Darcey White

Tell us about your life before joining Vision Personal Training Lindfield?

Before joining Vision Personal Training in April 2019, I was significantly overweight, sedentary, and unhappy. These lifestyle factors were largely the result of fracturing my sacrum along with stressful events in my life that made me immobile for about 10 months and caused me to turn to food as a source of comfort. This was a massive challenge for me as someone who loves keeping active and who enjoyed competitive rowing and swimming prior to this injury.

What was the state of your health and fitness when you started and what affect was this having on your life?

I was significantly overweight, sitting at 89 kilograms due to my immobility. In terms of my physical health, this made small tasks very challenging; my joints were always sore, and I really struggled to have enough energy to go to school and get through my day. I would have to take regular breaks walking home from school and by the time I reached home, I was drenched in perspiration. Mentally, this was the lowest point for my confidence and body image.

What results have you achieved at Vision Personal Training Lindfield?

I have achieved a total weight loss of 25 kilograms, gained muscle mass and found a life-long love of fitness and health, which resulted in me becoming a PT at Vision Lindfield in May 2022! I have achieved what old me would have thought was ‘impossible’ with the support of the Vision Lindfield community. I went from not being able to walk home without needing to sit down, to running my first half-marathon in October of 2020. This allowed me to achieve my long-term goal of being selected as the Stroke for my school’s Year 12 IV Nationals Crew.

What did you find was the most useful tool at Vision?

The biggest tool has been having a PT. I have tried lots of different gyms that don’t prioritise 1-on-1 PT and found that I felt intimidated and completely lost, causing me to just give up and put it all in the ‘too-hard basket’ and assuming ‘I would just never be fit.’ Being injury prone due to having osteopenia, I also needed the support of a PT who could teach me good form.

What impact has your new health and fitness had on your new life?

I have transformed myself physically and mentally. I have lost 25kg and gained a lot of muscle, achieving fitness goals of running a half marathon. I have a new routine which I love, which prioritises exercising every day, and eating foods that make me feel my best!

What keeps you motivated?

‘Remember why you started’ is the main motivation for me. I remember one of my old Vision PTs said this to me, and it really stuck. I started because I wanted a better life and future for myself, and I wanted to take back my happiness that had been missing for a very long time prior to Vision. Some of the things I had been struggling with were out of my control, and Vision gave me ways to take back that control and put myself and my health first.

What advice would you give to someone that is currently thinking about taking a positive step towards changing their health and fitness?

Do it now! A big mistake I made was waiting for ‘the right time’ to make that change and pursue the life and body you want. There is no such thing as the ‘right time’, and real success happens in health and fitness when you’re prepared to commit yourself and take that leap no matter what challenges come up.

If you were to recommend Vision Personal Training Lindfield to your friends, what would you say?

There’s no such thing as ‘too unfit’ to start at the here; the team can help you take steps to be where you want to be. The group classes are open to any level, and there’s so many fun social events to help you meet others in the community – from fun runs, to cork and canvas nights and everything in between!