by Melissa Woodward | May 10, 2017 | Remedial Massage, Success Story
Rebecca Shaw, Remedial Massage Therapist shares her story about following your passion to a career in Massage Therapy and why she chose to join Evolution Health Services.
Why did I decide to choose Massage Therapy as my profession? Well it all started when my first son was 2. I was looking for work and I came across a job for a Chiropractic Assistant. My husband encouraged me to go for the job interview as he had been seeing this Chiropractor throughout his teenage years. He had been playing baseball and he liked that they offered warm up massages which not all chiropractors do.
I went for the job interview and nailed it. I was offered the job. My first day was great I was taught the basics of back massage, after a couple of shifts I realised I was actually pretty good at this as clients were giving great feedback. I was finally loving what I did for work. I continued working as a Chiropractic Assistant for a few years before I thought to myself I should get my Diploma of Remedial Massage. By this time, I had increased my family with 2 children. The only place I could study was the city so I let it go. I changed jobs to a night shift role to avoid childcare fees and to spend time with my kids before they went to school.
I soon realised I wasn’t happy and didn’t feel complete. My husband encouraged me to have a year off work and decide what I wanted to do. 6 weeks off and I saw an ad for Remedial Massage at Macquarie Fields TAFE. I rang straight away and you wouldn’t believe it they had 1 spot left – someone had just dropped out! It was fate. I ran down and paid my deposit that day.
After 18 months full time study and a lot of assignments, test and practical work, I had finally done it. I was a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist and loving my career choice!
5 years later, now 3 children and running my own business and more qualifications including hot stones, kinesio taping and touching on Bowen therapy, I felt like I was spreading myself thin. I was looking for an alternative to running my own business. I came across a Facebook post from Evolution Health Services looking to employ a Remedial Massage Therapist. Fate again stepped in and I went for the job and got it. Now increasing days and bookings growing nicely. I now have the job I love without the headache of promotions and WASHING towels day in and out (sorry Melissa). I believe I have found a great clinic to call home at Evolution Health Services.
Now I am working with clients of all ages, treating pregnant women and working towards adding Lymphatic Drainage to my Remedial Massage Treatments. I am passionate about helping women and learning how I can better help our clients. Learning is important and being part of a team gives me the chance to learn from other Massage Therapists every day.
I encourage my clients to follow their dreams and find something they are passionate about. If my story can help one of them, I’m happy. I have truly found my passion for helping others and want to share how Remedial Massage can help improve your health.
I hope to see you on my table soon.
Rebecca is available at Evolution Health Services on Tuesday, Thursday afternoon and alternate Saturdays. Check our Facebook page for her Appointment Availability each week or Book Online today.
by Melissa Woodward | Aug 26, 2015 | 12 week challenge, Inspiration, Success Story
I am an accountant and Tax Agent which means I sit at a desk all day long. This has meant I have become inactive and put on a fair bit of weight over the 8 years of Tax Returns. Well I decided this needed to change. That’s why I decided to join Evolution Health Services 12 Week Challenge. Best decision I have made for a long time. The 12 Week Challenge has allowed me to push myself, reach goals, and lose weight. I lost a total of 7.4 kilos and a huge 36 cms off my body. My biggest goal during the challenge was to run 1 km. I told Melissa I thought it might be a little hard to achieve. 10 weeks in I surprised myself by achieving this, and loving every centimetre of it. Best part about the challenge is the friends I have made. The whole group has bonded over the challenge, supported each other, and shared in the highs and lows. Read their inspirational stories including Kristen, Kerianne, Janelle, and Peita. And there’s the trainers Melissa and Tristan Woodward. I had the pleasure of seeing these two beautiful people get hitched and share in their special day. They have become good friends, and are awesome trainers. Tristan has a knack for reading my mind, and seeing when I’m not pushing myself. He gently urges me to push further, there’s no cliché yelling. When I’m sore from doing tax and doing training I go see Mel for a massage, she has awesome hands. They have been a vital part of my success in this challenge. Thanks Mel & Tristan! I can’t wait to start the next challenge. My goals for this challenge include losing another 7 kilos, running more, and doing a proper push up. Bring it on! Amy is a local small business owner of Startfresh Accounting out of the Oran Park Smart Workhub. Amy is not yet convinced that she should dance at training but we are working on changing that. She does have great taste in 90s music so she will soon be inspired by my awesome singing and dancing. Look how gorgeous these girls looked at our wedding. From Left to Right: Nic, Peita, Amy and Kristen.
by Melissa Woodward | Aug 17, 2015 | 12 week challenge, Healthy Lifestyle, Inspiration, Motivation, Success Story
12 weeks ago while browsing Facebook, I came across a post saying that it wasn’t too late to sign up for the Evolution Health Services 12 Week Challenge, which started the next day.
