What do people really think
of Gravity Fitness ?
Following
are some thoughts provided by some Gravity Fitness clients regarding their
experiences under the watchful eye of Ian Hollins.
There is no truth to the
rumour that these testimonials were solicited under threat of increasing loads
of push-ups, wall sits or sit-ups.
These are the thoughts of
real people who have made real progress since training with Gravity Fitness.
Joanne Stewart
(Teacher)
“ Since starting with
Gravity Fitness nearly two years ago, there’s no chance of me looking back.
Once my initial goal was achieved (to shed a few kilos and fit into ‘that black
dress’ again) I was soon helped to realise there’s more to life than losing a
dress size. My physical well-being and attitude towards exercise has never been
better. I feel fit and healthy and ready to face whatever lies ahead.
Gravity
Fitness provides the motivation I need to maintain a consistent exercise
program. The fact that you exercise in the fresh air is a major bonus. No gym
junkies to fight with over machines (or mirrors !!!). As the saying goes,
‘being fit is for life’. “
Brett Davidson
(Financial Planner)
“ When I
heard that you were starting an outdoor fitness group I was genuinely
interested. I have always had some interest in keeping fit, usually via
participation in an organised activity (like triathlon). However, the activity
was always only a means of motivating myself so I would stay in good health
(which is my real underlying objective). I’ve never really enjoyed the gym
culture and much prefer getting outside to enjoy a nice day. So I called you
regarding one of your classes with much anticipation.
I can
vividly recall my state of health when I first attended a Gravity Fitness
session. So a s not to embarrass myself I actually did a bit of training in the
month before I rang you. I did some running and a few sit-ups. I’ll never
forget my first class. Running more than two laps around the Old Kings Oval was
not possible, and I could do only five of your sit-ups (which were much harder
than mine).
Two years
later, as you know, I have been part of your JLL Challenge teams and have
participated in your Parramatta Park duathlons. You have not only helped me
achieve an excellent level of fitness, but you have been able to keep me
motivated through the array of sessions and special events that you organise
for your clients.
The
greatest benefit for me is feeling good physically, and feeling good about
myself. Any time I miss a few sessions I really start to miss the feeling that
comes from being in good all round health. I will never be a champion athlete,
but I hope that through your classes I will always be an active participant in
life.”
Garry Ohlsen (Managing Director)
“ I have
been attending Gravity Fitness classes for approximately 18 months now. I was a
person that once prided myself on my degree of fitness, but like many people
today that are in business, we tend to allow our work to overtake the things
that are most important to us, such as retaining good health. Like many
middle-aged men I found more and more ailments appearing, yet I looked at a
friend of mine that attends Gravity Fitness who is 70 years of age. The
difference is that he has made a small commitment throughout his whole life to
maintain excellent health and fitness, yet he too was in business.
It made me
look at the issues and to reflect on the past and to come to terms with the
importance (if one wanted to have a long and successful retirement), of making
a small contribution throughout your life at doing some exercise.
It is
certainly not too late for me. I’m 49 years of age and I’m now back to making
regular visits to Gravity Fitness. What has come from this is that my health is
improving, I feel 100% better within myself, my capacity and ability to handle
the day to day stresses at work has improved enormously, and the group of
people I have met at Gravity Fitness are a bunch of right minded people, all in
their own way maintaining a level of fitness, all at different levels, but all
the while enjoying the company of like-minded people.”
Frank Boland (Property Manager) – in reference to the
JLL Challenge 2000
“ Thanks
for all your guidance, support and encouragement over the last couple of years.
I certainly could not have done it without you. You are a true professional and
Gravity Fitness deserves to grow and prosper. Like you, I see the camaraderie
as a big plus and am particularly pleased that we have no big heads to upset
the balance. Even a hacker like me can feel part of the team.”
Darren Wedge (Insurance Broker) – in reference to the
JLL Challenge 2000
“ I have
been on a high since the race and I would have to say it is one of the best
things I have done in my life. I really enjoyed the whole concept and although
I do not know what part I want to do next year, I am going to start training
next year and I am looking forward to attending the events Gravity Fitness
runs. The weekend was so inspiring that Leoni is talking about taking up
running and she is anti-fitness. Once again, thank you very much.”
