When we created the Shake UP, we had no idea that we would be so fortunate to have a legion of super committed members. As we grow and evolve, we continually look to our foundation members for inspiration and a reminder of what the ‘perfect Shake UP client’ looks like.
We believe that it is a person who is willing to invest in themselves, week in week out, continually lifting to new challenges. Someone who understands that being physically and mentally strong will make them a better member of their family. Most importantly though, someone who looks forward to coming to sweat it out for 30 minutes a day with people they consider great friends.
This ‘Perfect Shaker’ character description is kind of our way of describing our June Shaker of the Month – Jo Melville. Jo has been training with us since our early beginnings. She always brings new people into our community through her enthusiasm and she trains because she believes that this small amount of time that she enjoys away from her family makes her a better, more balanced, parent and wife. We have seen Jo train through some pretty challenging physical limitations and no matter how uncomfortable she is, she always manages a smile, followed by a pretty inappropriate bit of banter!
We recently caught up with Jo to chat about her Shake UP experience and how a great training community can help keep family life healthy and sane!
So Jo, tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m 41, and a mother of 3 – Jordan 12, Tyler 10 and Crystal 6. I have been married happily for 15 years.
I work in a child care centre preparing kids for entry into school. I do a lot of work with kids who need additional support. I love it. I used to direct child care centres but since becoming a parent of 3 kids I now enjoy being able to be a mum and still being able to do the work I enjoy.
How do you manage being a working mum of 3 and still find time to train?
I just book it in! Its my time to train! It might seem a little selfish but I don’t really get a lot of time to myself so I really enjoy having this environment. Like most mums, I have spent my life putting everyone else 1st but I have learnt that if I am not happy and challenging myself in all areas of life then the family dynamic doesn’t work as well as it should. I kind of learned that the hard way. You’ve got to make that time. I love that coming here is only a half hour. I can be away from the family for about an hour all together and it really doesn’t disrupt things too much.
How long have you been training here for?
I guess its about 3 years now!
What keeps you coming back to the Shake UP?
The community! I love the way everyone encourages one another and loves coming here and I have seriously made some friends for life down here.
What helps get you through a tough session? What do you think about?
I just constantly tell myself to toughen up princess! Having good tunes always helps me push through too
What’s the worst exercise for you?
I reckon I’d have to say the running sessions. I don’t mind the short running but the 300m lap running kills me!
A true Shake UP legend and a very deserved winner of our Shaker of the Month.
For her hard work Jo has scored herself some goodies from the crew at Punish Natural Nutrition.
Thanks to the Punish crew for their continued support to the Shake UP!