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Mon, 6 Mar 2023,
posted by City of Sydney
International Women’s Day is all about celebrating the achievements of women around the globe.
So we wanted to discover some of the achievements from our own female trainers and instructors.
Their stories demonstrate not only how they overcame their professional and personal challenges, but just how important a role health and fitness played in reaching their goals.
We hope their stories will inspire all women to prioritise their health, fitness and well-being. Not just focusing on losing weight, but creating a stronger mind and body, to feel great and confident, and to find a better balance between family, work and all the other daily demands.
Sasha - Fitness Expert and Mother of two
Do you think there are any challenges you faced as a woman in the fitness industry?
There are so many barriers for a female to train, particularly if you are a mother!
Time, responsibilities, work, kids' activities, you name it. It all could be barriers for you to get to the gym and get your training done.
For me, it's important to prioritise my training and treat it as an important meeting. It's my mental health, first of all, and then come the physical benefits. Healthy and happy me, happy everyone around me.
I am usually my own motivation to train and sometimes when I don't feel like training, I just remind myself how awesome I feel afterwards. It works every time! I also like to listen to fitness podcasts to get extra motivation and knowledge.
What is your greatest achievement (so far)?
My greatest fitness achievement is running a 102km ultra marathon in New Zealand.
What is your next goal?
This year I have committed to doing pull ups and chin ups! Upper body exercises are so hard for women!
And your final message to women who want to start training?
My message to all women who already train or think of joining the gym - JUST DO IT, show up for yourself.
If you fear any machines and exercises or you don't know what to do in the gym, just ASK!
Chiara - Yoga and Mat Pilates Instructor
As a woman, do you find any challenges when it comes to training?
Lots of people might think that being female, we don't have the strength as men do. But your personal fitness goal should really be just for yourself.
What motivates you?
My health is my biggest motivation. If you want to have a healthy body and mind, you must keep moving.
Seeing all the members' happy faces after my classes is just so rewarding for me too.
What has been your greatest achievement (so far)?
Being awarded group fitness instructor of September 2022.
What is your next goal?
Continually practicing and improving my Yoga and Pilates skills so I can be a better instructor. It is important to keep learning and sharing my knowledge and skills to help my participants.
And your final message to women who want to start training?
As women, we often spend too much time to worry about our family or our loved ones, then forget about ourselves. But self-care and self-love should always be the priority. The time you spend in the gym or go out for a small walk. This is the time just for yourself - to reset, restore and reconnect.
This is why Yoga has helped my through so many ups and downs – the way it connects your body and mind and gives you better balance in life.
Jenna - Business Development Manager and member of Gunyama Park
Do you find any barriers being female when training and if so how did you overcome them?
I have been training at the gym for years now and have overcome many barriers. Initially it can seem quite intimidating as a young woman. It wasn't until I educated myself on exercise and nutrition and took charge of my health and fitness that I learned to love my body.
What motivates you the most?
My results are my biggest motivation. Feeling fitter, faster and stronger each month, as I get older, makes me feel amazing.
What is your greatest fitness related achievement (so far)?
Over the years, I competed in a body building competition and made it to the nationals. I've also gone on some incredible hikes and learnt to scuba dive which is a big achievement for me as I have asthma.
What are your fitness goals for the next 12 months?
In the next 12 months I am getting married so I want to look and feel amazing on my wedding day.
I also want to build up my stamina to run 21 kms and maybe even complete a half marathon.
What is the most important message you want to send out to women who want to join a gym?
Loving yourself is the most important thing and, for me, I found that through exercise and nutrition. Many girls are scared to start as it can be overwhelming. Everything is a learning process and whatever your goals are, just stick to it. Don't be scared to ask for help and build yourself a fitness community who can support you and your journey.
Lauren - Yoga and Barre Instructor
What inspires you the most?
Seeing my students realise new things about their bodies that they were not aware of previously.
What is your greatest fitness achievement (so far)?
Climbing to Everest Base Camp in 2018. It was the most mentally and physically challenging trip I have done!
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women?
What people think or have to say about you is a reflection of their internal self-worth and experience of life.
Self-empowerment comes from learning to prioritise you - sustaining yourself with nourishing foods and movement and continuous education. And most importantly, surrounding yourself with a support network of authentic, self-aware and courageous human beings.