Putting the FORCE back into your LIFE through group fitness programs

With all this extra energy and strength, I love going out bushwalking now and recently travelled to the Flinders Ranges…..

I originally joined Liam’s kickboxing’s class to gain some self defence moves. But that soon changed when my strength and fitness increased dramatically.

I then concentrated on improving my strength and stamina. Now 2 years later, I’m still enthused about my weekly kickboxing class and these regular classes helps to keep me fit and strong and combined with healthy eating, has also helped with losing 7kg to get to my goal weight and keeping the weight off.

With all this extra energy and strength, I love going out bushwalking now and recently travelled to the Flinders Ranges for some hiking. I easily completed a 14km round trip up Rawnsley Bluff and back. This hike to Rawnsley Bluff is all up hill with a section of about 600 metres that is very steep where you are climbing up over boulders. The hike is classed as Difficult. The views heading up are of the Elder Range and Rawnsley Park Station, then a track heads off to a lookout of Wilpena Pound – amazing views. The ruggedness of ‘the pound’ is incredible. Then I headed up to Rawnsley Bluff which was a further 1.5km and 140m higher. This had views of the Chace Range and at the time I went they were in full mid afternoon sun so had beautiful colourings.

I did the Rawnsley Bluff walk about 9 years ago, about a year after having my first child. I remember it was hard going, and we didn’t complete the whole walk as it was too much, but now after my fitness levels are high through kickboxing and weight down, I was looking to go further (but there wasn’t anymore tracks!!) as we would have had plenty of energy to keep going on walking and climbing. Next visit to the Flinders Ranges, I hope to tackle the famous St Mary’s Peak hike which is a 6-9 hour round trip up very steep terrain and classed as Hard – but the fantastic view from the top will be worth it!!

Petrina

…..everyone has been so supportive without being pratonizing and I’ve really been able to feel that I belong.

We have just returned from Central Australia where we spent two weeks doing and seeing some amazing things and places. We enjoyed a 10.4km hike around the base of Uluru,  then in the afternoon a 7.4km hike around the Olga’s, the very next day it was off to Kings Canyon and another 8km’s there plus the incidental  1 or 2 kms just to have a look at something we thought might be interesting.  A couple days later we hiked Rainbow Valley then Trephina Gorge, as well as a swim and climb to get to a special waterhole.  We visited Chambers Piller, followed the Ghan heritage trail,  camped at Lamberts Centre (the geographical centre of Australia), swam in the Dalhausie Hot Springs and paddled in Lake Eyre.

I know that 2 years ago this type of holiday would have been almost impossible for me.  I know that after the 10kms around Uluru, I would definitely not have had the energy for the Olga’s.  The climb around Kings Canyon would have taken its toll for days. Usually I have always trailed behind but now I’m the one encouraging others to keep going.

18 months ago I sat at my desk at the end of a fairly busy day and reflected on how exhausted I felt. I knew at that point my life had to change.  Way overweight and with a fitness level of almost zero, getting to the end of each week was as much as I could do. My children were approaching the end of school, they were more independent and didn’t need me chasing after them any more, it was time to take control and do something for me.

I turned up that first morning, I found I was even less fit than I thought I was- I could not even run a quarter lap of the oval,  I think I did 12 getups in two minutes and forget the whole concept of a pushup.  Despite this Liam and the others there encouraged me to return and return I did,  now 18 months on I am 20kgs lighter and able to get through an entire session, I can run around the oval, do 12 getups no problem, even pushups are ok.

We tried kickboxing a couple of mornings as part of the activities, I found I really enjoyed these sessions, so now I do a kickboxing session once per week as well.  For this I am better person, no matter how busy and chaotic my day has been I feel happier when we finish, the stress of the day has been worked out.

The difference I have found between LifeForce and any other fitness I have tried in the past is that I don’t feel judged here, everyone has been so supportive without being pratonizing and I’ve really been able to feel that I belong.

For anyone reading this and wondering whether or not you should give fitness a go. DO IT. If I can, anyone can.  Grab Life, take the first step, start paddling, you’ll soon be running.

Annette

I found that Live life PT and Pilates gives me all of these qualities ensuring that i am able to ride daily and compete regularly without getting tired.

Being a competitive horse rider takes good balance, core and body strenght, and plenty of focus. I found that Live life PT and Pilates gives me all of these qualities ensuring that i am able to ride daily and compete regularly without getting tired. Atmosphere is great and people are always friendly making you really look forward to classes. Highly recommended!!

Kirstyr