From Uncertain Beginner to Strength and Confidence: Ravi’s Journey at Function Fitness

As we age, we often focus on the things we can see changing, wrinkles, grey hairs, and those few extra pounds. But one of the most important changes happening in your body isn’t as visible: it’s the gradual loss of muscle mass. As early as our 30s, we start to lose muscle at a rate of 3-8% per decade, a process called sarcopenia. But don’t worry - there’s good news! Maintaining and building muscle is one of the most powerful ways to increase your longevity, and protein plays a crucial role in making it happen.

When it comes to nutrition, most women I work with aren’t failing because they lack willpower or motivation. The real problem? They’re stuck in patterns that aren’t serving them—habits that feel helpful but actually make progress harder.

When Sandie Brown first walked through the doors of Function Fitness in July 2021, she was stepping into unfamiliar territory. A Pilates instructor by background, she had built strength in a different way, but she was looking for something more. As she approached a milestone birthday, she wanted to feel stronger in a new way—beyond Pilates strength. She also wanted to look and feel her best for a big celebration.

As the days get longer and the winter layers start coming off, there’s something about spring that makes us crave a fresh start. We declutter our homes, swap out heavy jumpers for lighter clothes, and open the windows to let in fresh air. So why not do the same for your diet?

For years, snacking has been painted as the villain in weight management. “Avoid snacking if you want to lose weight.” “Snacking will ruin your metabolism.” Sound familiar? The truth is, snacking isn’t the enemy - mindless snacking is.

You’ve had a long, exhausting day. You’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or drained. Before you know it, you’re reaching for chocolate, crisps, or a glass of wine. Sound familiar?Emotional eating—using food to cope with stress—is common, especially for women navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. The problem? It’s a temporary fix that often leads to guilt, weight gain, and feeling even more out of control.But the good news is, you can break the cycle.

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and feel like your body is changing in ways you don’t recognise, you’re not alone. Many women notice weight creeping up—especially around the midsection—despite eating the same way and exercising just as much. It’s frustrating, but it’s not your fault.Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, brings hormonal shifts that affect metabolism, appetite, and body composition. The good news? Nutrition can play a powerful role in managing these changes.

Every January, the cycle begins: big goals, ambitious resolutions, and the hope that this will finally be the year you stick to your plans. Fast forward a few weeks, and for many of us, life gets busy, motivation wanes, and those good intentions fall by the wayside.

Eating healthy often feels like an uphill battle, especially when life is busy, and motivation is low. But if you dig a little deeper, many of the barriers we face are built on excuses that, with a shift in mindset and strategy, can be overcome. Let’s tackle the most common excuses about eating healthy and explore practical solutions to help you stay on track.

When Caroline first walked through the doors of Function Fitness in August 2024, she was filled with anxiety. She recalls,“I felt very anxious and wasn’t sure if I’d stay. The first lesson was a very nervous one, so I hid at the back of the room,” But what started as a tentative step into something new quickly blossomed into a transformative journey of strength, resilience, and confidence.

For many women in their 30s-40s, and beyond, changes in hormones during peri/menopause can make maintaining energy and managing weight feel like an uphill battle. Traditional calorie counting can add more stress to an already demanding stage of life, and it’s often unsustainable in the long run. The good news? You don’t need to count calories to nourish your body well and support your health. Creating a balanced plate can be simple and effective, and it doesn’t involve a single calculator.

January often feels like a whirlwind. Between getting back to routine after the holidays, setting new goals, and juggling daily responsibilities, meal prep might be the last thing on your mind. But what if I told you it could actually save you time, reduce stress, and help you feel more energised all month long?

At Function Fitness, every member’s journey is unique and inspiring. Today, we’re celebrating the incredible progress of Ana, who joined us just nine weeks ago in October 2024. From the moment she stepped through our doors, Ana’s determination to transform her health and fitness has been nothing short of amazing.

It’s January. A fresh start, a clean slate, and the perfect time to prioritise your health. But let’s be honest, how many times have you set big goals for the new year, only to feel overwhelmed and fall back into old habits by February?

If you’ve been frustrated lately because your old go-to health strategies just aren’t cutting it anymore, you’re not alone. Maybe you had a routine that worked wonders a few years ago - whether it was a specific diet or workout regimen - but now, despite your best efforts, the results just aren’t there. What’s the deal?

Trying something new can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to tools that give us insight into our bodies. If you’ve heard about our new InBody Scanner and are feeling a bit apprehensive, don’t worry! Let me walk you through what it is, why it’s an incredible tool for your health journey, and how it can help us fine-tune your nutrition and fitness goals.

When Jane first walked through the doors of Function Fitness in July, she never imagined how transformative her journey would be. At 50, she’d never set foot in a gym before. The thought of entering a space she imagined filled with ultra-fit gym-goers was terrifying. But the stiffness in her joints, the breathlessness from climbing stairs, and the realisation that she was struggling to keep up with her family during outings motivated her to take the leap.

The New Year is almost here, and with it comes the promise of fresh starts. But if you’ve spent years jumping from one diet to another, only to feel burnt out and frustrated, let me introduce you to something better.

This time of year is filled with joy, celebrations, and, let’s face it - a lot of food. Between parties, shopping, traveling, and family commitments, it’s easy for nutrition to take a back seat. But staying on track doesn’t mean skipping your favorite treats or obsessing over every bite. With a little planning and a flexible approach, you can enjoy the season while still feeling your best.

What do coaches actually get up to in December? We’re social creatures, after all. When everyone else is catching up with friends, we’re losing ours! We thrive on fist bumps, pep talks, and the joy of watching you crush it. But come December, tumbleweeds roll through the gym. Suddenly, we’re all alone… 🎶 There’s no one here beside me 🎶 (Shrek fans, you get it!)

Quick-fix diets promise fast results with minimal effort, which is why they’re so tempting. Whether it’s a 30-day detox, a juice cleanse, or a low-carb plan, the idea of rapid weight loss draws people in - especially those who’ve struggled for years trying to find something that works.

When Rachel walked into Function Fitness for the first time, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Winning a spot in a six-week challenge in the summer of 2023 felt like luck - but it also came with nerves. She didn’t know anyone, hadn’t been a fan of exercise and carried memories of hating PE at school.

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F.I.T.A — Fun, Integrity, Teaching, and Ambition. F.I.T.A reflects our commitment not only to fitness but to creating a space where everyone belongs and feels encouraged to reach their full potential.

Here’s the best way to build sustainable nutrition habits to break the yo-yo cycle this season: 10 simple steps for real change!

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