Member Story: Karen S

Karen's Story - 43yrs

I am 43 years young! And feeling younger every day. I am a tax accountant, so spend way too much time in front of a computer, and sat down – which made me fat ….and lazy!!

But now I’m less fat (cos of the awesome trainers at Boss) and less lazy and love going to the gym!!!

"When I first started I felt anxious and scared, but determined to change! Gareth met Mia and said how awesome she was – and then Mia phoned me to chat and she persuaded me to try the gym for 2 weeks before Christmas – so I did a group session which hurt but it showed me how unfit and unhealthy my lifestyle had become! I knew I had to make the change!"

"Now I feel Happy, positive and motivated to push myself as hard as I can! The group sessions are always changing – so you are constantly learning and getting a good mix of different exercises. The trainers are always happy to give you advice on what to do and how to improve form, increase weights so you keep improving week on week! I am not just physically stronger but mentally stronger too – and way happier!"

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

"Seeing the change in my body shape, feeling fitter, stronger and leaner – and dropping the kilos and the inches! Also the comments from friends on how much healthier & happier I look and how I have inspired them to make some lifestyle changes too. Best of all trying on clothes that I kept from my ‘skinny’ days (12 years ago…yes I am a hoarder!!!) and they are too loose on me – that has been a real buzz!"

What advise would you give someone who is looking to start?

"Take a deep breath…and give it a go! The members are great, the culture at the gym is so supportive and friendly, the trainers are awesome – gyms can be intimidating places for lots of different reasons, but Boss Gym isn’t your typical gym."

"I was anxious and nervous starting out – and fearful of failing or looking like an idiot, but I have realized no-one expects you to be perfect or cares if you make a mistake, they are just happy to see you and help you be the best you can be."

May Newsletter

Member Story: Gareth S

Gareth's Story - 47

"My 1st session, in late December was an eye opener to how unfit and unhealthy I was! I knew I had let things slip, considering in 2013 I had run a full marathon in Antarctica, but the level of my fitness really shocked me, and ultimately led to a changed mindset on my life. I struggled with exercise within a few minutes, took forever to get my breath back and felt totally out of my comfort zone. Although Adam, who took the session was supportive and had me not overdo it, having played rugby for most of my life I was really disappointed I had allowed my fitness to get to this state.

But now, I love training; I can’t wait to see what the session plan is, thinking about which exercises I can up my weights on and planning my approach. It really is a mind game, which I feel I am largely in control of, now. I now aim to complete every session, up the weights where I can, or get further in the challenge, if I hadn’t completed it before. Karen and I ALWAYS discuss the session afterwards; what went well, what was most challenging, and largely what the trainers said.

I have to compliment all the trainers, for me they have always known how hard to push me, constantly challenging my boundaries and motivating me.

I also appreciate having dedicated trainers that are focused on technique, I believe too many gyms are all about getting through the session and numbers, instead of good technique that will benefit more in the long term and reduce the risk of injury."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

Training for me has now become part of my life and a routine. I have lost about 12 kilos since January. I have more energy, my clothes fit me properly, I am getting compliments about my appearance and I am a lot more confident. But it is also about being in the gym; the trainers are awesome, not just for training, but for advice, confidence building and just a laugh. The whole vibe of the gym promotes you to be relaxed and enjoy yourself, feel comfortable in an environment that is unlike any traditional gym, or any other gym I have experienced or heard about!!

I think the way the sessions are planned, changed and presented keeps me interested and pushes limits.

Now, my technique is better, I am lifting bigger weights and recovering quicker, I have more weight to lose and improvements to work on, this keeps me motivated...and I just enjoy catching up with everyone in the Boss family.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

There were a few things that helped me get started and keep momentum.

Having Karen (my wife) join with me allowed us to go together, pushing each other on off days, discuss sessions and the different exercises that were challenging and how we got through them, and changing our diet together, starting with the Boss detox. So a gym partner really helps, there is always a friendly face in the class that will be happy to train with you!

Talk to the trainers, a lot. Tell them what you are doing with your diet, ask about ways to discuss how you feel before and after the session, by being open with the trainers, they learnt about me, my goals and my limits. They also tell you about their weaknesses and issues, and how they work with them.

