Iris Nastasi

Overcoming physical challenges reminds you that focus, discipline and self-belief can bring great satisfaction and success.

I started at Sylvania Vision in October 2016 because I was exhausted! As a working Mum, I worked long hours with big responsibilities, very little time for myself and still tried to fit some training in without a reasonable routine.

My initial goal was to lose three kilos, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but I think I spent my whole life trying to be three kilos lighter. I wanted to learn about food and make good choices.

The trainers are constantly good. I started with Matt and achieved the habit of tracking food, learning tips on how to make good shopping decisions and as delighted when my weight dropped 5 kilos.

With my second trainer Mitch, I then switched more to performance goals and began to train as a runner and increased my weights regime. Mitch raised all expectations I have for myself and I have now unbelievably participated in 11 running events.

I have now maintained my weight for 7 years and run in many events from 5kms to 11kms. I am either recovering or planning the next run. Even though I’m obviously older my times have continued to improve, taking about 30 seconds a km off my earlier times.

Goal setting has become a major drive. I train early and fit several sessions a week into my schedule. The discipline I learnt here has spilled into other areas of my life. I work long hours, still train and make adjustments as I plan for an event. I often choose to go alcohol free for a stretch because of the health effects. I think mentally I have become stronger. Overcoming physical challenges reminds you that focus, discipline and self-belief can bring great satisfaction and success . It also teaches you that falling short means its time to have another go.