15/12/2025
I still have another week or so of sessions before Christmas, but I just want to say well done to everyone who stayed committed to their lifting this year.
Especially the people who started with me back in February in Māpua and followed me to Motueka.
Jane and Sally, you two really stand out for your dedication and consistency since then.
Heavy lifting is one of those things you can’t really be half in, half out about. At some point, you have to decide whether it’s worth committing to or not.
It’s been amazing watching people get hooked on it and steadily increase their lifts week after week.
But even more awesome is watching people reach that inevitable plateau, when the gains slow down and you’re stuck on the same weight for a while. That phase requires real perseverance. It can be frustrating. The gains are still happening, they’re just less obvious.
My deadlift was stuck between 80 and 90 kg for some time. In the last few months I went from 90 to 120 kg. So the plateau doesn’t last forever.
And of course, we also know it’s not really about the numbers on the barbell. It’s about how you feel. Stronger, more capable, more resilient in your daily life. Some people come in very hesitant, and it’s been incredible to watch their confidence grow. Watching the transformations, (Fran!), has been amazing.
The community that’s developed has been amazing too. Thank you to everyone who recommends friends. I think at least 50 % of people who come to me have some sort of connection to Anna or Paula.
The culture of support and encouragement has been beautiful to watch. People cheering each other on, playful banter, genuine encouragement. Monday’s classes really stand out in this regard, and the fact that they’re now always full shows people want to be there.
The fact that I can have such a diverse range of clients, from people lifting 80 kg and beyond to people just starting out and testing the waters, and for everyone to feel safe going at their own pace without comparison, is really cool.
It was also a big transition for me to move to Motueka and set up this space. I’m proud that I did most of it on my own, but I had support where I needed it.
Lindsey, who I sub-lease this space from.
Richard, who made my website. I was feeling very overwhelmed, but he made the whole process so easy.
Anna and her partner, who helped me move equipment.
Sally, who organised for her son to move the mirrors.
Ben (and Rachel), who installed my pull-up bar.
Jenny, who took photos for me.
Kathryn Bruni-Young, whose teacher training and mentorship changed my life and supported me to set up my classes.
And the people who consistently support my social media. Anna is almost always the first to react to my posts. Carmen, Kay, Tanya, Anna, Sara, Jane and Helen have shared beautiful comments and reviews about their experience. And even friends and former yoga students who don’t live anywhere near here still support my posts. Karen, David, Ruth, and Barbara. I’m so grateful for you all. These things genuinely help support a small business.
And finally, thank you to the people who show up every week and bring your amazing energy. There are too many to name, but trusting me and allowing me to support you with your strength training is an honour.
You could all just go to the Rec Centre. (I’m told their air conditioning is great!). But the fact that you choose to support a small local business means more than you probably realise.
Thank you for coming.
And here’s a little story about why this place is so meaningful to me:
A few years ago, I was travelling around New Zealand in a van with my daughter, looking for our new home. When we arrived in Motueka, I loved the estuary with the mountains in the background. I felt so at home here that I didn’t want to leave. My van battery kept dying though, so we decided we needed to keep moving, see the rest of the South Island and walk Te Araroa before settling. But as soon as we were ready, we came back.
Within weeks we had a land lease at Riverside and were welcomed into the community. My daughter (who had found van life incredibly lonely) met a group of girls her age living there and formed close friendships.
I found out just recently that my ancestors initially settled in this area in 1857, less than 2 km from where we now live. My daughter goes to the same school that my great, great, great grandfather attended. It feels meaningful to me, like my ancestors drew us back here to this place of sunshine, mountains, ocean, bush and estuaries.
It feels like paradise to me, and I feel deeply grateful to have found our place here.