Use your book! I measure my fitness improvements, my weight lifting increases and any personal sessions I do, in my book.

Food! Starting with the Boss Detox early January, we recognized how our diet was a mixture of unbalanced meals, large proportions and unplanned. We haven’t dieted, but changed how we shop, how often we eat and how much we eat – all supported by talking to the trainers and looking for healthy alternatives to the food we traditionally liked. As Darcy one said to me “good habits breed good habits”.

Boss has changed my life, in 4 months! I am happier, sleeping better, feeling energetic and loving life. Give it a go, come join our family.

Member Story: Meaghan G

Meaghan has been with us for almost a year and a half and when she started she was lacking motivation to keep up her training. From day 1, we knew Meaghan was going to be someone who gave it 100%, she is fit and strong and pushes so hard every single session and we LOVE seeing what she can do each week.

"When I first attended a session, I honestly didn’t know what to expect at Boss. I was struggling with my motivation and consistency at this stage. I really enjoyed it and I haven’t looked back.

I love the variety as no two sessions are the same. Yes I complain each and every morning when I look at that whiteboard, but when I leave I know I have given it 100% with the support of the trainers who can read you like a book and push you without comprising technique. Love the small group sessions."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

My main motivation is to set a good example for my girls and I love starting my day off on a positive note as it is the best part of the day.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

Just give it a go and it will become addictive. Everyone is there to support you, trainers and fellow members. Mia and Adam should be extremely proud of the environment they have created.

Who knew training could be Fun.

April Newsletter

Member Story: Alex S

ALEX'S STORY - 24YRS

Alex is 24 years old, in her final year at RMIT and works part time at the Department of Justice. Alex has been with us almost from the start when we opened our doors 2 years ago, and it has been incredible to be a part of her journey – when she first started she needed a lot of encouragement to attend just two nights a week but recently she’s taken it to a whole new level! I would never have thought I’d see her at the gym early in the morning to get in a session, yet now it’s unusual if I don’t see her here! Her mentality about training and exercise has completely changed – she’s truly embraced it as part of her life. I’m so proud of her!

"I was completely intimidated my first session. I felt fundamentally uncomfortable and out of my element, I even questioned whether or not this was something I could physically do.

But now, in a word, amazing! Having a high-pressure job and constantly trying to stay on top of course work along with other things like internships and social commitments can leave me feeling really deflated and stressed. Coming into BOSS every morning is the kick start I need to fuel me for the rest of my day, whether it be work, uni or on a (vary rare) day off.  I look at how far I have come from when I first stepped foot into gym compared to now. The progress I have made is amazing! I am stronger, healthier, slimmer and emotionally happier. Even small things like healthy skin, hair and nails, I feel refreshed 24/7."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

I get motivated when I move up a weight level or beat a previous work out. I am so happy when I train in the morning, it sets the foundation for my day and lets me escape to my own place, where it's just me and my goals.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

Stop thinking about it and do it! I have learnt so much about what my body can do physically, and mentally my headspace is clear and better than ever! I know for one, that when I first stepped foot in a gym I was overwhelmed with a sense a crippling anxiety. 'What will people think of me', 'Everyone will laugh at me because I don’t know what to do'. At BOSS, this couldn’t be further from the truth! It is such a welcoming environment with coaches and members willing to help and encourage you every step of the way. Every day you waste thinking 'I'll start later', is a day you could gain in confidence, experience and strength, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

March Newsletter

January Newsletter

Member Story: Lee Grech

LEE'S STORY - 26YRS

"I was very nervous when I first came in, I didn't know what to expect really. Hollie, my girlfriend dragged me down and at first  wasn't very happy as I didn't think I needed to go to the gym as I thought I was pretty fit.

