Staff Spotlight – Grainne
Meet Grainne, Elixr Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor.
Free 45-minute consultation for Elixr members in June.
Meet inspiring Elixr coach of 15 years, Grainne, personal trainer and Elixr Pilates instructor. Read her personal story including her IVF journey, and how she transformed it into a way to help motivate and inspire others. This mother of two is all for empowerment and self-love and she encourages her clients to achieve great things!
For the month of June, she is offering a free 45-minute consultation including a Functional Movement Screening for Elixr members.
To book call 0405 549 240 or reach out via Instagram @grainneshemesh.
You’ve been working with Elixr for 15 years now! Tell us about that journey.
My journey at Elixr has been incredible! It’s been a fulfilling and rewarding experience working at this club. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with so many amazing women who have inspired me every day. Seeing their progress, both physically and mentally, is my highlight. I am still in touch with most of them, and some have become lifelong friends.
After taking a break for the past 4 years, to have your two beautiful children, what motivated you to come back to personal training?
Returning to Elixr after taking a break to have my children feels like coming home to myself in a way. This is a special place, with the staff and members helping to create the community environment that I love.
My motivation to come back to personal training stems from my passion for helping women feel great about themselves. I want to empower them through exercise and assist them in gaining confidence in their bodies. So many great changes come about in your life when you take control of your health and fitness.
I came back for 6 months during my second pregnancy because one of my fondest clients pretty much told me if I didn’t come back, then she was giving up exercise – I still don’t know if she would have followed through on that threat – but it was the kick I needed to come back. In the end it was the best thing for me to have something outside of looking after a baby and another pregnancy to focus on.
How has becoming a mother impacted your attitude towards your own body and fitness?
Becoming a mother has had a profound impact on my attitude towards my own body and fitness. It has taught me to appreciate my body for its strength and functionality, rather than solely focusing on how it looks. Witnessing the incredible things my body could do during pregnancy and childbirth has given me a newfound respect for its capabilities.
My first baby was conceived through IVF, which added another layer of wonder (after a lot of other emotions and angst) to the whole journey. I am also now very aware that my attitude towards exercise and my body will influence how my girls view themselves and it’s my responsibility to lead by example with kindness towards myself.
How has your own journey as a mother influenced your approach to helping others achieve their fitness goals?
My personal journey has greatly influenced my approach to helping others, especially women. I understand the challenges women face in finding balance between family responsibilities and personal well-being. I strive to create a supportive and understanding environment that acknowledges these unique needs by providing them with the guidance and encouragement they need to prioritise their health.
As you re-join the Elixr team, what are your goals and aspirations for the future?
My goals and aspirations are to continue empowering women to feel great about themselves. I want to continue my focus on women’s journeys, from prenatal and postnatal fitness, helping mothers through their unique fitness journeys, right up to post-menopausal. I also hope to develop programs that cater specifically to women who may struggle with body image issues or lack of confidence, which let’s face it, is most of us.
What sets you apart as a personal trainer?
Building a strong connection with my clients is paramount to me. I foster a supportive environment for my clients by creating personalised programs that address their individual needs and goals. It’s all about listening and providing a judgment-free space where they feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Understanding their needs and challenges, I can tailor workouts that boost their confidence and help them achieve sustainable results. I find checking in regularly and keeping the lines of communication open outside of our gym sessions really helps my clients to feel supported.
Finally, what message would you like to send to women who may be hesitant or unsure about starting their fitness journey?
To women who may be hesitant or unsure about starting their fitness journey, I want to convey a message of empowerment and self-love. Remember that the first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Start small, set achievable goals, and celebrate each milestone along the way. Focus on how exercise makes you feel, rather than how it makes you look. Embrace the process and know that you can achieve great things. Your body is incredible, and you deserve to feel great living in it.
Follow Grainne on Instagram @grainneshemesh where she will share tips and insights into her own training.
