Teresa Ianchello

Tell me about your life before Vision?

Life for me before Vision was relatively normal working 9-5 for a global corporate company, spending time with family and friends...until Dec 2018, when I ended up having emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction caused by endometriosis. It was a close one and after 2 weeks in hospital, I slowly walked out of there with a little less bowel and an addition called - a colostomy bag. Since then, life had been a psychological roller coaster - maintaining a positive outlook on the road that lay ahead, and a struggle physically because I just wasn't able to do what I used to do. At times I just struggled to find the strength to walk a few paces or pick up a bag full of groceries.  Things needed to change… and I needed them to change sooner rather than later.

What results have you achieved?

My main goal was simply to rebuild my strength and I achieved that, within no time! The bonus was that my overall fitness improved tenfold, so much so that I recently completed a 4.8km run and have signed up to do a 7km run. 

How has life changed for you?

I am so much stronger physically that it has translated to a confidence where I now feel like I "walk tall" and feel younger. I am also fitter and healthier and better prepared for the next stage in my health journey.  

What is your favourite thing about training at Vision?

The down-to-earth, positive environment that makes me enjoy training and not think twice about whether I should train or not. 

What are some defining moments during your journey?

Seeing my strength and stamina improve - from doing leg presses of 110kg, to taking part in the boxing classes and the run club and topping it off with the 4.8km zoo run! Not bad for someone who couldn't pick up one single bag of groceries and has a colostomy bag! 

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

 A few things I like to remember are:

- With your health and fitness, there is really only one person that can help you, and that is you. 

- If you want to see a change in your current circumstances, something needs to change - just doing one thing differently can help.

- Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today.

- Every step counts, no matter how big or small. Celebrate them all!

- Be patient.

- Enjoy!

Lastly, I have no doubt that if you're prepared to invest some time in your fitness and health, that Vision PT can be you perfect partner to help you achieve your goals just like they helped me.