Vulnerability Vault 1

We pride our Peachi community on being a place where all people feel empowered and free to live a fit, happy and healthy life – where all minds, bodies and abilities work together to challenge and support each other. Together we continue to grow and celebrate progress and achievement as a team. And we want to spread that support and positive vibe on a HUGE scale!

The Vulnerability Vault stemmed from the post shared by Coach Kim about judgement and imperfection, which sparked a huge discussion around judgements, insecurities, the impact they have on us and the transformations that can come from them.

The overall message is simple and yet so important…

Judgement of each other not just in a gym environment, but in general, HAS TO STOP. Everyone has a different story, a different perspective and different goals, so instead of passing judgement on others or making assumptions, let’s champion each other and celebrate positive progress as we strive for physical and mental health… to BE OUR BEST SELVES.

The people who have shared as part of the Vulnerability Vault are brave, their stories are incredibly powerful, and they are helping us champion change in how we view each other and support each other.

This is a safe space where we encourage people to be open… to be VULNERABLE, because in being Vulnerable we can empower ourselves and find freedom. We would love for as many people to be a part of this Vault as possible, so if you have something you’d like to share (even anonymously), scroll to the bottom of this page to see how.

Vulnerability Vault 2

Coach Kim

“…Someone made comments that I was “kind of fat”… that as a PT I should “look a certain way”.

…I was taken aback and a little offended. But I soon realised that not being “perfect” – that being “kind of fat” and not “looking a certain way” – is my STRENGTH!”

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Vulnerability Vault 3

Amii

“…Others will have forgotten those words within seconds of saying them. But for me, they… still have repercussions to this day. 

…But I will not let that stop me chasing dreams, lifting weights or taking up as much damn space as I want!”

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Vulnerability Vault 4

Martina

“…I was amazed by the bigger girls in classes, they were SO strong and fit! It made me weak and self-conscious.

Just because I’m skinny, confident in my fashion, on my Instagram and in every day life doesn’t mean I have no insecurities…”

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Vulnerability Vault 5

Islay

“As a result of constantly being called names and picked at for my size, joining a gym was absolutely terrifying.

Now people call me me fat and I no longer care – it doesn’t break me the same way – because I’m now fit, or at least fitter…”

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Belinda

“…You’re obsessed… You’re going to look really ugly when you get older – that’s thrown around a lot…

“My movement is so intertwined with my happiness… it’s just how I’m wired… it took me a long time to accept that…”

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Vulnerability Vault 6

Alana

“…She didn’t mean it to be malicious and maybe it was something she didn’t mean to say out loud, but I was fixated…

Then, the part of me that I have been nurturing with self love reminded me of what I have been achieving since joining Peachi…”

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Vulnerability Vault 7

Jessie

“I’ve always been a fluctuater and always felt that my body betrays me, either in weight or gender or comfort. 

I still battle with my perception of my body but.. What’s real is mobility, grace under pressure, and the courage to begin again.”

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Vulnerability Vault 8

Ro

“Growing up I was always told I was either too fat or too skinny – I was told I was obese because that’s what my BMI said.

… I now look at myself in the mirror and like what I see…. I am no longer fighting with my body to live up to people’s expectations.”

Vulnerability Vault 9

Katie

“I’ve skipped events… because I was too anxious because I thought I looked fat and horrible in everything.

“I’m finally getting some confidence, I’m doing things that I love… I don’t care what people think anymore.”

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Want to share your story and be one of our champions of change?

Get empowered and free yourself from the judgements and insecurities that have been holding you back. If your story resonates with even one person, you have the power to inspire and change lives so we can all support each other in becoming our best selves.

Write a post or record a video and send it our way (you can even stay anonymous if you like) and open the Vault by hitting the button below:

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14 DAY KICKSTART

I heard a rumour that someone who worked with me once-upon-a-time made comments about me – that I was “kind of fat” and losing business because of it, and that as a PT I should “look a certain way”.

I have no idea who this person was, nor am I sharing this as an attack on that person or looking for validation. I’m not one to get outwardly emotional, but this needs to be shared because I think there’s so much power behind it.

This kind of mentality where we judge someone on their body and assume they should look a certain way HAS to stop!