But now I love coming. I still find it a bit hard when I finish work at 4pm and I have a gap before the session where I know I could just pig out and sit on the couch, but as soon as the session is done, its always worthwhile. The people down there are just easy people to get along with too."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

"It's pretty easy being motivated to get there when the old lady can can get there, you just say to yourself, well if she does it, why cant I. (Lee's mum is Karen, one of our members who is 58 years)

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

"Just give it a go, its not going to hurt you"

December Newsletter

November Newsletter

Member Story: Mary Mitchell 59yrs

Mary is 59 years old and has only been with us for exactly 1 year and has shown so much improvement that us trainers are still so amazed. Not only can we see a huge improvement in Mary's technique, her strength and her fitness but what we have noticed is her attitude towards exercise and training. When she first joined us, she didn't have any confidence in the gym and never thought she would understand any workouts or exercises but now 12 month in, she turns up with no complaint 3 times every week and pushes so hard in every workout and we just love seeing this change!

"I was very confused my first session, I’d never been to a gym before, let alone know what a Kettlebell Thruster was, or any of the exercises for that matter.

My daughter forced me to come, and I didn’t think I was going to last very long. All of the members were friendly and supportive which made me feel comfortable and motivated to come back.

I feel achy when I walk in, I have suffered from bad psoriatic arthritis for the last 20 years. Because of this, Mia, Adam & Steph moderate exercises to my ability, they’re also constantly watching members and correcting their technique. I still get things wrong all the time and I can’t read the whiteboard because I’m blind, but they’re so supportive and always there to help me. I walk out feeling great and ready to start the day."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

Knowing that I’ll feel much better after the workout. I also love that I’m constantly feeling stronger, which makes my everyday life a lot easier.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

Just give it a try. If you think your capabilities are limited, the trainers are great at customising the working to suit you. You’ll feel great afterwards!

October Newsletter

Member Story: Ash M

ASH'S STORY - 20YRS

"I Joined Boss Gym by chance. I didn’t know Boss gym existed until one night I was at a bar with a mate and ran into Melissa Gough (fellow member) whom I used to work with many, many years ago. She told me she was at a drinks evening for the gym and told me details about the gym. She introduced me to Mia and Adam that night and a couple of weeks later I joined. At the time I really needed to do something about my health/fitness. Before joining Boss I really hadn’t done much exercise for the previous 12-18 months. I was in a bit of a rut and I needed to change things. Meeting Mia and Adam that night was the catalyst for that change.

I remember my first training session quite well. I turned up and I was quite nervous as I didn’t know what to expect. Within the first 1-2 minutes I was gasping for air. I somehow struggled through it and at the end of it I felt light headed and sick. Mia made me go and lie down and put my feet up on the wall to get the blood flowing back to my head. This actually happened for the first few sessions I went to.

I still get nervous now as I still don’t know what to expect. That’s what I love about Boss. Every session is different and challenging. However, once I get started I love it. Mia, Adam and Steph are great motivators and will push me to my limits. I also look forward to just seeing and talking to the other members. They are a great bunch of people where everyone encourages and supports each other."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

A couple of things - I sit all day at work and I just say to myself I have to move at some stage. There are many times I don’t feel like coming to the gym and would rather just remain seated for the rest of the evening. Nobody is motivated all the time. However, I know I’ll regret it the next day. In my opinion, getting to the gym is the hard bit. Once you’re there and you get started its all good, plus you feel so much better after a session. The other motivation is seeing progress and improved results. By turning up regularly and doing your best this progress and improvement will naturally follow.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

The thought of starting at a gym and pushing yourself can feel nervous and intimidating. I still get nervous before each session. However, you’ll soon realize that everyone, no matter what their fitness levels, are in the same boat and trying to improve themselves.

Mia always drums this into me – ‘Be Consistent’. Try and make going to the gym part of your daily routine. Look at it as something that just needs to be done. Even if you don’t feel like going, just turn up. It’s better than not turning up at all.

Record/Note your progress from day 1. You’ll soon see improvement and this will reinforce why you started going to the gym.

Listen and soak in advice from Mia, Adam and Steph. They are on the journey with you as well.

Member Story: Sue G

Sue's Story - 56yrs

Sue joined us a few years ago when we were only just an outdoor bootcamp and has been with us all the way through. She is 56 years old and is a mum of 4 kids who all come along to Boss. Sue started off with really no understanding of exercise and has come such along way, she is lifting weights of members half her age and smashing through each workout 3 times a week. She finished her first Saturday session (our toughest session) two weeks ago which was a huge achievement and showed us exactly how far she has come. 

