Louise’s journey back to fitness: putting on muscles & injury recovery

Louise Squires, a 35-year-old expatriate living in Singapore, has a story that resonates with many who struggle with maintaining their health and fitness after a significant life change. When Louise moved from the UK to Singapore four years ago, she was in peak physical condition, thanks to her active lifestyle working with horses. However, the move to Singapore marked the beginning of a challenging period where her health took a downturn.

"I was extremely fit, extremely healthy when I left the UK," Louise recalls. "But after moving to Singapore, my physical health deteriorated significantly. I wasn't as active, and then, to top it off, I injured my Achilles in 2022."

A Turning Point: Rediscovering the Path to Fitness

The Achilles injury was a turning point for Louise. As she went through the grueling process of rehabilitation, she realized just how far she had strayed from the level of fitness she once enjoyed. "I knew I needed to get fit again," she says. "I had lost a lot of weight since moving to Singapore—dropping from 63 kg to 53 kg—and I wanted to put that weight back on in a healthy way, focusing on building muscle mass rather than just adding body fat."

This was when Louise decided to take control of her health. Once cleared to exercise after her Achilles recovery, she joined UFIT and met Aly, her personal trainer. Although Louise was initially hesitant about going to the gym—having never been a fan of the environment—Aly’s approach quickly changed her perspective.

A New Approach: Finding Joy in Fitness

"I was a bit wary at first," Louise admits. "I had this perception that personal trainers were just there to boss you, to tell you what you had to do. But Aly’s approach was completely different. She made the process enjoyable, finding exercises that I liked and felt comfortable doing. It wasn’t long before I started to look forward to my gym sessions."

Aly designed a comprehensive program focused on full-body strength building, carefully selecting exercises that would help Louise regain her muscle mass while avoiding injury. The results were almost immediate. "We were hitting personal bests every week, and I could literally see my body changing," Louise recalls with pride.

Another Setback: Overcoming the Ruptured ACL

Unfortunately, in June 2023, just as she was making significant progress, Louise faced another setback. She suffered a ruptured ACL while playing netball—a devastating injury that once again put her fitness journey on hold. This time, she turned to Ian and Davina, UFIT’s rehabilitation specialists, for help.

"The therapy I received from Ian and Davina was incredible," Louise says. "They used different methodologies to bring the muscle back to life in my quad, and slowly but surely, I started getting myself back into the gym."

Resilience and Recovery: Back on Track

For many, enduring three severe injuries in just three years would be enough to crush their spirit. But Louise’s determination never wavered. Once she was ready, she resumed personal training with Aly, and her enthusiasm for fitness returned stronger than ever. "I’ve been back with Aly for just a month now, and yesterday, I was able to achieve a personal best in hip thrusts. I’m only 20 kg away from where I was over a year ago, and I’m ecstatic about the progress we’re making."

Support and Success: A Collaborative Effort

Louise’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of having the right support system in place. Throughout her recovery, she not only worked hard to rebuild her physical strength but also changed her mindset about fitness. "If you had asked me two years ago, I would have told you that I’d never be seen in a gym. Now, I’m enjoying every moment of it. The integration of physio and personal training at UFIT has been fantastic, ensuring that we don’t overdo it as I get back into shape."

Aly, her personal trainer, couldn’t be prouder. "Louise has come such a long way. Her whole attitude around training has changed. She looks forward to coming to the gym, she’s happy with how she looks, and she definitely feels better. I’m really glad I got to be a part of that journey with her."

Looking Forward: A Future Full of Potential

Louise’s story is not just about physical transformation; it’s about resilience, adapting to change, and finding joy in the process. Her success is a reminder that setbacks are merely setups for a comeback. With the right mindset, determination, and support, anyone can overcome the challenges they face and emerge stronger on the other side.

As Louise looks forward to what the future holds, she’s more motivated than ever to continue her fitness journey. "I can’t wait to see what we’re going to achieve in the coming months," she says with excitement. And with the dedicated team at UFIT by her side, there’s no doubt that Louise’s journey will continue to inspire others for years to come.