This is Mel’s Story:
You may have seen Mel around the facility, she has been a member at Albury Wodonga Aquatic Facilities for 4 years now. Mel is a regular in the Health Club, you will see her pumping the weights or smashing it out on the cardio equipment but she always has a big smile on her face. Mel is forever inspiring all the staff at Albury Wodonga Aquatic Facilities with her motivation & determination so we thought we would ask her a few questions about her journey so far:
How long have you been training for?
I have been training for 9 years. I started off walking and progressed into running. I have always enjoyed fitness, although 6 years ago I slipped into a stage where it turned into a controlling and unhealthy obsession that was purely based around weight loss and not enjoyment. I knew within myself that I had a passion for good quality health although I had to change my mindset and find a way that I could enjoy being healthy and happy without it revolving around weight loss.
What made you interested to get into fitness?
At the beginning of 2016 I made the decision that I wanted to add variety to my regular running routine, so I joined up as a member at Albury Wodonga Aquatic Facilities. With the original idea of alternating between running and going to the gym, although I never did realize at the time that training at the gym would turn into a passion. Here I am now in 2020 training 5 days a week at the center, in the most friendly environment with liked minded-supportive people. Training in the right environment has kept me happy and my interest in fitness burning. It has also inspired me to go on to achieve more than I ever thought I would for myself.
What is your favourite group fitness class at Albury Wodonga Aquatic Facilities?
It is almost a tie between Relentless and Spartan, although Spartan just takes the cake.
What is you biggest accomplishment?
Competing in my first every Spartan race “The Beast” in Nov 2019, this was a 21km, 30 obstacle course race. Completed in 3hrs 38min at Pioneer Park in Bright. This proved to be a true test for my mind and body. A surreal and unforgettable experience. A must-do bucket list moment for anyone that wants to push themselves outside of their comfort zone.
Biggest challenge?
Being well and truly caught in the grips of a depressed mind with a fully fledged eating disorder in 2014 that I almost lost my life to. I was 22 years old, 40kg and barley existing. 6 years on at 28 years old, I have not only gained 18kg but most importantly gained a life, a life that I love to live at its fullest.
What are your 2020 fitness goals?
I am currently training to compete in my first WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) Comp on stage in 2021. This has been a dream of mine for the last couple of years but I have never dared to pursue is until now. My mind and body are both the healthiest, strongest and determined they have ever been and well and truly on track with completing this dream.
For 2020 though I am still planning on competing at spartan for my 2nd year at The Beast in Bright in November. This time though, I plan on stepping up my game and competing in my age group.
Favorite food?
This time of year, it is all about the coconut yoghurt with muesli & nectarines. In winter I will be chowing down on a few hearty curries.
Favorite Quote?
“That person at top of the mountain didn’t fall there”.