"My first training session was a few years ago with Mia at her bootcamp on a Saturday morning, I was rather pleased with myself for getting there, didn't think I'd get through the warm up. But now I come 3 times a week and really enjoy the morning sessions, I feel like I've accomplished something for the day."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

"I like the classes and the atmosphere, the members are friendly and supportive and most of all...its a family affair for me, I get to be with my girls and we are doing something we are all interested in."

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

"I recommend people give it a go, Mia and Adam are very encouraging, they listen to what you have to say and have alternatives in place for any injury and if you need abit of an extra push they are really good at that too!"

September Newsletter

Boss Challenge - Jordyn V

Week 1 - Jordyn V

Jordyn is 23 years old and lives at home with her mum and younger brother. She works split shifts, early morning and then back again in the afternoon doing occasional care for Camp Australia. She is currently enrolled at Swinburne University studying to be a primary school teacher. 

1. What have you been currently doing towards your fitness/health goal? 

I have just recently started to cut out sugar as I was preparing to do that for the challenge to try and get my health back on track. I have been paranoid for some time now about the long term affects to eating too much sugar. I don't want to get to that point where its too far gone and I can't change the damage I have done. I have also been working on trying to eat a balance of food and not eating a large portion of food that 3-4 people can eat instead of 1 (haha).

2. What’s been your biggest obstacle so far (outside of the challenge)?

My biggest obstacle is work and getting board. I work split shifts, so I have a gab of about 6 hours in the middle of the day and can get board easily so I would overeat. So to not eat out of boredom has been really hard, even if its good healthy food, I find I am overeating too much of that because I am home. So this has become a bad habit.

3. Why did you end up where you are today? (Kids, busy lifestyle, injuries, scared of the gym etc)

I am very good at being motivated for a short time. I find I  will get really motivated and then if I get really tied or stressed from work or family I will fall off the wagon very quickly and then find it hard to get that same motivation and momentum as before. So just consistency for me has been hard.

4. What are your goals for the challenge?

I really want to learn to be more disciplined. I want to clean up my diet so my health is on track, as I am very worried about what the damages long term that can come from how I have been eating. My main goal is to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 

 

5. What mindset are you bringing to the challenge?

My focus and mindset is set on the future. I really want to be consistent and motivated throughout the challenge but also after it finishes. I want to create habits that will last, I know cutting out sugar is a hard thing to do but I know long term it's so much better. So my focus is on how I am going to move and function everyday later in life, I know I am ok now, but what is the long term effect of what I am doing going to have in the future. 

 

6. Do you want to win this challenge? Are you motivated by the competition and the possibility of winning or are you just doing this for you and the prize would be a bonus?

*Lots of laughs* Was definitely more about my health, but I'm happy to win, I'd like to win, that would be good. I am motivated to win, it's good to have a bit of healthy competition.

Boss Challenge - Erin M

Week 1 - Erin M

Erin is 42 and married with 2 kids, Flynn 5yrs and Edin 3yrs, one who goes to daycare and one who goes to school. Erin and her husband have their own business, so her husband works long hours and is travelling around Melbourne alot. Until very recently, Erin travelled quite often to Canberra for work, every 2-3 weeks she would have to head up to Canberra for work, so would be on planes, at airport lounges with access to food and wine. But now is working from home which is great as it gives Erin the flexibility and chance to be more prepared but also give her access to anything all day. But will be travelling again for work soon, so wants to use this challenge to set herself up so when she does travel again she has created new healthy habits that keep her out of the lounges with food and wine (haha).

1.     What have you been currently doing towards your fitness/health goal? 

I have been coming to Boss Gym now for about 15 months, so I have been pretty good and regular on the exercise. However I haven't been as good as I could be on the food, well more the wine. I like to have a few wines which unfortunately also turns into not the best food, so that's something I am aiming to focus on for this challenge. 