I enquired about the pricing & the timetable to see if it was something I could do.
All of the excuses that I had been using to justify not working out were suddenly addressed. I didn’t need a babysitter; I could bring my kids to the group fitness sessions. The sessions were held at a park less than 5 minutes away from me, and the price was very reasonable. It didn’t matter how unfit I was, the sessions were tailored to suit all fitness levels. And I liked the idea that it was a short term commitment – 12 weeks seemed achievable to me.
At the time I wasnt sure if it was a moment of weakness or strength, but on a whim and without thinking about it too much, I signed up.
I was hoping to improve my fitness so that I could keep up with my 2 young kids & lose some weight.
The 12 weeks flew by. Some weeks I attended 5 sessions, some I only managed to get to 1. During the 12 weeks there were periods were my family were sick (multiple times), I suffered from pneumonia, we had a short holiday and all the usual life interruptions threatened to get in the way of my goals.
I didn’t count calories or have meal replacement shakes or anything like that – with Mel & Tristan’s help I made small changes along the way and focused on eating a healthy balanced diet. And by balanced I mean I still had the occasional biscuit, slice of pizza or glass of wine.
I enjoyed the sessions. During the first 2 weeks there were times when I was struggling for breath, feeling awkward trying to get the technique right while fending off my kids who were whining for a muesli bar. I wondered whether I’d get to the end of the 12 weeks. But it got better.
I really like Mel & Tristan’s approach – they dont run a boot camp; they treat us all like adults and respect that we all have very different fitness levels and physical capabilities.
So 12 weeks on I have lost 11 kilos and 46 centimetres. I feel great. I am not about to run any marathons but I am the fittest I have ever been. For the first time in my life, I did push ups on my toes! I can run (short distances)! My body is doing things I never imagined it would do. I am proud and to be honest, surprised by what I have achieved.
I am so glad that I made the choice 12 weeks ago to give it a go. The change I have experienced is awesome. I cant wait to see what I will achieve in the next 12 weeks. To Sign Up to the next 12 Week Healthy Lifestyle Challenge, head to www.ehsfitness.com.au for further details and to Register.
by Melissa Woodward | Aug 17, 2015 | 12 week challenge, Inspiration, Success Story
Photo – Top Row: Taken 23 June 2014Photo – Bottow Row: Taken 8 August 2015 My story start 3 years ago. I was getting married and wanted to feel great on my day. Well I didn’t, I loved my dress and the day and at the time I felt ok, not great but ok. I had an amazing day and was very happy.
I then started trying to have a baby. After some tests, I was told I was borderline type 2 diabetic and had PCOS. The OBGYN told me I would need to lose weight before I could have a baby and would be at least 1 year of hard work. At 123kgs, little did we know I was already pregnant.
When I found out I was pregnant with my baby I was so excited and then my sister told me she was having a baby too and it was an awesome. By 15 weeks I was showing signs of Gestational Diabetes and sure enough I had it. By 17 weeks I was on injections and following a strict gestational diabetes diet. Testing my levels 4 times a day and injecting myself with insulin 4 times a day was not fun. It was hard but I tried so hard to follow the diet and do my needles even though it drove me to tears. Many times no matter how hard I tried my sugar levels kept playing up and my insulin levels kept getting higher. But I worked hard and I had my gorgeous (little) baby boy! I had lost 10kgs while I was pregnant.
When I moved back to Campbelltown and my sister had her baby, and we wanted to get back into the gym and exercise. Then Melissa and Tristan started their business.
