Helen Hadjikakou

Tell me about your life before Vision?

I was never a fit or sporty kid but I have been training in the gym since I was 18. Back then there was always a focus on exercise but never any real thought on nutrition and how your eating habits affect your body shape. At that time, I had always been intimidated to weight train as that was the realm of men so I just stuck to the cardio equipment.

In my mid 20's I remember being a size 14, I had tried so many different diets and training plans in various gyms but nothing seemed to work. When I eventually managed to lose some of the weight it had always been through cutting my food down very dramatically without any real structure to what I was doing. This was obviously not sustainable and no matter how hard I tried, I was never able to achieve the 'Toned' physique I desired. I originally found Vision for my husband to help him improve his health and fitness. After seeing such good results in him, it wasn't long before I was down training also.

What Results have you achieved?

In my time at Vision I have lost over 10kgs and I am now down to a size 6 clothing! I have also managed to achieve the one thing that had always eluded me, A Toned Physique! I have been at Vision for 7 years and I am now at a point where I am in the best shape of my life and I'm in my mid 40's. As most woman know this is probably one of the most difficult times to keep your health and body in check but I'm doing it with great success!

How has life changed for you?

Firstly, I feel so much more energetic as well as strong and fit. I have resolved a lot of bad eating habits that had previously caused me issues and I now crave healthy foods. I don't desire alcohol or unhealthy food, I actually feel much worse when I eat these things.

I have gone from being too lazy to ever plan or prepare my food to now enjoying the process as I know now how important nutrition is when it comes to achieving your desired body shape. I'm more motivated about my health and fitness as well as goal setting than I have ever been before. I feel that I am now a role model for my 3 kids and my husband. My kids are training at the studio also and as a family we place a high importance on our health and wellbeing.

Due to the improvement in my strength and energy levels I have also tried other forms of exercise such as kick boxing which I would never have been confident enough to try previously. Keeping healthy and having a strong body has given me a much stronger mindset and greatly improved my mental health. I have realised how important nutrition is over exercise and that has been the key to changing my body. It is now a priority and a major life skill for me to have learnt.

What is your favourite thing about training at Vision?

I have been at Vision for over 7 years now so clearly there are many things I love about the studio. Training with Bill and Lauren during the past few years has been amazing. They have guided me in my strength training, always encouraging me and pushing me towards my limits. Lauren has helped me understand the importance of nutrition and this is something that Vision are experts in and that not many people understand.

The studio environment is fantastic, it's the little things here that make all the difference. I am always acknowledged and everyone knows each other making it a real community, I feel like I'm a part of something special. The trainers are all positive, encouraging, and experienced. I appreciate their passion, patience and perseverance. The people I have met along the way make the experience so much more enjoyable!

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

Invest in a personal trainer, having guidance in not only your nutrition but your correct form and technique whilst training is invaluable. Make sure you focus on your nutrition that is the key. Most people say time is an issue but you need to invest the time in your health, I have previously thought I had no time but I now I always make it a priority to get my training in.

Work out what you would like to achieve and set goals around this. Be patient it won't happen overnight, you need to be consistent and keep at it. If nothing changes, nothing changes. Finally, surround yourself with like-minded people, both in the studio and outside of it. You cannot underestimate the role your circle of influence has to play in your journey.