Winnie Sambu

What was your relationship to exercise before you started strength training at Fitology Hub?

Exercise has always been an essential way for me to find balance with the demands of my job as an economist. I get a lot of mental fatigue, because I spend a lot of hours sitting in front of my computer, writing and reading reports, and I've always used movement as a way to counterbalance this.

I've always enjoyed doing some form of exercise, particularly walking, so it has never been unusual for me to do 10,000 steps a day. I have a rowing machine at home and have always been fairly self-motivated, but until joining Fitology Hub, most of the exercise I did was done alone.

How has strength training impacted your life?

I wanted to get more structure around exercise and to include strength training, which wasn’t part of my routine before I joined Fitology Hub. I definitely feel stronger and consistent training has given me confidence to do things I find more difficult - like weighted lunges! I really enjoy challenging myself, head-on, in a fun and supportive environment.

How has being a member of Fitology Hub impacted your life?

When I first joined Fitology Hub, I was recovering from a lower back injury, so I started off with low weights, but I feel so much stronger now and have been challenging myself to lift heavier weights.  I feel more comfortable and confident to progress without fear, thanks to the support of the trainers and also the other women I train with.

I wanted to train in a women-only environment and specifically sought out a space that could provide that. To be with other women who have similar goals makes training rewarding and enjoyable. The familiarity and camaraderie in 4:1 sessions is very encouraging - we cheer each other on and it makes the experience more fun. There is a communal feeling that comes from being at Fitology Hub. I look forward to my sessions. It's something different and provides a great balance with the rest of my life - with family and the demands and stresses of work.

I feel so much better since joining Fitology Hub. Is it because of consistent training? Well, I'm an economist, so I always think about cause and effect and how to prove it, so I can't bring myself to say an unequivocal yes, but I definitely feel more energetic and generally better.

I have found the whole experience really positive and beneficial. Every time I leave the Hub, I feel happy! I look forward to going and always feel so good afterwards - it's like I'm breathing fresh air or something. It has been great fun to be a member of Fitology Hub!