I trained at the gym with Mel, then Mel and Tristan in their garage and I was introduced to Metafit. Wow what an introduction. Then outdoors… In winter…… It was cold but this is where #shitgetsreal
Now just over a year on I am still training. I am now almost in the double digits (fingers crossed after this weigh in) but I am so much fitter and stronger then I have been since having my daughter 12 years ago, probably even before that. My husband has never known me at this weight. I am 10kgs lighter now than when I met him.
My motivation is my kids and my husband. I want to be happy, fit and healthy for them and for ME. I train so hard so I don’t get type 2 diabetes or other health issues that go along with being overweight. I have just had tests done, I am no longer even close to having diabetes and there is no evidence I have PCOS. I’m not perfect but Mel and Tristan are there for me to help and support me when I have a bad day or week. They have kept me focused and motivated to work towards my goals and a healthier lifestyle and to teach my kids a better way. The group we have is so supportive. It’s great to be working towards our goals together. These girls are amazing.
I can’t say enough about our trainers. They are amazing. There is no yelling but they know how to motivate us and push us. I can now run over 1km and never thought I could, but they did. I am excited to work towards my next running and other goals. I couldn’t even jog 50ms when I started.
If you are looking to get healthy and be part of a fantastic group then come and join us. We love to welcome new members and make our group bigger. Well some fantastic news since Kerrianne shared this story with me. She is now under 100kgs which was a major milestone for her. During the 12 Week Challenge, she lost 6kgs and 20cms in her measurements. Awesome work Kez, we are proud of your hard work and the results speak for themselves. If you would like to join the next 12 Week Healthy Lifestyle Challenge, head to www.ehsfitness.com.au for more info or to register today.
by Melissa Woodward | Aug 5, 2015 | 12 week challenge, Fitness, Healthy Lifestyle, Inspiration, Success Story
Peita is one of Evolution Health Services‘ Clients who has shared her story about training with us over the past year. A year that changed my life is a fitting title for this inspirational story of success with weight loss, self confidence and being proud of what she has achieved. Peita has been a part of our Outdoor Group Training sessions and signed up for our first 12 Week Challenge. We have included these before and after photos. Photo 1 – Taken 5th January 2015Photo 2 – Taken 29th June 2015 Peita does not have a “before” photo from starting with us. Read on to find out why. It was just over a year ago that I woke up one morning and couldn’t walk on my right foot. I went to the Dr who told me I had a heel spur (Plantar Fasciitis) and told me it had a lot to do with being overweight. After years of avoiding mirrors and scales, hiding behind my kids in photos, the lower than low self esteem and not to forget the total self loathing I had about my body image, I said to the Dr ” I need help”. He referred me to a Podiatrist and Nutritionist. So off I went to see how they could help. I then got some sexy new footwear, new insole supports for my sexy shoes and a healthy outlook on diet and exercise. I started doing “The Biggest Loser” workouts in my lounge room a few times a week and started to see a small difference. This got me motivated and after having a chat with Kerrianne, who I’ve known for a few years now, she got my interested in joining up with Mel and Tristan to step it up a notch.
Best decision I’ve ever made in my life so far!
As I write this I’m trying not to sound too cheesy but joining with these guys has changed my life. From the dietary advice, killer workouts and the massages I get to relive my aching muscles, my life has totally changed.
I’ve gone from 2 sessions a week to three, then four and now I’m doing 5-6 a week, with one or two workouts at home, that I write up, based on the workouts Mel and Tristan provide us.
In a year I have now lost 31 kilos and 70cm off my body as a whole. And I’m going to keep going. Not because I want to be slim or anything, because I enjoy it. Sometimes I hate it while I’m doing it, but I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment at the end and I feel proud of how far I’ve come. Even if I still can’t do push ups on my toes.
I admit ithasn’t all been smooth sailing. I’ve pulled muscles, I’ve ached in places that I don’t think should ache, I’ve gotten depressed that I can’t eat certain things that my body has craved, I’ve been upset and too hard on myself that I can’t do certain exercises that others can and sometimes I still feel blah about how I look!! But it’s all part of my journey and I’ve learnt that I can deal with all that and still keep going. Even on the days I don’t feel as motivated as I do other days.