2.     What’s been your biggest obstacle so far (outside of the challenge)?

As most people say, you get very busy and life gets in the way and it can be hard to be prepared and to plan. Having kids and getting home after a busy day at work can be tiring and I may have something planned to cook but then I just can't be bothered and I will substitute and go for an easier option.

3.     Why did you end up where you are today? (Kids, busy lifestyle, injuries,      scared of the gym etc)

I think I have always liked being fit and healthy and I have always considered myself as someone who was fit and healthy. Which is great but in many ways it's bad as you can set aside some of the things you do becuase you tell yourself you go to the gym so I am fit and healthy. So now as I am getting older its not as easy to make the same changes, when you are younger its a lot easier to say "I'm going to make a change" and your body responds quite quickly and now I find I am getting older and my body is changing. Suddenly I am now in a position where I don't really like how I look and realise maybe I am not as fit and healthy as I thought so I am now ready to make that change.

4.     What are your goals for the challenge?

I want to loose weight, I want to loose 10kg, this is just a number but wanted to have a set weight loss goal. But I really want to get my life on track so that I can do things that are good for me. I want to feel good about the way that I look, I want to be doing the right things by my body so that I am actually healthy, I want to set a good example for my kids. The other morning I made a piece of toast from one of the recipes in the challenge with natural peanut butter, banana and chia seeds and both my kids wanted it, they wanted my peanut butter, the healthy peanut butter and not the one I normally buy for them. And this felt really good and this is the reason I want to do this, I want to something that sets me up to give me a good lifestyle that I still enjoy but where I am healthy into the future.

 

5.     What mindset are you bringing to the challenge?

I think I am pretty committed, I have learnt about myself that accountability really works for me and I think thats why Boss Gym has really worked for me. If you have to book in and Mia is calling you at 5am in the morning saying "Where are you? You better turn up" that works for me, I am going to turn up. So having that accountability I have said I am going to commit to this even though I know I have many things on over these 10 weeks that is going to make it hard sometimes. But instead of just saying I am going to ride this week off because I have something on, I am looking at ways I can work around it and make it work. I think I am determined and I am ready.

 

6.     Do you want to win this challenge? Are you motivated by the competition and the possibility of winning or are you just doing this for you and the prize would be a bonus?

I think it's nice to have a little bit of the competitive nature come out in yourself, but I wouldn't say it's what fundamentally drives me. But it's a nice little bit of extra motivation and sometimes you surprise yourself by saying "oh yeah, I'll bring it on a little bit more becuase its a competition". But fundamentally I will do one off those fluffy quotes - we're going to be all winner at the end (haha).

Member Story: Ellie B

Ellie's Story - 20yrs

Ellie has only been with us for just over two months, but she made a commitment when she joined to make sure she is consistent and to come to the gym most days. She has been so amazing to watch, she has been getting in here a minimum of 4 times every single week and putting everything into her sessions. Her technique, strength and fitness is increasing every single week and it's only just beginning. I love that she is making this part of her life and noticing all the amazing changes it is bringing in so many aspect of her life.

"Leading up to my first session I was nervous - I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. However, the Boss Gym family were welcoming and supportive and I immediately felt at ease. After the session, I was completely and utterly exhausted but I remember feeling really proud of what I had achieved. For me, no matter how unfit I was, surviving my first workout was a real achievement.  

Now, honestly, I love it!! Training at Boss Gym has become a part of my daily routine and has improved my life in so many ways. How I feel about myself, my mood, my sleeping pattern as well as my diet have completely transformed just from training at Boss."

What motivates you to keep turning up and training?

Through Boss Gym’s sessions and how they are structured, my fitness goals have become as important to me as weight loss. I am never bored as the sessions change each day and every day I go to Boss I feel happier and stronger. I am a much better version of myself now and that motivation flows out into other areas of my life.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start?

Just do it!! You won’t regret it. Mia and Adam provides so much support as well as catering to injuries. The changes you will see will truly amaze you! I have done so many different training programs/fads and Boss has been the only one that I’ve stuck with and that has truly worked for me. I believe this is because of Mia and Adam’s expertise and their unique approach to fitness and wellbeing – I can’t recommend them highly enough!

August Newsletter