Today we celebrate Gabby Pandolfo. When Gabby first started training with us back in November 2020, she was very reserved and apprehensive, self-conscious and very unsure of things. It took her a few weeks to find her feet and settle into routine. Fast forward to January I remember speaking with Gabby about her epiphany after reading my book “Unleash the Best Version of You”. She was really taken aback by the shift in her perspective when taking time out for herself. She realised that looking after herself wasn’t selfish and she wasn’t abandoning her family. Not looking after herself was. That was a massive break through for Gabby. Since that day, she has made a complete shift in absolutely everything, and really has unleashed the best version of herself. She was always in there, we just helped her bring out the best in her.

Gabby it is an absolute pleasure having you on the team and traveling your journey with you. You have made some incredible changes and are reaping the rewards of your hard work and dedication. To say I am proud of you is an understatement. But more than that, I am inspired by you! Congratulations on your fantastic results! You have absolutely smashed it!!!

• Coach Terri

Omg.. I repeat OMG! Gabby your transformation goes far beyond the physical perspective. Yes you look amazing but also when I look at you as a whole I see both a physically and mentally stronger individual! You have made me so proud over these past couple months of us working together, you weren’t afraid to asked an abundance of questions and your weren’t afraid to step out of your comfort zone. When working with you over the past couple of weeks I’ve seen you blossom, smash multiple goals as well as truly make a lifestyle change! Keep up the outstanding work Gabby, I know for a fact you can continue to smash through your nutrition so don’t stop now! All in all phenomenal work Gabby!!

• Coach Emilia

Now let’s here about Gabby’s journey from Gabby herself…

“I saw Katherine Raskatos’ story shared on Facebook and thought OMG she’s looking amazing.  Wonder what she did to look like that?

COVID came and ripped through our lives like a storm. I tried to keep active by walking as much as I could (that’s all I could do as we couldn’t go anywhere) but soon found myself making friends with the snack cupboard.  My binge eating ramped up and before I knew it, I’d put on all the weight I’d lost before covid hit. I looked up TF on Facebook and sent an enquiry through.  Vicky contacted me and we spoke on the phone for like an hour.  I was so indecisive, but she made me feel so welcomed and never once did she come across pushy.  I bit the bullet and signed up.  Fast forward 4 months, l love that the staff at TF are so friendly, bubbly and down to earth.  I love coming to class each week because they are different, and you get to challenge yourself and the coaches will encourage and push you too

My biggest concern was my back pain/issue.  I love how the exercises are changed to suit your capabilities. 

There were so many lessons I’ve learned and I’m still learning but the biggest one for me was when I read Terri’s book.  I learnt that self-care was far more important.  I realized that if I kept sabotaging my health then I wouldn’t be around to look after my family and that I was being selfish. 

My biggest challenge I overcame was my back.  I lost all confidence and hope.  I was too afraid to push myself in fear of my back flaring up and putting me out of action.  In the first 2 months of training, nearly every class I’d leave in pain or found a certain exercise would flare up my back.  In between attending classes, I was at the physio once a week trying to build my core and also trying to release the tension in my lower back and glutes.

My second biggest challenge I overcame was sugar.  I was addicted.  I battled my addiction for nearly 10 years.  I tried to kick the habit years ago but fell off the wagon after 3 months and old habits crept back into my life. 

My third biggest challenge I overcame was coffee.  I was addicted to lattes.  I was having 2 to 3 and sometimes 4 a day.  My sleep was unsettled, my moods were erratic, I felt bloated all the time and I was tired ALL THE TIME.

Through the Nutrition Boot Camp, with the support of Emilia, we were able to work out my meal plan that best suited my body.  I no longer eat sugar, nor do I have caffeine.  I haven’t binged in 2 months and I have NO cravings at all.  I’m having the best night’s sleep and I’m waking up refreshed and get up nice and early. I won’t lie, the first week of boot camp with detoxing from sugar and caffeine was painful.  I had a headache for 3 days, I felt sick and I felt agitated. 

I attend 2 classes per week.  I love boot camp style classes so I’m lucky to be able to train on my days off and participate in boot camp express with Emilia and A.M.R.A.P with Steve.

I started attending classes in November and started my boot camp with Emilia end Jan. 

I’ve lost 12cm off my hips, 6cm off my waist and achieved my goal weight twice.  So far I’ve lost 9kgs.

My nutrition has completely changed. I’m eating so much more, my fridge if full of good nutritional food, I’m meal prepping each week and l love shopping for good quality veg and meat. 

I’ve overcome some hurdles due to intolerances to dairy, gluten and legumes.  I felt terrible for so many years that I thought was my norm. Now that all the yucky toxins are releasing themselves from my body I’m rediscovering what it feels like to feel healthy again.  All of my inflammation has gone, I’m pain free and I feel on top of the world. 

I can’t thank you enough Emilia for your support.  I love your enthusiasm and passion.  Thank you for being so patient and being there for me no matter what time of the day or night.  I’m so blessed to have you with me on my journey.  My journey has only just begun but this is my life now.

My 2 boys asked me how long will I be going to TF and eating healthier food and I told that it will be forever and this is my life.

I have my exercise mojo back 😀” – Gabby Pandolfo, South Morang