02/07/2025
Meet Yvonne, Phoenix’s newest trainer! 🤩
Personally, I think Yvonne is an actual Superhero 🦸🏼♀️ One of THE MOST selfless people I’ve ever had the fortune to meet.
Here’s her story, in her words.
If you’ve ever thought, “the gym’s not for me”, or “it’s too late for me to start working out”, then you couldn’t be further from the truth.
I was in my early 40’s when I first set foot in a group exercise class, and I was terrified. I disliked P.E at school, I disliked exercise unless I was sat on top of a horse. Then suddenly I was struggling with perimenopause; which meant weight gain, and anxiety made walking into a room full of people I didn’t know, absolutely terrifying. But I did it! And I am so glad I did!!
I suffer with Rheumatoid arthritis, and my body is a bit worse for wear after the effects of a horrific car crash many years ago, which literally left my legs in pieces. On top of that, at the time, my self-confidence and self-belief were at an all-time low. So I’m not going to lie, it was really hard.
It all started with an indoor cycle class. I used to take my girls to swimming lessons, and whilst I was watching I would hear the music and the infectious enthusiasm of the instructor taking the class next door, and every week I just wished I could join in. Then one day, I finally plucked up the courage to walk through the door, and realised that first step wasn’t all that bad. That’s when I was lucky enough to meet Keri and witness the birth of Phoenix, the group exercise studio that has a little bit of magic!
Phoenix helped me change my perception of exercise. It gave me confidence, helped me start to believe in myself again, and as a mum who dedicates her life to caring for other people, it gave me a safe space just for me. And I say Phoenix because it includes all the members, and the amazing people I’ve met along the way. However… the burning heart of Phoenix is Keri. Keri is so supportive and encouraging. She is extremely knowledgeable and super-intuitive about the best way to help people, and she has created an environment with no judgement or unrealistic expectations. She has motivated me to do things I never thought I could, and I certainly never thought I would enjoy doing them, but here I am. Loving every minute of being there, to the point that I made the decision to re-train and become a fitness coach and personal trainer. So now not only am I a member of Phoenix, but I’m training to become a piece of it. The best bit is, I have as much joy taking the classes, as I do participating in them.
Four or so years ago, my rather broken body struggled with basic family dog walks. Walking always caused pain or discomfort in my legs. Arthritic pain in my joints would keep me awake at night, and my sudden drop in hormones made me feel like I was having a breakdown. I just didn’t feel like the person I used to be. I was fortunate to find Keri and Phoenix and they helped me fight back. Today, I am the strongest person I have ever been,and always looking for that next challenge!
So, come on, come and join our little . We can’t wait to have you with us.
Xx
