Not even surgery could stop Doreen
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Name: Doreen Smith
Top tip: “You don’t have to excel, you just have to keep at it and get it done.”
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN HEALTH MATES?
I have always been a very active person, playing competitive netball, tennis, basketball and squash. After being told I was going to need a hip replacement and that I needed to stop playing competitive level sports, I needed to find myself a new challenge that I would participate in, but in a controlled environment. At this point in time I gave up my sports and started at Health Mates.
WHAT HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN AT HEALTH MATES?
When I first started at Health Mates I got a program written by Michael. I told him about my hip and he gave me a personalised program to help me strengthen it up before I had to have my surgery. After my surgery, my surgeon and doctors were astounded with how quickly I recovered. From this point on I have gotten my programs written by Cody and Raquel every 6-8 weeks. Cody said he could not believe how much muscle I had, and I still remember that compliment to this day. I also participate in the Active over 50’s, Lite N Lo, Pilates and Band-It classes. This is one of my favourite parts about coming to Health Mates, it has been a whole other avenue for me and I have met many people who I now go to lunch and coffee with quite regularly.
WHAT HAVE YOU ACHIEVED SO FAR, AND HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
I am a lot stronger, I feel fit and healthy … and I love it. When I first began I was always focusing on strengthening up my legs and my hip. At this stage I did not realise the importance of strengthening my upper body. During my time here at Health Mates my husband has had 4 knee reconstructions. By increasing my upper body strength, this allows me to assist him get through day to day tasks with ease. It means a lot to me to be able to use my strength to help my husband.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
My main goal is to be able to maintain my quality of life. Exercising helps me to feel healthy and allows me to be flexible. As a part of my lifestyle I like to travel, I have a holiday house I go to regularly, I would like to continue to be able to do this with ease. I would also love to continue to play with my grandchildren. They often want me to get down on the ground and play with them. I would like to continue to do so.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS IN A SIMILAR POSITION AS YOU WERE?
When I first started at Health Mates I was astounded by how many people my age or of similar age were there exercising. Everyone is well supported with a personalised program written by Personal Trainers. Raquel is currently writing all of my programs. I love that she prints me out pictures to make my program easier to follow. However, what I love most is that even when she is not around, I can approach anyone in a green shirt and they are more than happy to help when I need some assistance. One thing I will say though is, once you commit, you have to follow through to get results. You don’t have to excel, you just have to keep at it and get it done.
A WORD FROM HER TRAINER, RAQUEL:
Meeting up with Do
reen every 6-8 weeks is a delight, I love putting together her programs and challenging her a little bit more every time. She is one of the fittest and strongest women I have every met. How many 72 year olds do you know who do one legged squats? Not to mention she would probably hold a plank longer than I would! You are an inspiration Doreen, keep it up!
Read more Member success stories
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.
