Lindsey Vincenzo

When my husband and I moved our family from South Africa to Sydney back in 2010, life became a whirlwind overnight.

Three young kids under the age of four, a new country, my husband working full-time, and the constant juggling that came with settling into a completely different life—it all took its toll on prioritisation and planning. Whatever discipline I once had around exercise, nutrition, and looking after myself slowly shifted away from focus. The weight crept on faster than it ever had before, and no matter what I tried, I just couldn’t seem to shift it.

The harder it became to lose the weight, the more discouraged I felt. I remember feeling utterly stuck, as though I’d lost myself somewhere in the chaos of looking after everyone else.

A school mum suggested I reach out to Vision St Ives.
I wasn’t expecting much—just thought I needed a little boost—but here I am more than 15 years later, still training, still learning, and still so grateful that I walked through those doors.

From the very beginning, my trainer was kind, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable. He helped clear up years of conflicting and confusing messages around weight loss. Everything was explained so simply and sensibly—never confronting, just clear. The education around nutrition was truly life-changing for me. Suddenly I understood why things worked, not just what to do.

Seeing him every week kept me grounded and accountable. We’d talk about how the week had gone—my food, my exercise, the challenges I’d run into, and how to work around them. It was obvious he genuinely cared about my progress, and that support made all the difference.

Given how I was feeling about myself before I started, I don’t know how, but I somehow mustered up the courage to bring in a bikini for a “before photo” during my first Goals Session with Christian. I remember thinking, “Okay Lindsey, if you’re going to do this, and invest money in change, then you’ve got to commit.” As scary as it was asking Christian to take that photo, I’m so happy I did, because this before and after picture has remained a huge motivator and moment of pride for me and what I achieved.

The results changed not only my life, but my family as well.
I lost 11 kilos in six months, grew stronger, fitter, and felt more in control than I had in years. As I became healthier, I became an even more positive influence on my family and friends. As a family, we became healthier than we ever were. Even my husband—already a cyclist—adopted new nutritional habits and lost 30 kilos himself.

Looking back now, I feel like a completely different woman to the person who arrived in Australia all those years ago. I returned to the workforce with purpose and confidence to a job and career I find fulfilling.

I rediscovered my love for running and have completed more fun runs than I can count. I enjoy prioritising my set running goals every month and the satisfaction that comes with achieving them.

Life is continues to be busy and stressful at times, but I continue with the tools, strength, and mindset to handle whatever comes my way.
If you had told me in 2010 that I would still be a member of a gym 15 years later, I would never have believed you. But Vision St Ives became far more than just a gym—it became a lifeline, a community, and a catalyst for changing the direction of my life and my family’s wellbeing.

If any part of my story resonates with you, I can say wholeheartedly: you couldn’t be in better hands than Vision St Ives.