Cristie

My passion lies in helping people achieve their goals, whatever they may be, and in the process helping them find ways to be healthy and happy for the long-term.

I became a Personal Trainer and established Proactive Lifestyle & Fitness in 2009. It was a conscious decision to change where I invested my energy – for my own health and to help others.  This was a huge change in direction after being in fashion design for 18 years including the US and London for 12 years.

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) which is an autoimmune disease, in 2007.  I refused to have my thyroid removed or treated with radioactive iodine and have been managing it through diet, a healthy lifestyle and in conjunction with my Naturopath.  This means that I have good and bad days, I can’t push myself too hard or I may get heart palpitations, and I really need to listen to my body rather than ‘push through’.

When I was a child I suffered from chronic asthma and was hospitalised many times, up until the last time I remember was around age 14, and the last time I used a ventolin inhaler was around age 21.  My Dad encouraged me to swim, and to run – however I didn’t get into running voluntarily and for ‘pleasure’ until I was in my early 20’s.  I’ve always love sport – ballet, calisthenics, swimming, netball, hockey, running, triathlons etc, so for me having limitations is something to work with and grow from – not something that stops me.

So how does that translate into me being a Personal Trainer, and how I help you?

It means that I understand when you say that something hurts or is a ‘wrong’ kind of pain; I trust you and will not push you through it.  I am here to give you motivation, support, encouragement, focus and accountability; to understand where you are now – and help you through my knowledge and experience how to achieve what you want.

My satisfaction comes from the feeling of really helping people and making a difference; that’s why I do what I do, and that’s why you won’t find a heap of selfies or self-promotion here.

~ Cristie.