In fact, it’s my personal and professional vision to create a world where ALL people feel empowered and free to live a fit, happy and healthy life – where all minds, bodies and abilities can work together to challenge and support each other – to grow and celebrate progress and achievement as a community.

Sure, I am not a small-framed size 6 girl!

And no, I am not “ripped” with a 6-pack!

But that does not mean I am not strong, fit and healthy!

It also does not mean that I don’t have the passion, knowledge and skills to help others lead a happier and healthier life – to help them set and smash goals so they feel fitter and stronger than ever.

I, like most people, feel self-conscious about my body at times, and I’m not insta-fitness-model “perfect”. But I have no desire to be so lean you can see every muscle in my stomach, arms and legs.

Upon first hearing this rumour I was taken aback and a little offended.

But I soon realised that not being “perfect” – that being “kind of fat” and not “looking a certain way” – is my STRENGTH!

People work with me BECAUSE I’m not “perfect”, not in spite of it. They come to Peachi because it’s a safe, judgement-free zone where they will be respected, supported and celebrated no matter what their level or body shape.

My “imperfections” have helped mould the community I am so proud to have founded and be a part of. And my experiences have created the HUGE passion I have to fulfil my vision.

I used to feel too self-conscious to wear shorts while training, nor would you ever catch me in a crop top while other people were around.

I’ve also always tried to hide the struggle I have with my squat technique because as a PT I should be able to move a “certain way” and squat “perfectly”.

But now I’ve embraced my body and found confidence even though I still have moments of feeling self-conscious.

Now I post videos celebrating my ever-progressing squat.

And there is so much freedom in that vulnerability – and so much POWER!

If my “imperfections” and vulnerabilities can have a positive impact and help others feel safe enough to make their own transformations then I am grateful for those imperfections!

So go ahead – embrace your insecurities, share your vulnerability – they shape your experience, they help make YOU who YOU are, they help you connect with others and they can have a positive impact in your world 💜🍑

~ Kim

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This story and everyone’s response to it is what inspired and sparked the creation of the Vulnerability Vault. In posting this so openly and publicly on Facebook and Instagram others started sharing their own experience, and before we knew it  the Vulnerability Vault evolved… and we couldn’t be more proud of everyone for being a part of it.

“That’s enough, keep going and you are going to end up the size of a house”

Delivered by my father, uttered harshly, under his breath at a family Christmas party, approx. age 8.

I was taught shame about my body, I learnt to scoff my fave foods when no one was looking and then fear what my body would do with it, I mean who wants to look like a house?

“Why don’t you just get off and roll down the hill fatso”

Delivered by a teen boy, screamed across the bus on the way home from school, approx. age 16.

I learnt that people didn’t want me to be a part of their community because I took up too much space. So, I tried to take up less space, I worked hard to make sure that my being alive was not an imposition on other, more worthy people (bodies?).

“You have such a pretty face… for a bigger girl”

Delivered sweetly in a whisper by a lover, approx. age 21.

I realized that my body would always limit me from just being a person, there was a weakness of character that was immediately visible on meeting me. So I allowed my confidence to be eroded and accepted foul treatment in relationships and didn’t chase those dreams.

“Where’s the seat?”

Delivered in a jeer by a tradie out the window of a van while riding my bike, approx. age 35.

I discovered that not only did the world not want to see me fat, but it also certainly didn’t want to see me sweaty or working at getting fit, I mean do that behind closed doors… right?

And the silly thing is, aside from my father who in his own way was trying to protect me from what he knew was to come, the others will have forgotten those words within seconds of saying them. But for me, they have shaped me and still have repercussions to this day.

And now? Perhaps with age we learn some perspective, or we just stop giving a f**k what other people think. Don’t get me wrong, that vulnerability tries to have a say every time I open my wardrobe, but I will not let that stop me chasing dreams, lifting weights or taking up as much damn space as I want!”

~ Amii

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Of everyone who has come through the doors at Peachi, Amii’s journey has been one of the most incredible and impactful. This wonderful woman has transformed from someone who flat-out refused to exercise in a group with other people (her exact words “you will NEVER get me to do a group class”), to being one of the leaders of our team with the highest consistent attendance rate – she is one of our strongest and most knowledgeable members who is always there to motivate everyone around her and offer support to fellow-members.

