Name
Suzie Selwood
When did you start
Jul 2016 (@Highlite)
9th Sept 2019 the 8-week challenge
How is Highlite different?
Highlite is different to any other gym I’ve been a member of for a few reasons.
1. The heart monitor you wear tells you how hard you’re working. This works well for me as at other gyms I would never think I was working hard enough and would push myself to the point where I’d never want to go back again! Or alternatively, I’d just do the bare minimum and achieve minimal results before getting bored and quitting. By having your heart rate monitored throughout the session and your calories burnt on the screen, its so visible and motivates you to push yourself further. (The stats are also a nice distraction for when the workout is getting tough and you need to take your mind off the burn for a while!)
2. The small group training sessions are supportive but also make you accountable, which again is something that works for me. There’s no option to go home after 25 minutes on the running machine just because you think that’s enough for today. Each session is 45 minutes long and a mixture of strength-based training and a conditioning (cardio) set. How the session is broken up into chunks makes time go quickly and keeps you focused for the entire time. You can always work to your own ability level and the trainers are ever-present with their advice on how to make the most out of the reps or suggest improvements to technique. 3 years in and I’m still learning new exercises and better techniques to improve my form.
3. Results! I think I had been going to Highlite for about six weeks when I started to notice changes in muscle definition and visibility. Weight training had never been a part of my fitness routine before. I came from the belief that only way to lose weight and get fit was by doing some sort of cardio, like running. But I didn’t really enjoy running so I’d go once and then stop. The strength sets at Highlite have been a real learning curve for me. I’ve lowered my percentage body fat by 9 % and my skeletal muscle mass has increased too. The irony is that with a stronger muscle mass I now actually enjoy running and I find it’s made such a difference to my overall stamina.
What’s been the #1 biggest win you’ve had since joining?
I’ve recently completed the 8-week Fat Burner Body Challenge and lost a total of 8.5kgs and 43 cms. I feel fitter, healthier and happier as I feel like I’m in control of my diet and training and not constantly feeling disappointed with myself for making poor food/drink choices. I attend Highlite 3 or 4 times a week and this, along with a calories/macro balanced diet, has made dropping the weight reasonably easy. I did miss a few drinks over the weekends, but I swapped wine for gin and slimline tonic after 4 weeks on the program and found this was enough to keep me motivated to continue on.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of becoming a member?
You should definitely give it a try! There’s usually an offer to help you get started for the first couple of weeks and by giving it a go you’ve lost nothing. I class myself as the typical busy, working mum, but I had to stop making excuses and find a better lifestyle balance. I want to be a good role model for my kids and for them to see that exercise is a vital part of life, for both your health and mental well-being. Highlite is a great option for busy people and I now can’t even imagine life without the routine of regular exercise. The benefits are immense.
