Meet Anita Faulkner, mother of 2 young children, Pilates instructor, massage and Bowen therapist. Anita was wary, maybe even a little sceptical about how resistance training and in particular how F.I.R.E (focussed, intense, resistance, exercise) could assist her to recover after the birth of her son and from some long term injuries. Anita is so well respected in her field and has helped so many people regain their health and improve their mobility (including me) – so can I repay the favour? I asked Anita a few questions about her journey so far…
I know you have only been involved in FIRE for just over 6 weeks now, but what made you decide to join a FIRE group?
Initially I thought resistance training was not for me. I have injuries that when pushed have caused me quite a lot of discomfort. In talking to past FIRE participants they have talked about how much they enjoyed it, you witness the friendships that are formed. So, following the Metabolic Precision nutrition course I believed this was the next step in getting my body strong and back into shape. As a therapist I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the principles of resistance training and to help me understand how this could this benefit my clients also?
How are you finding meeting with a group and training partner?
In joining a specific group you undoubtedly form a bond, having a training partner is something I have never really had. Having been matched with a very similar partner, you quickly identify strengths and weaknesses not just in yourself but in your partner. Human nature encourages the need to see your partner achieve. Working with a partner has helped me be accountable to turning up and not letting her or myself down.
What changes have you noticed so far?
I have felt numerous changes already, some I was not expecting, especially in such a small amount of time and for the minimal approach to exercise. Physically my strength has improved incredibly and in some instances I have nearly tripled my initial starting weight. The biggest surprise has been the change in my mental health, I must admit I have not been in a real positive frame of mind especially since having Ashley. Over the last six weeks I have noticed the increase in my daily productivity, I have made many long term decisions that I would normally put in the too hard basket. There is less emotion in my communication with others, which has seen a growth in my relationship with my husband. Recording my improvements on paper has made me feel proud that I have achieved something I was unsure I could do and it is pushing me to do better. People are starting to notice the changes in my body also which is a bonus!
What has been the most challenging aspect of the training?
Before signing up I had a huge fear of re-injury to my back and pelvis, I have used this as reason to avoid any form of weight training for nearly four years. But making injuries or discomfort known to your trainer is important because exercises have been modified or changed to support my weaknesses. It is proof, that with the right exercise at the right resistance you can maintain an effective training program.
I like to enjoy my workouts and for that reason I have stayed within my achievable comfort zone for a long time. I admit I found it hard to enjoy working my muscles to fatigue initially, but now that I am seeing results this has certainly changed. Adding to that, I like to achieve in what I do, it makes me feel good, so the idea of working muscle to failure(fatigue) was hard to grasp but that is where strength is built.
It was also challenging making time for myself. I was always putting my needs last, making excuses and not asking for things that could really benefit me.
Being a Pilates instructor, has it been difficult to adjust to this way of training?
Letting go of the Pilates principles is a tough one, mainly the position in which I hold my body to work. I have found a few similarities with both Pilates and FIRE: breathing, control and focus – what I find different is the positioning of the body. Pilates includes many repetitions at a light resistance to create a movement memory in the muscle, FIRE works with overload to build lean muscle. In FIRE I’ve learned to maintain correct posture to target muscles effectively.
What is your goal for the end of this 12 week program?
I’ve decided I just want to keep getting stronger. I am enjoying this challenge and I am loving the results!
We love the results too! Great work Anita!
