Danielle Garner

Tell me about your life before Vision? This is a tough one to answer as really over the past 2 years there have been 2 lives, but the most recent is obviously life in Melbourne during a now World Record Lockdown situation. During lockdown and being restricted to the confines of a 2 bedroom apartment with no backyard was really difficult and only 2hrs outside to exercise. During the past 2 years it has been a lot of work, and then exhausted from that so moving the 10 steps from my study to the lounge room where I would spend the rest of the evening and repeat (now for 200+ days). I used to love cooking as well but over this period it has felt like more of a chore and the easy option became to order in Uber eats or anything else that was quick and easy. Life before lockdown was busy and trying to go to the gym when I can, always thinking about a PT but hoping to get a little fitter before I started with a PT so I wasn’t in the foetal position during my first session. Pretty lazy really and not really looking after myself as best as I could as always “too busy”. At least lockdown has taught me to slow down!

What results have you achieved? Results to date whilst I keep checking those damn scales they are finally moving in the right direction again after being stuck on the same number for over a week. I can also finish a PT session without every muscle in my body shaking and completing the online group training sessions at night – nearly confident enough to have my camera on.

How has life changed for you? I am already feeling much fitter (I mean it didn’t take much) and more motivated, instead of working until crazy hours I am taking the time to step away and go for a walk or complete an online group session. I also feel more in control of my nutrition and learning through this. I am learning to plan my meals and what will work each day – even to fit in a little treat. It is also great that I have been able to discuss what I am doing with friends who have been supportive and also suggesting walking instead of sitting for our catch ups.

What is your favourite thing about training at Vision? I love how friendly everyone is and how personalised it feels. With the Hub being open it is so lovely to walk in and everyone says hello and even knows your name, people are friendly. I am enjoying working with my trainer Lewis, who is pushing me, encouraging me and teaching me the right tools rather than just telling me what to do.

What are some defining moments during your journey? A defining moment is to have the support of friends who encourage you on the journey. I started working with Vision following a recommendation from a friend, and a couple of weeks ago instead of just catching up and having a coffee, we walked to have coffee and then walking all over St Kilda and Prahran for coffee, then breakfast and to sit and catch up. This would never have happened before as one of us would have picked up food and then sat and eaten. I am sure there will be more as I feel I am still pretty early on in this journey.

What advice would you give someone in a similar situation to where you were, and thinking about making a change? Just go for it, your trainer coaches you through all aspects of the Vision program, from your training to talking about goals and even nutrition, all without judgement.