Amii, there are no words to describe how proud we are of you!

 

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM AMII’S STORY?

You may forget your words within seconds of saying them, but for someone else those words could have unimaginable repercussions – always be mindful of the words you use and how you treat others.

Transforming your confidence, your mindset and your body is possible no matter where your starting point – don’t let fear hold you back and stop you chasing your dreams!

” When I first started at Peachi I was amazed by the bigger girls in classes, they were SO strong and fit!

It made me weak and self-conscious – I was never very strong, so I felt intimidated at the start, wondering.. “can I keep up”?

Just because I’m skinny, confident in my fashion, on my Instagram and in every day life doesn’t mean I have no insecurities about my body or about exercising!

I’m hoping my butt will eventually grow at least half the size of Coach Kim’s!! But until then I will rock my G-strings on the beach with my floppy butt, haha!

Being part of the Peachi community has made me realise I don’t have to compare myself to everyone else.

I don’t have to exercise like everyone else or be as strong as everyone else, I just have to be the best version of myself.

And I am! I’m stronger than ever, Im fit and I can finally do push up… on my knees.. but still push ups ”

~ Martina

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A while after starting at Peachi, Martina shared with us just how nervous she was when she first started, and how inadequate she felt compared to some of our other members who are bigger, bootylicious ladies – and it shocked many of us.

Thank you, Martina, for opening the Vault – such a powerful and potentially surprising perspective….

 

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM MARTINA’S STORY?

Just because someone is “skinny” doesn’t mean they’re confident in their body, even if they appear that way on social media.

Discussion around body confidence is so often focused around bigger people and fat shaming, but it’s so important to remember that ALL bodies can feel self-conscious and judged.

Smaller framed people are not always judging bigger people… in fact, smaller people can feel just as judged by bigger people!

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM ISLAY’S STORY?

People are judged for “being fat” and told they should exercise, but those judgements from others are exactly what STOP “fat people” from joining a gym because they are terrified of more judgement from the “fit people”.

Don’t judge someone for their size – you don’t know their story and you never know just how fit and strong they are!

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM BELINDA’S STORY?

Super fit and strong-looking people cop just as much judgement as bigger people.

You don’t have to be “obsessed” and in the gym 24/7 to have a bangin’ bod like Bel, but if she wanted to be “obsessed” with exercise because it makes her happy then she should be able to do that too – judgement-free!

“Recently, someone I had just met said “you’re big”. She didn’t mean it to be malicious and maybe it was something she didn’t mean to say out loud, but I was fixated on what she said, and years of fat shaming came flooding back to me – my internal bully fed off it..

“But wait, I go to gym… I can’t be that big.. Well, what’s the point? Maybe I’m too far gone and I am always going to be fat… I’ll never be happy”.

Then, the part of me that I have been nurturing with self love reminded me of what I have been achieving since being a Peachi member. “I have improved my mobility and stamina. I am challenging myself and feeling stronger. I have been consistent, having fun and making great connections along the way.”

I think it is hard to undo the many years of fat shaming and unrealistic expectations of the perfect body type. But we are getting better at challenging those expectations and celebrating different body types and abilities!

I’ll always choose nurturing me and celebrating the person I am, as I am.”

~ Alana

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This woman’s smile and the positive energy she radiates light up the studio every time she walks in…

You’ll find Alana working her butt off while bantering at the same time, and at some stage during the class you’ll also see her break out into dance!

On the surface you wouldn’t think she struggled with body confidence or ever felt unhappy!

Thank you Alana, you’re AMAZING!

 

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM ALANA’S STORY?

Be mindful of the words you use, even if you don’t mean them maliciously, because you don’t know what you may trigger in someone 🤔

Just because someone may appear to be the most positive and confident energiser bunny going around doesn’t mean they always feel great about themselves 💯

It doesn’t mean we can say whatever we want without it having a profound impact, even if that impact doesn’t always show 🙅🏼‍♀️

“I’ve always been a fluctuater and always felt that my body betrays me, either in weight or gender or comfort.

In puberty I developed overnight from flat chested to C-cup to DD and it’s been a battle ever since to understand my body, my digestion, my cyclical bloating, my energy levels, my strength and consistency.

