Jacqueline Woods

After a failed Achilles surgery in 2024 left her with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a lifelong condition with no cure, Jacqueline spent three months in the hospital, losing muscle tone and battling constant pain. Struggling with motivation and frustrated by costly physiotherapy that didn’t address her overall health, she almost gave up—until a Vision Studio post offering a 21-day free trial caught her eye. What followed was a transformation she never thought possible.

Q&A:

What first brought you to Vision, and how were you feeling about your health and fitness back then?

In 2024, I had a failed Achilles surgery that saw me spend three months in hospital and leave with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in my right foot. A lifelong condition that currently has no cure. I had lost a lot of muscle tone from being in a hospital bed unable to walk, and to be honest, all of me ached.

I was scrolling mindlessly on social media one day and saw an Instagram post about a Vision Studio close by in Gladesville. I followed the page and thought nothing more of it.

When I was discharged from hospital, I spent several months attending physiotherapy sessions. While they were helpful, they were expensive 15-minute visits that mostly required me to do most of the work at home. My motivation was not great, and I mostly lied, saying I was doing homework that I just wasn’t.

Again, a Vision Studio post popped up in my social media feed, and this time there was an offer of a 21-day free trial. Tired of therapy that focused only on my foot and not the rest of my body and needs, I thought I would book a time to chat and see what Vision could offer me. Vision would have a big job ahead. I felt broken—my foot was in pain, my overall body strength and coordination would have been ranked a zero, and most importantly, I am postmenopausal and have never liked or been a fan of exercise. Convincing me to stick with this was going to be a big challenge for Vision, because I’ve only ever been very good at quitting.

What’s one thing you’ve achieved here that still surprises you when you think about it?

When I started, I could not get to my feet without crawling across the floor like a child to use an exercise bike as a climbing frame to pull myself up. Now, I not only get to my feet all on my own, but I’m also learning to step up and down on boxes (plyometric box). I am currently working with my trainer on the smallest box, regardless of size, and this is a huge achievement for me.

Can you describe what your journey has looked like since joining Vision – the highs, the hard bits, and what kept you going?

The hardest bit for me is my basic dislike of exercise—I’ve never been fortunate enough to catch “the exercise bug,” and my months of post-surgery recovery had seen my diet flooded with well-meaning “treats” to cheer me up. While they cheered me up in the short term, I was now paying for it by being overweight.

Working with my Vision trainer and the Vision app to track my food and activity has gone a long way toward helping with my accountability. Being photographed by my trainer after losing 5 kg and then 10 kg was a big “high” for me. I recently attended a work function where people were walking past me and had to do a double-take because they didn’t recognize me or simply grabbed me and said, “Wow! Look at you—you look amazing!” I floated home that night on the biggest high.

How has being part of the Vision community made a difference for you – in or outside the gym?

Whenever I walk into my Vision Studio, I am greeted by all the trainers and farewelled when I leave. I always feel very welcome. I’ve never been a gym person, so being overly social with other members has not necessarily been my thing. But who knows? If I keep improving in all areas as I already am, this may also be a part of me that changes.

What I like about Vision is that if you are a private person who just likes to do your thing, you can do so without feeling over-pressured to turn everyone you meet there into your “gym buddy.” Of course, for the more social members, there are loads of classes and group activities to connect with others.

What would you say to someone who’s in the same shoes you were when you started – maybe nervous, unsure, or stuck?

I would say to anyone in my shoes, especially in my age bracket (55 years), if you are not exercising or in a solid routine, it is an absolute must that you try Vision and allow them to give you the helping hand, motivation, and education about what you need to be doing to ensure you age well—without potential injuries, body aches, and pain.

If there is ever an opportunity to come in for a trial like I did, jump at it. And even better, if someone you know recommends Vision to you, don’t look that “gift horse in the mouth”—they are sharing something very special with you.

What’s next for you – and how do you see everything you’ve learned here helping you stay strong and healthy long-term?

Next for me is continuing on my journey. I have no feelings of quitting—which is a lifetime first for me! I will continue to set personal goals with my trainer, focusing on both my weight (I’m about halfway to where I want to be) and my physical ability. Who knows? I may even get to a point where I can run—now that would be an achievement!