We believe that taking some time to reflect and recharge is time well spent. This year as JC, Jess, Jack and I were hiking through the Victorian Highlands we started asking each other to say in three words something about the year and this has continued throughout the past few days with things we are grateful for, what we learnt, what we’ve done for the community etc. Listening to Jack and Jess reel off what went well like starting High School, Jack and his camps especially the 4 week Wardolf 100 tour and Jess with all the new sports she tried, new friends, drama, house music and her community award, made me realise one, how wonderful the life of young can sound so simple and two, how we often get bogged down with the day to day forgetting to smell the roses.

My first words were difficult, busy and achievements and I thought “Well that was a bit negative” but then all the other positive things began to flow and how much we had achieved, were grateful for and then all the positives came to light. And also the stories – there is nothing like long hikes and bike rides to have time to talk and we shared many stories of our year because whilst we live with each other every day we don’t always share the stories or backgrounds to something we did. And personally I love a story and said out loud to someone can really bring across the emotions that they hold – in fact sometimes it is quite therapeutic like sharing a story of my mum.

Oh and if your are wondering JC and I decided to do our 3 words for 2019 and they were Family, Achievement & Community.

• Family – was no. 1 as seeing Jack & Jess thriving at High School taking the new changes on with bravado and enthusiasm, for seeing JC’s family in the US this year was particularly special and my side of the family seeing my nieces and nephews growing up and how proud we are of our own brothers and sisters for what they take on in life and achieve.
• Achievement – was no. 2 simply because I (Linda) finally finished by PT studies early in 2019 and that is a whole other story! But we also have lots of other achievements including building and being more a part of our community.
• Community – this year we added in to our nightly dinner routine ‘What did you do for the community today’. This one sentence has led us all to be much more mindful and active in our community. We think that by being asked this question nightly it has raised our awareness from picking up rubbish in the streets, being more active with the Canterbury Community Action Group, doing more for our environment including activities for climate change and last, but by far least, our ALTA community, sharing the benefits of health and fitness and it is not just with you our clients but we have been very active sharing our stories/blogs or doing talks/workshops to the broader community including helping out with Jack & Jess’ sports teams.

Now to a very important part of our lives and 2019 is you, our clients, and how much we appreciate that we can be there to help you be fitter, healthier and happier but also how much we appreciate you sharing your lives with us. We all have our ups and downs, good days, bad days and we all have a story. The stories been shared have come from many a different views or topics some hilarious, others sad, memorable, lots of sports, politics, children/grandchildren, holidays and lots on health! We love sharing what we are passionate about and hearing yours too, as my mum used to say ‘Variety is the spice of life’ and ours I am pleased to say is very spicy!

Now we don’t want to do all the reflecting so we asked our team to share too.

I have absolutely loved my first year working at ALTA. I feel privileged to work with and alongside such passionate individuals who truly care about the health and wellbeing of others. Thank you JC, Linda, the trainers, and all the clients for making me feel welcome. We work hard, laugh and have a lot of fun (especially in our group sessions)! I’ve never felt more at home. Looking forward to the New Year and all the wonderful things it has to offer!  Estelle

I’ve spent the best part of the last two years studying my Diploma of Nutrition and Dietetics and in November I completed it. But my thirst for knowledge is not yet satiated. With hopes of studying further in February next year. In June my family and I went to Bali for a much needed family holiday – two weeks of R&R and hiking volcanoes in the middle of the night. I have lots of laughs with my clients, but in particular working with Joyce has been very rewarding this year. She has proven that she has still got it despite the physical challenges that life has thrown her way. She continues to come every Tuesday for her torture session with her enthusiastic juventarian trainer. On that note, I plan to give a presentation one evening in February on Healthy Longevity. Details to follow. I wish you all a harmonious and adventurous 2020! See you soon. Amy

Lastly, our family saying for this year is “2020 is going to be a great year!’. We are excited and really looking forward to 2020 and helping you all in achieving fitter, healthier and happier lives and continuing to share stories and in 3 words help you to be FITTER, HEALTHIER & HAPPIER.

From JC, Linda and all of the ALTA Fitness Team