When Sue, a 39-year-old mother-to-be, joined UFIT two years ago, she was ready to take control of her health and strength. Facing a high-risk pregnancy, she was determined to do everything in her power to ensure a healthy journey into motherhood, all while keeping her fitness goals alive. Now, as the proud mom of a seven-month-old baby boy, Sue’s inspiring journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of a strong support system.
When Sue first walked through the doors of UFIT, she was already reasonably fit, with a foundation in exercise. Her initial goal was straightforward but ambitious: she wanted to enter her 40s in the best shape possible and to potentially prepare her body for a healthy pregnancy. This clear focus helped her and her trainer, Harry, create a training plan that was all about building strength.
“We started by focusing on compound lifts and strength-building exercises,” says Harry. “Sue loved her squat patterns, deadlifts, and sumo deadlifts. Her dedication was impressive, and within a year, her strength had noticeably improved.” For Sue, it was an empowering start, bringing her closer to her goal of being her fittest self.
A year into her training, Sue found out she was pregnant. Though thrilled by the news, she knew her age made her pregnancy high-risk. Her commitment to staying healthy for both herself and her baby became even stronger. “It was really important to me to have a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, and I wanted to do everything in my power to make that happen,” Sue recalls.
The pregnancy announcement brought new focus and adjustments to her training plan. With Harry’s guidance, Sue shifted her exercise routine to prioritize endurance, stability, and moderate strength-building exercises. Together, they kept her goals in mind, but with special attention to safety and supporting her changing body. Throughout the first trimester—often a challenging time for pregnant women—Sue stayed disciplined, maintaining her training schedule with three sessions each week. Harry reflects on Sue’s commitment during this time with admiration. “No matter how rough she was feeling, she always showed up. Sue’s consistency and determination were incredible.”
As Sue progressed through her pregnancy, her strength continued to impress everyone at UFIT. Harry carefully adapted her workouts to accommodate Sue’s evolving needs, making sure each session was safe but still challenging. Remarkably, Sue’s sumo deadlift increased by 15 kg during her second trimester—a testament to her hard work and Harry’s thoughtful programming.
“Sue held herself accountable throughout her pregnancy journey,” says Harry. “She didn’t just want to get through it; she wanted to thrive, and I think that’s a big reason why she’s had such a successful journey.”
Sue’s journey didn’t end with her pregnancy. After the birth of her son, Lorenzo, she was eager to return to the gym, but she knew it wouldn’t be easy. Two months postpartum, with clearance from her doctor and pelvic floor physiotherapist, Sue started training again. The early days back in the gym were challenging—she had lost some muscle mass and strength, and rebuilding it felt like a slow process. However, Sue’s commitment never wavered.
“Coming back to the gym was tough,” Sue shares. “You lose a lot of strength and muscle, and it’s hard not to get discouraged. But I knew that consistency was key, and I trusted that the progress would come with time.”
Harry designed a gentle but effective program to help Sue regain her pre-pregnancy strength. Through patience and perseverance, Sue began to rebuild, and within six months, she was hitting her pre-pregnancy personal bests. “It’s been a slow but steady process, but we’re getting there,” Sue says proudly.
With her strength returning, Sue is setting her sights on new goals. Beyond regaining muscle mass, she wants to return to some of the more challenging exercises she enjoyed before pregnancy, like pull-ups. Her journey is far from over, but Sue is motivated by the progress she’s made and is excited for what’s next.
Harry is thrilled to continue supporting Sue on her journey. “Seeing her hit these milestones, even after such a life-changing experience, has been incredibly inspiring. She’s balancing being a new mom, her work, and her training, and she’s doing it all with so much positivity.”
Sue’s story is a powerful example of resilience. Her journey, filled with highs and lows, shows that with commitment and the right support, it’s possible to achieve fitness goals even amid life’s challenges. Reflecting on her experience, Sue feels a deep sense of pride in all she’s accomplished. “It’s not just about looking a certain way or hitting a number on a scale. For me, it’s about feeling strong, being healthy, and setting a positive example for my son.”
For Harry, being a part of Sue’s journey has been an honor. “From the moment she walked in with the goal of being in the best shape possible, Sue’s determination was clear. I’m so grateful she allowed me to be a part of her story. Watching her grow into her strength and embrace every challenge has been a privilege.”
Sue’s journey with UFIT is more than just a fitness success story—it’s a testament to the power of determination, consistency, and support. From starting as a fit and determined woman with a goal, to embracing her pregnancy with resilience, and finally rebuilding her strength post-birth, Sue’s experience offers inspiration to anyone facing challenges in their health journey.
With Lorenzo by her side and a future full of goals, Sue is ready to keep pushing forward. Her story reminds us all that, with the right mindset, support, and commitment, anything is possible. Whether it’s preparing for a new stage in life or rediscovering strength after a setback, Sue’s journey proves that resilience and hard work truly pay off.