A TURNING POINT IN LOCKDOWN

When I first heard about Optima Strength back in late 2021, it was through a friend who thought it might suit me. We were in the middle of Covid, and everything was still locked down. I’d just lost my mum earlier that year, and I was approaching my 50th birthday. I needed something—something for my body, my mind, and my soul.

A DIAGNOSIS OF PRE-OSTEOPOROSIS

I hadn’t followed any fitness routine before. I’d been to a gym in the past, but never with a personal trainer, and with a recurring foot fracture and a diagnosis of pre-osteoporosis, I knew high-intensity training wasn’t right for me. I was at my heaviest, mentally drained, and just felt stuck. So when I heard that Optima offered virtual training, it just clicked with me. I thought, This could be it.

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THE GAME-CHANGING CONVENIENCE

From the very beginning, I loved the convenience. I have a demanding job, and the idea that I could literally run downstairs, set up in 10 minutes, and get my workout done before the workday began—it was a game-changer. Even now, with the world back to normal, I’ve never felt the need to switch to in-person training. That’s how much I value it.

FACING THE FEAR OF STARTING

But if I’m honest, I was nervous at first. I suffer from anxiety when it comes to the unknown. I worried about whether I could do it, whether I’d enjoy it, whether I’d feel too exposed in a one-on-one setting. I even had sleepless nights before my first session. But what helped was that Optima offered a trial—it wasn’t a commitment, just a chance to try. That small gesture gave me the confidence to take the first step.

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And from that first wall sit—I remember thinking, How in God’s name does anyone do this?—I was hooked. My trainer Fiona eased me in, working around my injuries, even helping me discover that a misaligned kneecap was causing some pain. She didn’t just adjust my workouts; she made them smarter. More effective. Pain-free but still challenging. I don’t even do traditional squats anymore—we’ve found better ways to build strength without discomfort.

TWO 30 MIN SESSIONS A WEEK THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Two thirty minute sessions a week became my anchor. They gave me structure, motivation, and something for myself. I’ve trained while traveling, I’ve adjusted times when work got hectic, and Optima has always worked with me. They never say no; they ask, What works for you? That flexibility is priceless.

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STRONGER IN BODY AND MIND

Since starting, I’ve felt not just physically stronger, but mentally stronger too. I show up differently in my life, in my relationships, and in my work. My confidence has grown. My mindset has shifted. I feel like I’ve taken back control, like I’ve invested in myself—not just in terms of money, but in time, effort, and belief.

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The biggest change? My belief in what I can do. That I’m capable. That it’s never too late. I used to think I wouldn’t be able for this. Now, I look forward to every new program Fiona creates for me. I’m no longer nervous—I’m excited. I’ve even brought resistance bands on holidays to keep the momentum going.

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IF YOU’RE ON THE FENCE…

If you’re on the fence like I was, I want you to know this: no one is too far gone. I started when I was at my lowest. I was grieving, stressed, anxious, and out of shape. But taking that first step—saying yes to myself—was the start of everything changing.

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Looking back, I’d tell myself to do it sooner. Looking forward, I’m excited to see what else I can achieve.