exceptional. Finn has made me feel, at all times, as though I am his number one client. In fact, his only client. My fitness journey and commitment are his number one concern. This is how he makes me feel. The clincher is, he makes each and every one of his clients feel like this. By dropping in to RWCF a couple of times a week, I've made a special connection with some very special people in my community. This is a place where there is support, friendship, encouragement and craic!

The gym has taught me some valuable life skills. I am a mother to 3 children under 7, I work full time, I have errands to run, a house to clean, dinners to make and friends to see. I have a busy home and work life but I have adapted and have ensured that a workout; however fast it might need to be, can be done and it all has a consequence. Consistency over time equals results.  It has taught me about time management and discipline. I have learnt to become more organized in my day to day life and have also learnt about commitment. Getting fit is not about maintaining a constant level of motivation. That's an emotion that’s unsustainable. Getting fit requires consistency.  A little bit of effort, sustained regularly. That type of attitude is what we call a 'lifestyle'.

My journey is not over. It's nowhere near over. I'm lifting heavier than I ever thought I would. I'm down in weight yes, but my sights and my drive are not about weight anymore. My focus is on the numbers going up; they are about personal goal setting and goal smashing. That’s where I'm going – how about you?

Sue Nikolovski