23W Members Spotlight: Felicity B, Our 2023 Challenge Winner
By Ange Drake
Our annual Upskill winter challenge is known for impressive results! This year, we had over 40 of our members commit to our 5-step nutrition plan to achieve insane results. The group lost over 70 kilograms of body fat, gained 12 kilograms of muscle and gained the confidence to make long-term habit changes.
Our challenge winner was new recruit Felicity B! Felicity was returning to exercise with her son (10 months old) and, with a very active and fit history, was determined to get the most out of her coaching experience. Over the 8 weeks, Felicity lost 7.9 kg of body fat and gained so much more! Every week, Felicity felt inspired to stay focused during the challenge, as she noticed that daily activities were becoming more accessible and she could take on more challenging exercises.
We are beyond proud of Felicity’s achievements and glad she found us.
How long have you been working with 23W?
About 5 months.
What got you started on this journey?
I was ready to improve my health and fitness after having a baby.
What was your biggest challenge at the start?
I was intimidated by being the slowest in classes and unable to do the same exercises as others. I also struggled with food.
What was your initial goal?
To improve my overall fitness and be able to pray my five daily prayers comfortably.
What result did you achieve?
Over time I have been able to do new things every week I couldn’t do before. I can also pray my 5 daily prayers without getting exhausted and having to sit in a chair.
How have you changed?
I have more energy now and feel more balanced. My fitness has improved and I keep hitting new physical milestones. I’mI’ve also gone down a few clothing sizes.
What was your biggest challenge going through the process?
Definitely social and cultural pressures to overeat with family and friends. I’ve had to learn to say no. I also found it hard to exercise and leave my son with anyone else but he loves being with Jenny while I work out.
What were your biggest learnings?
I’ve learned a lot about food and the need for protein. I’ve also learned that it doesn’t matter if you’re the slowest of the most fit at the gym. We are all at our own levels and need to be working on our own goals.
How would you describe your journey?
Every week I’ve been slowly chipping away at my goals and trying to make new healthy habits. Over time the small changes and consistency have made me see results I never expected. Just this week I skipped with a skipping rope for the first time in about 8 years.
What was it like working with the 23W and the other girls in the community?
23W and the other girls in the community have made me feel so supported and cared for. They’ve helped push me and made me feel I’m not alone. Navigating the changes after having a baby can be so isolating. It’s nice to be with other who understand and have helpful advice.
What’s next for you?
I feel like this is just the beginning of my health and fitness journey and keep revisiting my goals. I’m hoping to reach new milestones in the near future like doing a box jump and banded chinup.
Anything else?
I’m really thankful to the 23W team.
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Our founder
Ange Drake is an personal trainer, women’s empowerment coach and fitness blogger in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. She is the director of one of the few womens’ only strength training gyms in Melbourne, 23W. Ange helps women to learn how to use strength based training, nutritional strategies and a positive mindset to transform their bodies, relationship with food and mind.
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