From being a spectator on the sidelines to becoming an active participant, Patricia’s discovery of Functional Fitness and hike training has propelled her forward, transforming her from unmotivated to conquering mountains through our membership, hiking courses and multi-day adventures.
Read her inspiring story below.
“One day in May 2021, as I scrolled through Facebook, I came across a Facebook Live with Yvonne Shepherd. She talked about Women’s Fitness Adventures and Functional Fitness and said something that resonated with me. She said that it was her dream “that every woman at the age of 90 was able to put her undies on standing up!”
I decided that a practical lady with that idea would be a very good coach. At that time, I was the heaviest I had ever been and not motivated at all, although I had always enjoyed walking. Yvonne’s 5kms for 5 consecutive days challenge caught my attention, and I took it as a sign to get started.
Initially, I joined Women’s Fitness Adventures as a monthly member, as I thought it might be a 5-minute wonder like many other attempts at getting fit. But after a month or two, I made the decision to join for a full year. That was when my life truly began to change, and my Women’s Fitness Adventures membership has continued beyond that first year.
The first multi-day hike I did was the Great Ocean Road Walk. I was hesitant to sign up for it, although I really wanted to do it. After talking with Tricia, one of Women’s Fitness Adventures’ leaders, and getting advice from her regarding hike training, I put it to some of my family members, who said, “Do it! Don’t wonder if you could have!”
The multi-day hike was over 100 km. I did it with the support and leadership of Women’s Fitness Adventures and the team of beautiful women who were on the adventure with me. I will never forget that first hike. Oh, what a feeling to have achieved something I had always only dreamed of!
Following the Great Ocean Road hike and realising that I had much to learn, I applied to do Women’s Fitness Adventures’ Hike Training Program Couch to Mountain. The program was well-designed and included 6 months of training and education. The mountain was Kosciusko, and the feeling of sitting atop that beautiful mountain was indescribable. I will be forever grateful to Women’s Fitness Adventures’ leaders, Yvonne and Jane, for making that experience possible and for always making sure that I felt safe, even at times when I was nervous. I had never walked in the snow before this time.
In January 2023, my husband and I moved into an over 50’s village in QLD. I found the move a bit traumatic as I loved my previous home and miss my friends. Women’s Fitness Adventures came to the rescue, putting me in touch with a member who lives nearby, and we have become walking buddies.
The opportunity arose for me to join the Tasmanian Deep South multi-day hike in January, and I quickly made the decision to do it. It was another unforgettable experience. I am booked to do the Kangaroo Island Adventure in September and have begun training for that multi-day hike.
The benefits of hiking and the members’ Functional Fitness sessions are endless for me, and the fun I am having is so different from anything else I have experienced.
My life has been and continues to be good. I have a husband whom I love dearly, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. On the whole, we are healthy and a close family despite the distance separating us.
Since joining Women’s Fitness Adventures 2 years ago, my health has improved, I am much stronger, fitter, and more confident. I think back to the many holidays our family has been on over the years and the times I said, “You go climb that hill, stairs, lighthouse, bell tower, and I will watch the bags.” Now I look for hills and stairs, and I know that I don’t have to be as nimble or fast as the younger members of our CREW, but I know that I do have to train to be able to continue this amazing journey. “Consistency over time” is the way to go.
I don’t like thinking about how I would be now if I hadn’t joined this wonderful group. I was on a slippery slope to more weight gain and less activity. I was beginning to believe I am “elderly”! Of course, I am elderly. I am 75 years old, and proud of it and grateful too, but I feel younger now than I was 5 or even more years ago, and I know that I can still enjoy life and have fun doing it.
If anyone asks about joining Women’s Fitness Adventures, I will say, “Do it and don’t delay. Try it for a month or two, and you will want more!!!”
To explore more of Patricia’s journey, view her inspirational interview at the top of Mt Kosciusko!
You too, can achieve amazing results and be a part of Women’s Fitness Adventures!
Join our community of motivated women who are transforming their lives through fitness.
Experience the support, encouragement, and camaraderie that will fuel your journey to greatness.
Visit www.womensfitnessadventures.com/membership to learn more and become a member today!
