In November 2019, prior to coming to Catalyst, I had attempted to return to exercise without guidance, and injured my knee. I knew I needed help, and direction. I’d looked online at articles on getting fit – but felt at a bit of a loss as to what to do next. When I walked into Catalyst and met Sean I laid all my issues, concerns and fears on the table (and definitely took up more of Sean’s time than was allotted.) I admitted that the task ahead of me seemed insurmountable. I was significantly overweight (140KG), drastically unfit and unhappy. Issues with my physical presence had seeped into other parts of my life – and I knew it was likely a case of now or never. Sean was able to make me feel immediately comfortable and at ease – despite the fact I was talking about issues that I generally, at the time, found it hard to talk about.

When we began training at Catalyst, Sean encouraged me to firstly start walking, as well as exploring my abilities (or lack thereof!) during PT sessions. Walking, at that time, was something that had pretty much ceased to exist in my life, so an initial goal of 5,000 steps a day was set. Despite some trips, slips and falls, I persevered. Training wise, I would definitely be lying if I said it was easy – but luckily Sean is patient and takes the time to ensure you understand the movements you are doing.

Back in 2019, and early 2020 even – any kind of presence in a gym was still pretty alien – and without Sean/ Catalyst – I quite literally, would not know what I was doing, or where to begin. At the very beginning, a lot of my focus was on making sure I showed up and tried – so it took me a little bit of time to relax and enjoy what I was doing. Every session I have had Sean has always had more than enough energy for the both of us, and from the very beginning ensured I felt comfortable in the space, and with everything I was doing.

March 2020 then threw us into Lockdown 1, and I remember messaging Sean worried that I would go backwards and would not know how to cope. Sean supported me all the way through – ensuring I had home workouts to do, helping me stay consistent, and challenging me to learn new movements. I will not lie and say it was easy – as the change in routine was difficult, but when I did make it back to the first PT session at Catalyst again, I knew the months of work were worth it. Lockdown 1 was also the first time I tried classes with Catalyst, when outdoor sessions were introduced. Joining group classes was something I was scared of initially. I did not want to go and be the least fit person on the class, or to be able to go and feel like I could not do anything.

When the gyms reopened for a while, I returned to PT sessions with Sean and began learning an array of new skills – including deadlifts and squats – and going from strength to strength. Classes were added to my routine too – even trying Olympic Lifting! Joining classes added a new, social side to exercising for me – and I started to really feel part of a community. Not long later, I was lifting a 90KG deadlift for the first time – and a 60KG squat. I took on shoots during the summer months and was amazed at how much more easily my body moved, and how less tiring day to day was. I went out with friends and felt like I could keep up.

Training with Sean, and Catalyst has given me the confidence to try new things, and really push myself outside of my comfort zone – I have gone from being unsure if I could cope ahead of Lockdown 1, to trying to design my own workouts in Lockdown 3 (with help from Sean!) and trying activities I never thought I could or would do – including things like running my first 5k and picking up a skipping rope. There have been huge changes in my mindset, as well as in my physical body in 18 months.
I do not know what the future looks like for me, I guess nobody does – but I know now that I feel better after I exercise and move. I have come a long way from that first challenge of 5,000 steps a day – with some days now reaching the 25,000 mark!
Sean’s support has been, honestly, phenomenal. From in the gym, to outside the gym support with nutrition, as well as emotional and practical support when I am struggling. He has helped me stay accountable, challenged me, and helped me find a new lease of life. I do not know at the moment what my ultimate goal is, but I do know that I have the support of a great trainer, and gym behind me to get there.