Christina Laudani

Tell me about your life before Vision?

As a teenager, I had always played sport throughout my early school years and whilst no athlete, I had a reasonable fitness level. However, being at an all girls school in which Physical Education and school sports were not a high priority, from year 10 onwards any physical activity stopped and my social life kicked in!

Amongst my social group the majority of our activities revolved around food, most likely not the healthy kind. During year 12 I focused most of my attention on studying and my eating habits went way downhill, as such I put on a lot of weight.  Once I turned 18 and started Uni, these habits only worsened. I had no routine with my eating, food choices were generally poor and I ate out a lot. With a busy work and Uni schedule taking priority, my health and fitness was the first thing to suffer. I would actually barely eat during the day and come home to a big Italian dinner every night.

I have joined gyms in the past and seen some small results but as soon as winter hit, I generally lost motivation and whilst keeping my membership, never really attended. In the past family members have told me what to do in regards to my food which would usually lead to me rebelling and doing the opposite. It was not until my Mum started training at Vision Personal Training that I finally committed to improving my health and fitness.

What Results have you achieved?

So far, I have lost over 20kgs, I'm the lightest I have been since my high school years! I have so much more energy than before, I can now wake up at 5am and make so much more out of my day. When shopping I can now easily pick up a size 10 or 12 rather than an 18. Just recently I attended run club and ran 4km without stopping, something that previously would have been out of the question.

How has life changed for you?

I'm definitely more confident in everything that I do. I'm happy to go out and enjoy myself, whereas previously I would sit at home as I was self conscious of putting myself out there. Clothing that I wear now I would never have gone near before. I enjoy shopping much more as I no longer have to shop in the bigger sizes.

My improved energy levels have helped me with work and Uni, I can get up early and go to bed late without getting ridiculously tired. My sleeping patterns used to be terrible getting up at 11am or even midday after a late night.

I also look at food differently, I don't crave rubbish food and can be around it easily without feeling the 'need' to eat it.

What is your favourite thing about training at Vision?

Probably the fact that I can just feel comfortable being myself here. Any other gym I've walked into I have felt judged and very self conscious. The fact that I can walk up those stairs and talk to anyone, everyone knows my name and who I am makes it all so much easier. My Trainer John has made me feel so comfortable and at home, It's such a friendly and supportive environment.

Doing this with my family has made this not only easier but also more enjoyable as they understand what I'm going through, we are all in it together.

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

Go for it, don't question it, at least try and make the changes you have nothing to lose. You have to mentally be ready to change, other times I have tried and not been in the right headspace.

Don't stop doing the things you enjoy, just do everything in moderation. I didn't stop going out with my friends, I just chose to do the right things for my health whilst with them. Lastly, surround yourself with supportive people, my friends never question my choices with food or alcohol, they are actually proud of me for what I am trying to achieve!