Lauren not only lost weight, she regained her confidence too!
Name: Lauren Corish
Member since: 2012
Weight loss to date: 40kg
Tip: “Life is full of risks, so be brave and take a chance – it’s the best thing you’ll ever do!”
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF HEALTH MATES?
I have been a member of Health Mates since the beginning of 2012.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN HEALTH MATES?
At the end of 2011 I went on a holiday to New Zealand. While I was there I wanted to go sky diving and bungy jumping. I was not able to do either because of weight restrictions. At this point I realised it was time to change my ways, lose weight and get healthy. A friend of mine recommended joining Health Mates.
WHAT HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN AT HEALTH MATES?
When I first join Health Mates I was self-conscious and too scared to use the equipment on the gym floor, because of this I only attended classes. As time went on I wanted more of a push, so I got a personal trainer. Raquel and I started training twice a week. I also wanted my diet to be the best it could be for maximum results, so I saw Rebecca, the Dietitian. As I have gone from not training at all, to training 5 times a week, my body has developed a few aches and pains along the way. I now see Dennis, the Massage Therapist, monthly to help with this.
Lauren (right) with her sister in New Zealand
WHAT HAVE YOU ACHIEVED SO FAR, AND HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
When I first started at Heath Mates I was 124 kilograms, I am now down to 84 kilograms. I also would not train on the gym floor; all of my sessions with Raquel were held in the studios. Raquel challenged me and gradually got me outside of my comfort zone, training me in the personal training area.
I am now training in the whole gym, following my program even when I am on my own. I have achieved more than I imagined possible. With the support and encouragement from staff and other members at Health Mates, I am feeling the best I have felt in my life. I had never been to a gym before so I am thankful for the inviting and comfortable environment that is provided. I’ve overcome fears, surpassed many goals and been able to change my life.
In 2012 I participated in a ’12 Week Weight Loss Challenge’ where I lost 10 kilograms
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
In January I am going to Thailand for one month on a volunteer program where I will work in a community helping with education and building. My short term goal is to get fitter and stronger for this trip so the physical part of the trip is not so challenging. My ultimate goal is to lose a total of 50 kilograms and maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and eating.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS IN A SIMILAR POSITION AS YOU WERE?
A healthy life is a constant process. It takes hard work and commitment, but in the end the only person holding you back is yourself. Life is full of risks, so be brave and take a chance – it’s the best thing you’ll ever do!
Lauren is our July 2014 Member of the Month.
Read more member testimonials here
If you’d like to nominate our next Member of the Month email your suggestion to raquels@rwc.org.au
There is no guarantee that physical exercise will achieve specific outcomes. Results will vary depending on personal commitment, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle factors.