I had bulimia in my late teens, and a dastardly sweet tooth… still got the sweet tooth!

But the birth of my nieces prompted me to begin correcting my behaviours and practise self respect so I could be a role model for my new tiny family members.

In the last few years, my incredible fiancé has been helping me to reframe exercise as me-time… an enjoyable life-affirming, blood-pumping, confidence-building, mental-health-necessity.

Instead of focusing on weight loss or how I look, I am single-mindedly focusing on gratitude for my body that moves – giving me an outlet for daily frustrations or blah, and working movement into my life as a daily necessity for balance, peacefulness, good sleep and satisfaction.

We’ve started changing the language we use for when we are fluctuating and become heavier.. we now call it juicier… curvier!

We celebrate each other’s workout wins, even if its just getting outside of the house for a walk when that can feel impossible.

I now accept that I fluctuate. I have the body of a woman which moves as the tides move.

Some days I feel trim and bouncy, other days I feel slow and juicy.

I have learned to never trust my eyes, judgemental brain or poor lighting and have learned that I’d prefer to increase my fitness over increasing my thigh gap.

I am grateful that my body functions and I have the opportunity to move it.

I still battle with my perception of my body but the fight is not with my body but with my perception… and that can be changed with training, affirmation, mindfulness and gratitude.

I could not care less about ideal body types, because I know that shit isn’t real. What’s real is mobility, grace under pressure, and the courage to begin again.”

~ Jessie

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Such a calm, positive and genuine energy radiates from Jessie – it’s infectious!

Thank you so much for the raw and beautiful share!

 

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM JESSIE’S STORY?

Consider the language you use about yourself and focus on the positives – be grateful for your body and all the things it CAN do for you.

“Growing up I was always told I was either too fat or too skinny – the constant criticism really affected how I saw myself. I was told I was obese because that’s what my BMI said. I became obsessed with wanting to be 52kg, so I could be perfect and the comments could stop. I went to 3 dieticians, but they told me I should reduce my calorie intake to a level where I’m basically starving. I’d deprive myself of foods, mainly do cardio training and wouldn’t eat after 7pm even if I was hungry to try and lose weight.

I joined Fit Academy in 2019, and initially I remained weight-obsessed. The information they were providing wasn’t sinking – I was convinced nothing will work. However, seeing others strive to their goals and being immersed in a healthy supportive community flipped a switch for me.

I set myself a tough 2020 NY resolution – ‘stop looking at how much weight I want to lose & start focusing on what I can get my body to do’. I wanted to lift heavier, become stronger and try new exercises.

Going into COVID lockdowns I was worried I’d go back to old habits. But instead I learnt how to do handstands on parallettes virtually and figured if I can do that, then I could do anything!

I lost 3% body fat and decreased my visceral fat over that 6 months. I was ecstatic! It wasn’t the fact that my weight dropped under 60kg that made me happy, it was that I was able to achieve in lockdown and without being conscious of it. Rather than looking at numbers, my goals have shifted to doing handstands, muscle ups and ring exercises. I’m mentally and physically the strongest I have ever been.

I now look at myself in the mirror and like what I see. I am by no means perfect, but I am no longer fighting with my body to live up to people’s expectations.

Instead, my mind is working with my body to see how far they can push each other. I now look forward to going to the gym, as it’s become my stress reliever, my haven, and most importantly – it’s helped me heal and set me free.”

~ Ro

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Ro is the kind of girl who shouts support across the gym to anyone looking tired keep their motivation high even when she’s pushing her own limits – we’re so happy to see she has found freedom in her body and in her movement!

 

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM RO’S STORY?

Focus on what your body CAN do and set your sights on a movement or fitness goal instead of body composition – the shift in your body will happen naturally as you dedicate your attention to your movement and celebrating your progress in that area.

BMI is a highly outdated and inaccurate measure of your body – don’t pay attention to that scale or the classifications within it.

🧐 THE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM KATIE’S STORY?

It’s never too late to free yourself from the judgement of others, to find people who respect you for YOU and to find confidence in yourself and do what you love.

Your physical body is just carrying you around, it shouldn’t be the focus it is – wear what you want and be who you want!

Peachi Personal Training