This 12 Week Challenge has been mentally hard for me, partly because I think I’ve been too strict on myself at times and too negative about “not losing enough”. My goal for the next 12 Week Challenge is to chill out, not stress and just do exactly what I normally do on a day to day basis and not do my own head in.
One of my proudest and saddest moments was when my son said I could cuddle him in bed now that I’ve lost weight and won’t squash him. I’m proud that my kids see the hard work I’m putting in and proud of the fact they’re taking it all in. They are even busting out their own workout moves at home. I never want to be an embarrassment to my kids with my weight, I know how kids can be cruel and I never want to be the “chubby” mum on the playground that their kids are ashamed of.
So to wrap it all up YAY to Mel and Tristan for their awesome workouts, motivation and guidance, and also to the girls that support me and everyone else at our sessions. I’m getting my self esteem back and a lot more confidence too and I’m loving that.
Mel and Tristan, I can never thank you enough, you mean so much to me and all I ask is that you keep on pushing me and making me work hard to achieve more goals down the track. Deal. From us Peita, thank you for sharing your story. We are touched that we have been able to inspire your success but know that it is you who has put in the hard work and consistent effort.
by Melissa Woodward | May 23, 2015 | 12 week challenge, Evolution Health Services, Fitness, Inspiration, Role Model, Success Story
Meet Peita!
She is one of our original clients and has achieved so much in the time we have known her. We thought we would share her success story so far. Despite the weight loss (which we will get to), Peita has gained so much more from creating a healthy lifestyle for herself and her family. She’s strong, she’s fit, she’s healthy and she’s well on her way to getting her confidence back. We think she is pretty awesome and we want to share with you why.
6 Reasons Why Peita is Awesome:
Even before Peita started with us she made the decision to change her life and take control again. My favourite thing she told me when starting with us was that she was doing workouts from You Tube in her loungeroom to get fit. This shows she was committed to get started and would do it on her own if needed. She now writes her own workouts for home and purchased her own equipment so that on days she can’t make it or the kids are sick, she makes up for the missed session at home.
Despite telling us she can’t run or do push ups or burpees, she is doing them. She tries everything that we ask of her and we have seen the improvement in her fitness along the way. The next step is for her to acknowledge how much she can do now.
Peita was asked to be the subject of my nutrition consultation assessment for my Diploma of Nutrition and Dietetics For Personal Trainers. We spent a good hour going through the initial questionnaire, finding out about her current diet and her lifestyle. We looked at meal timings and I provided her with some changes to keep her energy levels up before training to stop her feeling sick. Afterwards, I sent her my recommendations and she followed my advice. She felt better and the weight loss continued. Peita is never afraid to ask questions and seek help when she needs it.
Peita is a single mum of two gorgeous kids. She made the decision to prioritise her own health, all while making sure they get to their own sports too. We welcome kids to our sessions so Peita brings them along on days when they are not at school or childcare. Sometimes the kids are picky with their meals but she still makes sure that they eat healthy foods, mixed in with some treats. She also prepares herself healthy meals and prepares ahead of time if she will be at training.
- Role Model – To Other Mums
Now not only is a she a No Excuse Mum, she has become a role model for the other mums in the group who can see her changing before their eyes. They admire her hard work and praise her even when she is being humble about her achievements. She gets self conscious that people are going to think she has a big head but honestly she deserves all the praise she receives.
- Role Model – To Her Children
Peita’s children have benefited from the change in her and the example she is setting for them. Her 4 year old daughter recently started instructing her little friends on how to do their exercises. She demonstrated mountain climbers, squats, planks and even came out with a Metafit move, the Spider Plank. At training this little girl is so shy and quiet but she is taking in all that we are teaching her mum. Her 8 year old son has also joined into many workouts and we even wrote him a special birthday workout. We loved hearing one day when nanny offered him chocolate, he said he would prefer something a little healthier. Great habits being formed from an early age. Now for the moment you have been waiting for. Peita has lost 27kgs over the past year with consistent effort and commitment to her health. She has set a goal for the next next 12 weeks to get her next goal weight. She has also set a goal to increase her fitness to participate in a mud run or similar event. Well Peita the challenge is on! Congratulations to Peita on her achievement so far.
If you want to meet Peita at training or help from us to make positive changes in your life, contact us today.
