1. Why did you sign up to the F45 Challenge?
Since I stopped playing footy, I didn’t really have any motivation to stick to anything consistently. When I went to conventional gyms, I found it hard to push myself outside of a team setting without a goal in mind. I wasn’t getting much out of sessions, waiting for equipment, etc.
When I was in my trial week at Martin Place, I was being pushed harder than I was for a while and when one of the trainers suggested the challenge, it sounded like a great goal to work towards in a setting where you get a lot out of every session.
2. What kept you motivated throughout the 8 weeks?
The Team at Martin Place were awesome at pushing me for every session, racking up weights if they saw I could go heavier, adding in extras, making sure my form was correct, etc., so I felt like I was always progressing and they kept it really interesting. They would always check in on how I was going and give awesome advice and motivation to keep going. They made it a place I enjoyed going to every day and were really supportive of myself and everyone who came through the door. Also, when I started seeing results a few weeks into the challenge it was extra motivation to kick on again until the end.
3. What advice would you give to the next Challenger?
You’re doing it for yourself, so only you can do it. Training wise, the only session you’ll regret is the one you didn’t do. So, just get it done… everyday… maybe twice a day. Also, your trainer is always right, so do whatever they’re pushing you to do – no questions. Diet wise, there’s an entire plan laid out so stick to it no matter what. Temptations will usually come from others, but they’re not doing the challenge so don’t let it impact your results. Don’t be afraid to be “awkward” to help you stick to the diet. Again, the only person affected by not sticking to it is you. In the words of Arnie, “You can have results or excuses, not both”. Enough cliches?
4. What was your favourite thing about the F45 Challenge?
The sense of achievement from doing something I enjoyed doing was great. Most other types of plans I have done finished as soon as I reached the finish line and I went back to bad habits. The F45 Challenge and everyone at Martin Place have made me want to still kick on since the Challenge finished. Also, the physical changes were expected, but I feel it has helped so much mentally also, knowing I can push myself.
5. What part about the Challenge did you find most challenging and how did you push through it?
It can be tough when your routine is thrown out. I had a road trip with family during the challenge which made sticking to the diet tough with only fast food and servos available on the road and eating out most nights. I pretty much made a game out of staying healthy when there wasn’t anything too healthy available. With so many F45 studios available, I was able to get sessions in up the coast so made sure I stuck to a session everyday.
