New member spotlight - Kelda Jones
We are back with our second new member spotlight, featuring the effervescent and determined weapon Kelda Jones! While the waitlists of Claremont had prevented her from joining any earlier (sorry former Kelda), this year was the perfect time to join as the doors of the new BBR gym at Jolimont were flung open. Kelda has been soaking up the BBR experience from every angle, from sissy squats to breathwork, buddies to meal prep. And shocker - her results are off the charts! We hope you enjoy an insight into Kelda and her first few months at BBR…
What enticed you to BBR?
I had previously tried to get into some classes a few times at Claremont and they were so popular, they were nearly always full – so when Jolimont opened, it was perfect timing for me and my lifestyle.
In addition to the timing being right, the inspiration I drew from Michelle Smith was next level! Michelle has always looked supermodel-level-fantastic, but each time I saw her since she began her BBR journey, she looked fitter, stronger and healthier. I saw Lillie Bull at Rottnest in December and she also looked amazing – they were both like walking/talking advocates for BBR – I was sold!
Initially, I was quite hesitant to start at Claremont as I didn't feel I was fit enough – both mentally and physically. I felt quite vulnerable, but I sucked it up and got stuck in. Gene was a superb fit for me - he was patient, kind and supportive - all qualities that built my confidence. I started cautiously, gradually increasing my weights, setting goals and smashing them, progressing each week/month.
I was doing the 35-kilometre Walk for Women's Cancer, and my girlfriend suggested I would benefit from some weights also, so I explored this and found this regime works for me. Jolimont has been great – all the equipment in the facility is brand new. I’ve done a few classes at Claremont also and have really enjoyed them. The flexibility to use multiple facilities at different locations is super convenient and assists me with sticking to my fitness goals – no excuses!!
I'm not particularly the ‘traditional’ gym-goer type, however once I actually got there BBR never intimidated me. I loved the no bullsh*t approach, it's gritty and real – definitely my style of fitness. You’re guided by Ryan and the trainers with your fitness technique and goals – then it’s down to you on how high you want to fly. They’re right behind you, every step – as are all of the incredible members I’ve met along the way. I love my BBR crew!
What are you loving about BBR?
The classes and the facilities, but more than anything else, the people. I started not long before the last BBR challenge ended – and I was there for the final photoshoot at Jolimont. I was completely blown away by the vibe – everyone looked so incredibly fit, healthy, happy and interactive. These people were a collective of all different walks of life, cultures, shapes and sizes – bonding over their fitness journey. And they looked great! They were literally shining.
The group bond at BBR is off the hook. The support that comes from the BBR team, other members and the group fitness classes is next level. I’ve also been really impressed with the standard of the BBR instructors too. When I started at BBR, I had dodgy knees and wrists from years of riding horses. I’ve had lots of broken bones over the years, including both my wrists – one of which has a plate and screws. This has made executing push ups incredibly difficult and sometimes quite painful in the past. Gene, Justine and Ryan all picked up on my incorrect form and corrected it quickly, so that I was training with the correct posture and movement. Because of this guidance, I haven't had any trouble with my wrists or the rest of my body. I’ve also been receiving acupuncture on my knee which has helped – so I have a hunger to get even stronger and fitter!
It’s been super cool to connect with so many great, like-minded people, some old friends and many new. My BBR buddy Candice is fantastic, her food videos are the bomb (and make me question my culinary skills!). I’ve also reconnected with fellow BBR-goer, Shari – an old friend from when our kids were in pre-primary/primary school together, Lou who I went to school with, and former BBR-alumni, Lillie who keeps checking in with me to ensure I’m still on track.
What is different about training with BBR compared to past gym experiences?
It’s a great community filled with incredible, likeminded people, from an array of differing backgrounds and experiences – all bonding over similar goals. This makes me happy. Everyone works hard and puts in 100%, all the time. The staff are amazing humans – and incredible at what they do. They’re very particular about form and ensuring everyone is executing the stations correctly, so that injury is minimised. It’s reassuring and refreshing that they genuinely care.
Ryan is awesome – and his dedication and commitment to the program and members is not only admirable – it’s inspirational. He’s at the gym first thing at 5:15am, and then he's still at it, doing live feeds at 6pm on a Friday to help everyone stay on track. He practises what he preaches – and that’s all you can ask for in a trainer.
It’s not all crazy – there’s a balance too. The fusion of breathwork and yoga is so, so good for the soul. I quickly learnt that stretching is my saviour pre and post-workout!
What are some of the results or improvements you have seen in your body so far?
The first thing I noticed was my skin felt better in the first week of training at BBR - it just felt smoother, softer and more supple. Almost as though it had more oxygen and nourishment.
From the start I jumped right in, training five to six days a week at the 5:15am classes, which really set my day up well. I'm getting stronger, fitter, healthier. I have more energy and I’ve noticed the exercise is giving me a better balance – mentally I’m able to better cope with the stresses of work, family and life. I've lost about seven kilos in two months and
have toned up too – the fact I can zip up my old jeans feels GOOD.
I also took the decision to support my fitness journey by practising a healthier lifestyle too. I work in hospitality, where eating amazing food and drinking, often to excess is the ‘norm’ – but it was at the expense of my health. Not drinking alcohol and having a balanced diet has not only supported my physical fitness journey, it’s also regulated my hormones.
I got a Dexa scan and even though I've been reasonably fit throughout my life and always being active I think as you get older it's harder to maintain your fitness. So coming to BBR has literally been like turning back time for me. I feel really good – stronger and healthier than ever!
What is your favourite BBR exercise / station?
Believe it or not, sissy squats! It was initially the hardest, scariest station for me when I started at BBR. My legs would feel like jelly and would be sore for days after. It took me approximately three weeks to ‘get’ how to execute these properly. Up to this point, I used to dread doing them – until I realised we did them every week! When the penny finally dropped and I understood how to do them effectively, I felt like a queen. I literally high fived myself inwardly and now I love nailing them.
In the second week of the BBR challenge, I got Covid and after having a week or so off, and the aftermath cold I endured – I seriously struggled again doing them, but this simply reiterated how hard they are and how good it feels to smash this station.
Prior to beginning BBR, I also couldn't do a single chin up – until last week when I completed the whole set. I was so proud of myself! It’s the best feeling. I think there's lots of BBR exercises/stations I enjoy as they each contribute to making me stronger, both physically and mentally.
What is your favourite on plan meal?
I live for the breakfasts! They’re super tasty and convenient. The oats, berries, and sourdough... yum. Mount Claremont bakery does the best wholemeal sourdough and I love going home from training and having a delicious piece of toast.
I love that carbs are incorporated into the meal plans. So many plans out there completely cut them out – which means people are less likely to stick to a regimented plan. I've done well with sticking to the meal plans because they’re nice and simple – plus I can eat as much salad and veggies as I like, so at the start or when I feel like I need a bit more - I bulk up on these. I've felt full and satisfied since the start.
What are your big goals for this challenge?
My visceral fat to be 0. I was so inspired by Janette’s story, I thought that at 63 her results were incredible. It just goes to show that your health is so important at any age – and that age shouldn’t define you in achieving your goals. Age won’t change me if I change the way I age!
I would love to lose some more weight and tone up too, however, I’m mindful of making this entire experience holistic – not just physical. As such, I don’t wait to reach my goal/s to be proud of myself… I’m proud of myself in every step I take towards reaching those goals.
Every 5am start, every sissy squat, every single veggie… I’m a frickin’ warrior! Bring it on.
