New member spotlight - Erin Varga

How many fitness studios have a blow dry queen brightening the room with a positive attitude and fabulous hair? There’s only one queen and we are stoked to have Erin Varga of Crimped building her confidence and strength every session here at Bodies by Ryan. We checked in with her during her first challenge (and the first one at Jolimont, too!) to hear how she was going and what inspired her…

What enticed you to BBR?

I really tried not to be enticed! I was self-conscious about returning to a gym where I knew that my excuses wouldn’t cut the mustard. Honestly, it all started when I got up one Monday morning and was absolutely fed up with feeling gross. I wasn’t looking after myself the way I deserved, and I knew it. 

Over the years I’d had enough BBR clients in my chair, to know that Ryan and the team would be able to push through my ‘busy working mum’ excuses and help me make real and healthy change.  

What are you loving about BBR?

I’ve had back issues for 20 years – if you combine hairdressing, bad posture and 10-pound bubs, I’m living proof it can result in constant back and neck pain.  

In the past, exercise routines have often inflamed and aggravated my neck and back, so much so, I had started to shy away from intensive types of exercise that I had loved in the past. Since joining BBR I have not had one tweak, one twinge, or one issue with my neck or back. 

I absolutely credit this to the incredible attention you receive at BBR with every exercise you do, at every class. Their attention to detail and knowledge in both fitness and the body has been a game changer for my back and neck. So much so, I ran into my physio at a party recently and he asked me where had I been?!

This is what I love MOST about the BBR style of training, it’s allowing me to get back to being as fit as I once was without the back and neck pain. 

What's different about training with BBR compared to past gym experiences? 

There ain’t much that I haven’t tried! I started ‘gymming’ at 15, when I would catch the bus to the Mill Park YMCA to do a step class (which I loved!) and have exercised ever since, or at least tried to!

Now at 40 years old, BBR has been a revelation. The discipline, commitment and community that you find at BBR actually makes it impossible not to go… which for a busy mum like me, is exactly what I need!

It really does feel like a personal training experience without the cost. I never feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, or that I’m not getting the most out of every exercise I do because there’s always a trainer guiding me through it if I look a little bit lost!

It’s been a relief to join BBR. It’s given me peace of mind to know that I’m doing everything I can to stay as fit and healthy as possible.  

What are some of the results or impacts you have seen in your body, mindset and life so far?

When I started BBR I would sleep in, miss gym sessions and was eating poorly (when I did eat). Now I attend EVERY one of my early morning gym sessions, even getting up 30 minutes earlier so I can have a coffee and plan my day ahead. 

I’m sleeping better, eating better and am generally in a better mood and more motivated.

I’m not craving foods anymore and my skin is definitely clearer. 

I’ve lost 3.5 kilos in just over four weeks and I actually look forward to breakfast. 

When I joined BBR, I felt so worried that it might just turn into another membership that I didn’t use, but fast forward a few months and my BBR membership is actually saving me money, creating more time in my day and has given me a discipline and mindset that I am proud of. 

What is your favourite BBR exercise/station?

My favourite is the dead lift stations because when I started, I was so SCARED to do it because of my back issues! Now I look forward to it, because I can absolutely feel my back getting stronger every time I go to the gym.

Favourite on-plan meal?

Poached eggs in the morning, I look forward to it. I’m not ashamed to admit I had to google how to poach an egg at the start of this challenge. Now I’m a pro!

What was your big goal for this challenge? 

My big goal for this challenge was to change my relationship with food. I lost my mum as a teen, and recently lost my dad. My parents were both busy working parents who absolutely did their best, but now I recognise that our diets weren’t really that great and I want to change that for my family! I want to be able to exemplify to my kids what and how we should be eating so we can get the most out of this life and ourselves.

You are an absolute weapon Erin! Team, keep your eyes peeled for the Challenge #2 wrap up and announcement of the transformation winner… And if you want to transform to your own personal best version of yourself - contact Ryan on 0400 850 782 to book your spot in the final two challenges of 2022.