Alicia Smith

Tell me about your life before Vision?

Growing up I had always been into sports and had stayed in okay shape, however I always felt mediocre about my body, and was forever trying to lose that elusive 5-10kgs. It was that excess weight that caused me to hate looking at photos of myself and never quite feel comfortable in my clothes. To feel better about myself I started cross fit which was my first time lifting weights. I tried that for a year but ended up injuring my back, so I left that and joined a gym.

I never had a specific goal that I was working towards, I just did heaps of cardio as that's what I had heard was the best way to help you lose weight.  I had never looked at changing my nutrition as I just didn't understand it was necessary, I was constantly trying to out exercise my poor diet. It was then that I met a few girls at the gym where I was training at the time who had achieved great results with Vision Personal Training. I loved the way they looked so I thought, if they can do it, so can I.

What Results have you achieved?

So far, I have lost 11% body fat and dropped my dress size from a 12 to an 8. My fitness and strength have improved out of sight, I can honestly say I am the fittest and strongest I have ever been in my life! I've also completely reversed my sleeping habits, I'm now an early bird and can get up at 5am rather than my previous 9am alarm!

How has life changed for you?

Firstly, my confidence has improved beyond belief, I no longer have a problem choosing clothing, I can now just slip on a size 8 dress which was never an option for me previously.

The education I've received has improved my health in more ways than just my weight. Things like my energy, my skin, my fitness and strength are at an all time high. As I said earlier I am absolutely the strongest and fittest I've ever been in my life.

A change in mindset has been very important for me also, I'm less stressed, and always look to the positive side of everything, I'm all together in a much better frame of mind!

I have found now that I am a person who inspires others with what I've achieved which is amazing. I'm no longer the one being inspired but the person who is inspiring.

What is your favourite thing about training at Vision?

There are many things, but firstly having a great PT who not only helps me physically but mentally and emotionally as well. I love doing goal sessions, the fact that we have set goals and timeframes helps me keep on track and continually motivated.

Secondly, would be how friendly everyone in the studio is, everyone knows my name and my goal and that doesn't just go for me but for every client who trains here. The friends I've made here I speak with everyday and see more than just in the studio, we have built a real community! No one here is negative or spiteful, everyone is here for their own reason but we all support each other and our different goals.                                             

There is always an opportunity to be involved in something fun and educational e.g. Fun runs, shopping tours, seminars.

What advice would you give someone in a similar situation to where you were, and is thinking about making a change?

I literally tell people to come and train here! You need to find the right Personal Trainer for you, someone who can guide and support you on this journey. 

Nutrition is paramount and much more important than exercise so make sure you focus on this initially. Do it for yourself, not for someone else, you need to be internally motivated to begin with otherwise it is easy to give up. Set clear goals for yourself with time restraints and measure your progress because that is one of the things that will keep you motivated long term. Lastly, consistency is the key, even if you hit plateau's and road blocks keep persisting as you will eventually achieve your goals!