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Charlie Banfield

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October 28, 2024

From Avoiding The Gym To Feeling Stronger Than Ever - Jade’s Journey Of Finding Strength, Confidence and Community at Function Fitness

At Function Fitness, we’re passionate about helping people discover the joy in movement and the strength they never knew they had. One of the most rewarding parts of running this gym is seeing members transform not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Today, we’re excited to share Jade’s story. She joined us at the end of 2023, with a deep love for exercise but also a complicated relationship with the gym, like many millennial women. From overcoming injuries to reshaping her perspective on fitness, Jade’s journey is an inspiring example of what can happen when you find the right support system. Here’s her story in her own words.

Jade’s Journey Of Finding Strength, Confidence and Community at Function Fitness

I joined at the end of October 2023, and after a minor delay due to illness, I finally hit the ground running at the end of December. I have always loved exercise, but had the fairly typical, millennial woman's complicated relationship with the gym. Having tried many over the years, I had found them impersonal, expensive and intimidating. I had been a devout Joe Wicks-er for a long time, working out by myself, at the crack of dawn, before a busy day of whatever life throws as the average primary school teacher.

What was your goal when you first started and how have you made progress toward that? 

I had found it increasingly difficult to work out at home. I thought this was a lack of accountability, but equally, I had a pretty nasty back injury and the fear of hurting myself again had clearly got to me too. When I joined Function Fitness, I wanted to find the joy in exercise again. I wanted to do something that my old lady self would thank me for. Looking back, it had been years of trying to undo the damage growing up as a dancer in the 90s/00s did on my self-esteem, with the common misconception that exercise is something to be done as punishment for overeating, or because you want to be thinner. Function Fitness and its incredible team played a huge part in changing that.

In what way has Function Fitness supported you in achieving your goals? 

I am stronger than I have ever been, with (touch wood!) only one chiropractic visit for that old back injury in the year I have been a member. Everything, literally everything I do, is easier because of the level of fitness I have achieved since joining. I thought I had a good base level of fitness, but I feel so different now. My relationship with my body has continued to change for the better, I am delighted in finding new muscles and care less about the size of the clothes, confident in the knowledge I am the fittest I have ever been and that this continues to improve.

Have you faced any particular challenges along the way? 

There have been various illnesses and injuries that have thrown themselves into my way throughout the year. At the end of each lurgy, I am so delighted to get back to the gym and the team are always there to help adapt anything to support you get back in the game or avoid further injury. I would definitely recommend investing in some good trainers right from the outset, I couldn’t decide on a pair and aggravated some old injuries through galloping about in rubbish shoes!

Tell us about any shining moments that stand out to you in your time at Function Fitness. 

SO MANY!

Every time I learn a new skill or level up, a part of me cannot believe how much I am now capable of. I’ve learnt to give myself grace, there’s times of the month where I am just not going to be lifting a PB and that’s ok – I am there and I am moving and that’s good enough.

The games. The sheer joy of being covered in glitter for adult sports day, cheering and sweating with such an amazing supportive community.

Nutrition coaching with Gemma and fine tuning how to fuel myself.  Spending time with some wonderful old and new friends.

What are your future goals?

Mastering the ever-illusive press up, ideally by Christmas! And I’d like a pull up too, but that one might be next Christmas… I just want to keep going, keep learning and keep enjoying myself.

What would you say to someone on the fence about joining Function Fitness?

DO IT!

I always feel better after an hour in the gym. There is no place like it. There’s always someone to ask for help if you are unsure, someone to cheer you on if you’re struggling, or to shout at you (in a fun way) if you need it. It is an incredible community, run by special people and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

Are you inspired by Jade’s story? You can start your own journey to strength and confidence at Function Fitness today. Whether you’re overcoming injuries, looking for accountability, or just want to fall back in love with exercise, we’re here to help. Book your free No Sweat Intro  with the simple click of a button above and let’s chat about your goals, what’s holding you back, and how we can support you every step of the way.

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