My name is Raylee Rice and I look forward to training with you. I gave birth to my beautiful boy at the young age of 20. Four days after Jaydens birth I was rushed back to hospital with major blood clotting in my main arteries. I was told I had a slim chance of survival as there were so many clots and they were slipping towards my heart. One was the size of a banana blocking the majority of blood
flow. After 11 weeks in ICU my clever body busted a surface vein and made its own little bypass. The damage to my left leg was so severe leaving all the valves that push blood up my left leg incompetent. Doctors told me the only way to save the leg was to lose 30 kilos and build leg muscle to help the blood flow. It took me a couple of weeks to learn to walk on my painful calves and legs. Eventually I could walk a house, then a street and then a block till one month later I could walk 3 kms to the front of a gym. I did this for a week or so until the cranky boxer man who owned the gym yelled out to me.” AREYOU EVER COMING IN OR WHAT.” I was nervous but explained my situation and I could not afford the gym. He instantly offered me a job behind the counter. I was so overjoyed to finally be in a place I loved. A couple of weeks later, I was caught watching his wife in the aerobics room and he yelled, “Stop watching. Do you want to do that?”’ Yes I do’. “Well I’m going to pay for you to become qualified then, and I will garnish your wages”. This scary little boxer gave me the start that changed my life. From the day I left hospital I knew my life was a gift. I grabbed it with both hands. Training was hard but I did it. Living was the most important thing now I was a mum. With Jayden by my side the whole time, I reclaimed my life back. Jayden was 11 months old when I entered my first body shaping competition. (oowwee) I had lost 40 kilos, gained the muscle in my not so perfect leg and changed my whole life. Yes, I might have walked off that stage with a trophy in my hand but I had already won before I walked on it. In my heart anyway. There are no words that I could say to you that will make you take the steps to change your life. Choose to live every day like it’s your last, and you too will win. I have never cared about competing ever again. I Look at my inspirational client Mel Heymans taking out silver in Round 1. I think about Kelly Muncy a finalist in round 2 taking home 4th place of Michelle Bridges 12wbt. I reflect over the last 12 months and I think about Mardi Yeung who has transformed her life. 30 kilos lighter, becoming a beautiful confidient woman and an amazing remodel for her children. Crystal Lee, 30 kilos light also but its their children who have gained too. Not only healthy parents but role models and life styles too. My list of clients is endless who have touched my heart with their courage to change. I thank you for letting me in your lives.
17 years later I have two more little girls. I get to pay it forward everyday. The opportunity to change others lives. I am a passionate trainer, mother, wife, friend, sister and daughter. I understand life’s challenges as I will be juggling all to be apart of training you too. I want to see your faces when your children, husband, family watch to you cross a fun run line or do a burpie for the first time or even wear a pair of size 12 jeans. Whatever it is for you. This is not a job for me, it is what I am. I’m a trainer and I look forward to helping you be the best version of you. Always be kind to yourself. Remember, your body is a physical manifestation of your thoughts. Yours in health
Raylee Rice
AKA. Ray Ray
