My name is Hetty Boon and I am 53 years old, I am a devoted wife and mother of 4 amazing children. Born in the Netherlands, I have worked overseas most of my life in Europe and Asia and am now stationed in Singapore for the last 14 years. I am a teacher and a certified social worker, which has contributed to me being a ‘giver’ by nature. Self-care has been something that hasn’t come natural for me. Over the last 10 years, I have tried to make lifestyle changes by following diets to try to become fitter, but all those attempts have been unsuccessful.
Why did you sign up to the F45 Challenge?
In January, my mother-in-law got sick, and that made me realize that making a life change is essential. I didn’t know how to do this, and I was scared to even think about working out and exposing my body. Through my children, I got to know Sarah Stuart (F45 Jurong CDB owner) and instantly felt a connection with her. One day, I decided to write her a text about how I wanted to make a life change but felt stuck and if she would be willing to have a chat with me to talk about things I could do. Sarah met with me and suggested having a few private classes with our fantastic head trainer, Shah (Shahrin Ahmat), and even though I was scared and nervous, I did that. After three sessions, Shah invited me to join the group classes, and again, even though I was so worried and cautious, I did that.
What kept you motivated throughout the 8 weeks?
The community at Jurong CBD kept me going. We have such a strong, supportive, and warm culture established that I was feeding off everybody’s energy to keep going. The moment I started wearing my LionHeart monitor, things began to evolve into another dimension for me. I could see my level of engagement and the calories I burned, and that supported me in giving 100% each session. This led to setting the goal for myself to work out every day and to give 100%, as I could now see it visibly on the screen. I guess that unleashed the competitive side in me.
What advice would you give to the next Challenger?
Find a studio like mine! Be a risk-taker, and you can do it, if you only take the first step. The first step seems super hard to take, but in hindsight, it wasn’t hard at all. Letting go and just going for it is all you need. One little step at the time. Ask for support and help, as you don’t have to go through this alone. As in my situation, I walked alongside Sarah and Shah, and they kept an eye on me. To quote Sarah: „if you don’t show up, I will hunt you down”. (…said with love!)
What was your favourite thing about the F45 Challenge?
I was feeling stronger each little step of the way. This feeling led to me feeling more confident as well. My favorite thing was making new friends at the studio and going through Challenge 25 together, as well as building relationships with Sarah (the owner), the amazing trainers, and the members. Doing Challenge 25 with my husband, Egmond Boon, was and still is (C26) terrific. This is our special time together (like date night!). I love being a role model for fellow members, as I have heard that my accomplishment has already inspired others (if a 53-year-old woman can do it…so can I).
What part about the Challenge did you find most difficult, and how did you push through it?
I honestly didn’t find it as hard as I expected it to be. As mentioned, taking the first step was huge, but once I took that step, I didn’t find it hard, as I was committed to doing it. Taking the before photos and sharing them was hard. I still have to learn to let go of this and allow these images to be part of my journey. On days that I didn’t feel like working out, I reminded myself to live in the moment and to take one step at the time.
