I signed up to Burn It in the aftermath of the worst experience of my life.  My mum had just died and I felt like my life was falling apart. As an only child my mum was my best friend, my agony aunt and my cheerleader. We were so close and had a brilliant relationship. We spoke every day on the phone and when I had a problem or something to celebrate she was always my first port of call. Despite being a fully grown adult as well as a wife, mother and professional, I was lost without her.

When my mum was terminally ill I sought solace in plodding the streets attempting to run – something I’ve never been particularly great at. It gave me a break from the stifling atmosphere in her house and from the emotional drama I was going through.  When she died, I went away on holiday with my husband for some R&R and spotted an advert on Facebook for Burn It Body Transformation.  After a few drinks I tagged my friend in the post and true to form, Paul commented encouraging us to join.  We signed up and we started together a month later.

At the time I was dealing with my all consuming grief; I had started a new job; and was trying to emotionally support my three kids (aged 9, 5 and 3 at the time) who were coming to terms with the death of their much loved Grandma. Burn It gave me headspace from all of that. For an hour twice a week I got to forget all that emotional nonsense and just focus on me. 

At the start I was at the back of the group.  I had previously tried to stay healthy by doing classes at the gym – step, combat and dancing – and thought I was relatively fit. I soon realised that I hadn’t really been pushing myself very much.  It was easy to stay in my comfort zone and with the same routine for weeks at a time my body knew what was coming next and adapted. Burn It was a whole new ball game! Every class was different.  I was doing all sorts of exercises and pushing myself in a way I had never done before. Best of all it was a supportive and fun environment.  Everyone was so welcoming and when circumstances stopped my friend from coming along I didn’t feel out of place on my own.  I always found someone to talk to, pair up with or groan about burpees with!

Now three years on I still miss my mum every day.  But grief changes and I credit Burn It with helping me through some of the most difficult times.  Even now when I feel overwhelmed I always feel better after a session. I’m a total convert to outdoor exercise and love coming out in all weathers to train – in fact I really miss it if I can’t come for any reason.  When people ask me why I do outdoor exercise I tell them “it keeps me sane!”.  I truly value my two/three hours a week running around a park or along a trail with such a great bunch of folk.  

I’ve had some great personal fitness achievements including running my first ever half marathon to raise money for the hospice which both cared for my mum and gave me counselling to help me through. During recent months I have also conquered cockleroy and the Forth Road Bridge run as well as Preston Road with a power bag on my back! Physically I’m fitter than I have ever been but the benefits are so much wider than that. Nutritionally I make much better choices.  Mentally it is a massive leveller when life gets hard and it gives me much needed headspace and time for me. Socially it’s fun and hugely supportive. 

I truly believe that Burn It is much more than a fitness provider. Paul and his team focus on the whole person and their all-round wellness.  I’d honestly be lost without Burn It in my life.  Here’s to the next three years!