Belinda Dawson (Credit Manager) – in reference to the
JLL Challenge 2000
“ What an
incredible weekend ! I am as you know, always so proud to be part of Gravity
Fitness and I didn’t think I could feel any more proud, but wow what a team.
Wearing our shirts and being so much a part of this weekend has been fantastic.
The team spirit was great and especially so when you look at the diversity of
people involved and the fact that so many had not been before. Thank you Ian,
for the opportunity to be part of this great experience.”
“ Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for the all your
hard work with organising the entire weekend at the JLL Challenge in Melbourne.
I had a fantastic time. I was
overwhelmed with it all and greatly appreciate all what you made possible which
included the chance for me to meet so many wonderful, inspiring and genuine
people and bunch of new friends within the group of Gravity Fitness.
It was a pleasure to be a part of
so many people's achievements and gratification. All the hard work and
commitment from so many backgrounds and with so many hurdles they all had to
cross.
I hope you can continue with these
efforts again next year so I too get the chance to participate and share the
experience with new found friends in a supportive, genuine and happy
environment.”
Jim Virgona – (Agricultural
academic) – JLL 2001
“Two things stand out in my mind from the weekend. Firstly,
it really is a team competition. Training by yourself is one thing but once you
are part of a team you will press on much harder. A number of times I found
myself thinking that I couldn't let the others down and so I did better than I
expected. You also get inspired watching the other competitors, especially
the maniacs who do the whole thing on their own.
The second thing was that as part of the Gravity "organisation"
there was a real sense of camaraderie during the event. Much of this can be put
down to the support crew and their enthusiasm and encouragement. Other teams
would finish a leg and there would
be nobody to greet them and pat them on the back - not so with Gravity where
there was always someone (and usually quite a few) to cheer you on and
congratulate you. The best recommendation I can make is that I will definitely
be back next year in a Gravity team.”
“ The need to say something is
overwhelming.......problem is I can't come up with the words. When I try to let
it just flow I become all emotional (very girlie). For me this year was even
better than last and who would of believed that
possible. You have brought together an amazing group of beautiful people to
share a
fantastic experience. You do good work, and you are right the JLL weekend will
be pivotal for me personally.
No grand promise.......just the absolute knowledge that something has to
happen.”
Thank you, thank you,thank you
“Yes, it was a great weekend (as usual) wasn't it ? Like you,
I found it surreal being back at work the following week. The following
Saturday, I was in QLD attending a board meeting for a small firm that I'm a board
member of - boy it was strange to think just week ago I was struggling across
icy rivers, striding out along bush tracks etc in the Victorian high country.
Time seems to take on a different perspective during the JLL weekend. I found
myself looking at the time and remembering where I was at that time a week ago
- worlds apart......
The JLL is not really a race,
rather it is, as the name suggests a 'Challenge'. Regardless of your physical
condition, the training you've managed over winter and the preparation you
think you've done; nothing quite prepares you for the 'rush' you feel as
the Channel Ten chopper shatters the peace, and sun breaks over the
horizon from the top of Mt Buller. Nor does it prepare you for
the enormity of the first run or sense of achievement gained by completing the
event with team-mates - each living out their dreams. This event really is one
of life's most rewarding challenges.”
“ Its been easy over the years to generalise about life and
say 'I could do it if I wanted to'. But it was not until my late 20's that I
realised there was a substantial gap between what I thought I could do and what
I had actually done. One of the key events that helped put things into
perspective was the 2000 JLL Challenge, when I was lucky enough to participate
as a Gravity Fitness support crew member.
I resolved to compete in 2001 and just speaking of the
memorable experience still just puts a lump in my throat. For the first 30
minutes of the first kayak stage irrational thoughts controlled my mind, I
wanted to be stronger, I wanted a sea kayak and not a TK1, I wanted the wind to
stop. Survival was not an issue but completion due to inexperience was. The
beauty of an endurance race is it gives you enough time to sort your head out
and really get to know yourself and think about others. Knowing your team was
waiting at the end was an integral part of being able to stay focused and
positive.
It is my honest privilege to have truly experienced my own
mortality with such inspiring, dedicated and fun loving people as are the
people associated with Gravity Fitness. The experience will live with me
forever.”