Client from Gladesville | Trainer: Huynh To
Since she started with Vision, Pam has lost 15kg and completely changed her outlook on health and fitness. This is her story.
What first brought you to Vision, and how were you feeling about your health and fitness back then?
It started with a casual conversation with Marsden, who invited me to do a body scan to see where my body was at. I knew there was plenty of room for improvement in my health, especially my fitness levels. My weight also needed attention, mainly because of a family history of heart disease.
I was feeling quite discouraged about weight loss, having tried several approaches that made no real difference. I was also aware of a psychological block that led to self-sabotage. When the scan showed a biological age three years older than my actual age, it was the wake-up call I needed. Many positive things were happening in my life, and I realised that staying alive and healthy for as long as possible mattered. It felt like I’d been short-changing myself those three years.
What’s one thing you’ve achieved here that still surprises you when you think about it?
Willingly getting up at 6am (or earlier) to train! I used to say I’d never do it, even if I got paid. Now I’m actually paying someone to make me work out at dawn.
Can you describe what your journey has looked like since joining Vision – the highs, the hard bits, and what kept you going?
There have been so many highs. I have much more energy, I feel more confident in my body, my skin has improved, and I no longer get out of breath walking up stairs. I’ve developed a much healthier relationship with food, thanks to the trainers’ non-judgmental approach.
“Yeah, but it’s okay, it fits in your macros” is the most comforting response to confessing a banana-bread breakfast or fast-food dinner.
The hard bits were around emotional eating and the negative self-talk that followed. It was hard not to feel guilty and even harder to get back on track. But when I realised that a 10-day holiday hadn’t undone the progress I’d made over three months, I felt relieved. It reminded me that balance matters more than perfection.
I’ve come a long way (nearly 15 kg down), but I’m still on the journey, with another 10 kg to go. Knowing how far I’ve come and how much better I already feel keeps me going. The trainers are also creative in how they support me. Having a ‘most-hated’ exercise list has actually helped keep me accountable in group classes.
Most importantly, I realised that the love and validation I had been looking for couldn’t come from anyone else. I’ve learnt to give that love to myself instead and to care for myself in the way I always deserved to be cared for.
How has being part of the Vision community made a difference for you?
The biggest difference for me is the genuine care from the trainers. They notice when you’re not around, celebrate your progress, and check in just to see how you’re doing - not just about training, but about how you are.
Huynh is incredible. She always meets me where I’m at, whether I’m tired, unwell, or struggling to stay consistent. The sessions are adapted creatively to keep me accountable without pressure, which is exactly what I need. I never feel judged. I feel heard, understood, and met with compassion and respect for my boundaries.
Outside the studio, the experience has supported my overall wellbeing and self-awareness. It’s helped me deepen my understanding of self-love and integrate it into both my personal and professional life.
What would you say to someone who is in the same shoes you were in before you started?
Start small - it’s much easier than trying to get everything right at once. Once one change feels established, add another. Consistency helps a LOT.
Keep in mind that motivation is unreliable. Act on love instead. We often find it easier to do things for others than for ourselves, so reminding ourselves that we’re doing this for those we love can make it easier. If I am healthy and well, I can care better for others.
Lean on your support system (including your trainer) to help you keep going.
You don’t need to get it right all the time, but don’t let imperfection derail you. Consistency will help your body tolerate slip days along the way.
Be kind to yourself. We are quick to criticise ourselves, so speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend.
Take setbacks as learning experiences. You’re never starting again from zero. You’ve gained something along the way - often knowledge about yourself or what works for you. Use it.
Finally, my motto: As long as you exist, there is a life of potential.
What’s next for you?
As mentioned before, I’m still working towards another 10kg down. What’s changed, though, is how I approach it. I’ve learnt that progress doesn’t come from pressure or perfection, but from consistency and compassion. I’m more aware of my limits, my needs, and how to care for my body in a sustainable way.
Everything I’ve learned at Vision has helped me build a stronger relationship with myself, physically and emotionally. I now see health as part of my life’s work - caring for myself so I can continue to support others from a place of balance and authenticity.
Mindful nutrition, movement, and emotional awareness have become everyday practices rather than short-term goals. Long-term success for me isn’t just about reaching a number, but about maintaining the strength, clarity, and self-respect I’ve found along the way.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
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