ruth1

Role: Fitness Trainer

Qualifications: Diploma in Recreation and Sport

When I was 16 I went to Les Mills in Hamilton and did a Step Aerobics Class.  I remember watching the instructor on stage and thinking “I could do that”.  I then stepped into the weights area and had a personal trainer test me and ask me various questions and show me through the fitness equipment.  Again, I thought, “I could do that”.

Somewhere along the way life took me down a different road.  The birth of my eldest daughter in 1995 followed 3 years later by the birth of my second daughter in 1998.  Then, 3 years later by the birth of my youngest daughter, in 2001.

I remember on the eve of my 30th birthday saying to myself.......”This is not where I thought I would be when I turn 30”.  I suppose as a teenager I had dreams of travel, independence, freedom.  All the things a childless, single 20 something year old would have.  Not that I begrudged my loving family for any of it.  I begrudged myself for forgetting who I was.  Take the mother and wife hat off and who am I?

That was it!  From that day on I had decided to get back to me.  I had no idea what I wanted to be, but I knew the things I was interested in.  I loved exercise as a kid so fitness, the outdoors, sports and exercise is what I threw myself into.  I started walking more, running more, hiking more and after 18 years, I went back to school to study Recreation and Sport.

I find myself in a journey I have only just begun.  And like all beginnings, it’s scary, adventurous, hard work and exciting all at the same time.  I continue to grow and to learn, sometimes making mistakes but always finding enjoyment from the many people I come into contact with.

Life is a rollercoaster – Scream, laugh and cry.