Today we celebrate the awesome Carolyn Paterson. Carolyn joined Terrific Fitness (TF) in November of 2020.  In between the hectic changes and adjustments that the Covid lockdown brought everyone.  Carolyn found out about Terrific Fitness through one of our long-time members and decided to make a change for herself.  After being confined and restricted like most people, Carolyn was looking to improve her health and fitness.  It wasn’t the best start for her however as there were more lockdowns following.  But Carolyn stuck to it and made the most of the online classes provided by TF during the difficult lockdowns.

Once the lockdowns had concluded, Carolyn returned to the studio and took up the classes and gave them all a go.  One of Carolyn’s strengths is to commit to a change and try out something new.  And throughout the last couple of years, she has given the new classes a go and puts in a great effort.  In mid-2021 Carolyn signed up for the 6-week Healthy Habits Program and achieved great success in establishing new routines into her lifestyle.  She also takes advantage of the free Body Composition Analysis that every member can access every 6 weeks to track and gauge their success.

As a coach, I have seen Carolyn gain much in the way of the TF community involvement in the classes. She bonds well with those around her, has made new connections, and shares her experiences in our Facebook members group.  As for her health, she has picked up a lot of knowledge from our coaches’ information, advice she seeks, and food ideas posted on our FB group and website.  Her fitness is at a better level and movement has improved and benefited her ability to enjoy freedom of movement that suffered before she began with us.

• Coach Stephen

I have the pleasure of training Carolyn in THT (Tummy, Hips & Thighs) on Saturdays and I’m so proud of Carolyn for how far she has come in her journey! Her balance, coordination, strength and fitness have all come leaps and bounds! We often share cheeky banter as I challenge her in class, and she always rises to the challenge. Carolyn I am super proud of you lovey! I remember how hard it was simply standing on one leg when you first started and now you train like a legend! Just brilliant! Keep up the awesome work hun!

• Coach Terri

Here is Carolyn’s story in her words:

“In 2021 I had a very rude awakening.  I needed to have surgery and when I was weighed in on the day, I could not believe that my weight had gotten away from me so much.  I had a busy life being the mum of two and I assumed that was enough to keep me fit, but I realised that I had not been looking after myself at all.  I had enough energy to get through my day but every night I would fall asleep on the couch.  My body was not functioning well at all, my hip (arthritis) was so sore that I would limp around, often groaning when I stood up.  I had also started to go up in clothing size and that was really making me mad!

I had had a membership at a local gym for a year and I had been only a handful of times.  I didn’t know what I was doing when I did go so, I only did the very basic stuff, treadmill, rower and a few weight machines.  I hated it so much!  I knew I had to do something, but I had no idea exactly what suited me.  It was then that I saw the 28 Day Kickstart Challenge advertised on Facebook and I pushed myself to call and make an enquiry.  I spoke with Terri initially and she was so positive and understood that I was stuck in my rut.  I then had my first consultation with Stephen and that was when I realised that this gym was completely different and that I would not get away with making excuses here!!  I remember looking at the class that was underway and thinking how much fun they were having and how everyone in that class was just like me.

I have been a member of TF for 2 years now and I love it!  My health has improved SO much!  I have lost over 10kgs, I am now in the healthy BMI range, my water intake has increased, and I am making slow and steady changes to my nutrition.  In my first class at TF, I was like the Tin Man, I couldn’t bend, couldn’t even do a front kick and my posture was horrendous but the support from the coaches was incredible, offering me guidance, improving my technique, and encouraging me.

Recently I had to take a few weeks off due to a medical procedure.  The team at TF were so kind and kept in touch with me to make sure I was going okay.  I lost a bit of my fitness in that time and now returning to classes, I notice the difference, but I know that I am supported by the coaches, and I work to my own pace and ask for modifications to exercises as I need.  I also realised over these weeks how much I actually love going to the gym now and how important it is for my mental health.  Heading into my early-mid 50’s and knowing the changes that my body will undergo; I realise that it is so important for me to be fit and healthy and I am so proud of myself for what I have achieved since joining TF. 

I would recommend Terrific Fitness to anyone who is looking to improve their health and fitness and have fun at the same time.  TF is not a gym where your weight and appearance is the focus, it is about your overall wellbeing and health.  You learn from experienced, knowledgeable trainers, advice is free flowing, and everyone is supported to be their best self.  Don’t put it off, make the call and get started!!” – Carolyn Paterson