Peakhurst resident Vicki [last name withheld] was feeling embarrassed to train in front of other people when she approached Narwee-based fitness instructor Vanessa Bartlett of Vanessa B Health & Pilates.
Vicki was recovering from a fall and while she liked the pilates classes she was attending with Ms Bartlett, she was having trouble keeping up with the other attendees and decided to sign-up for one-on-one coaching.
Two years later, Vicki is kicking goals like bending and touching her toes, but it's not just about being flexible.
Ms Bartlett has also helped Vicki learn healthy eating habits, build strength and stamina, and improve her confidence.
"The good thing about Vanessa is we talk about everything, including relaxation, what we'll accept and what we won't accept in life, what we need to focus on," said Vicki.
"If something's not working she's really good at readjusting and being adaptive, she's very intuitive with things - and she's a really good person to talk to, a good listener."
Ms Bartlett is a mum of two boys and no stranger to workout fatigue and the type of burnout many of us have begun to feel due to the COVID-19 lockdowns.
When COVID hit, she swiftly adjusted her business online, and as well as bringing across her existing clients - including Vicki - she has expanded her customer base not only around the country, but around the world.
Ms Bartlett has now shifted her focus to helping people break free of burnout and safely rebuilding their fitness and health without causing more stress.
"Times of high stress, like a global pandemic, can make people lose motivation to stay healthy and fit, and at the same time cause mental and physical burnout due to a sudden change in lifestyle. It is at these times more than ever that people need to make time for balanced exercise without causing more stress," said Ms Bartlett.
One tip she gives clients is to tap into the energy you do have each day, and just do 10 to 20 minutes of movement. It does not have to be a full-blown intense exercise session to get results.
"In fact, studies have shown that exercising intensely increases your cortisol levels, and this is counter-productive when you need to rebalance your cortisol in times of burnout and stress," Ms Bartlett said.
She encourages people to use a balanced approach to fitness and health at any stage of life.
Loyal client Vicki said Ms Bartlett's life experience put her in a good place to feel empathy for her clients, and help them reach their goals.
"You talk about how you're feeling and that works for me," Vicki said.
Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
