Riley entered this world with a multitude of allergies and health issues.  He was slow to meet all his milestones throughout his childhood. We never imagined he would not only catch up to his peers but go on to exceed playing sports at the level he does.  He is now 6ft 6inches tall, healthy, fit and a total gym junkie. You will find him in the gym at Aqualink just about every single day of the week!  Any sport – he will play it!  His favourites are cricket, basketball and golf.   

As for me, I played competitive sports into my 40’s (mostly tennis and equestrian). 

In 2016 Riley and I (for very different reasons) decided we needed change.  Riley wanted to build muscle on his very skinny frame. He wanted to become stronger, fitter, boost mental focus, and more confident. 

As for me, I had given up competitive sports and was battling menopause. I needed to both lose weight and become fitter in general. 

A gym we both agreed!  And so, we tentatively approached Aqualink intending to become members.  We both had what I call ‘gymtimidation’.  Would we fit in? How self-conscious would we feel?   

Enter PT extraordinaire Linda Magennis! Linda was just what we both needed.  Her personality is so engaging. Her care, support, knowledge around exercise, fitness and all the equipment was awesome.  How she kept us motivated particularly when we first started out was nothing short of amazing.  And so began our Aqualink journey.   

Just as we were starting to meet and exceed goals, I was thrown a curve ball!  I had a freak accident walking the dogs in a park and I broke my back in two places.  I faced wearing a hard brace from my neck to my waist for some months and rehab.  I had to go back to basics to walk and run again. I also learned that I had low bone density. Strengthening my bones was going to be an important factor for me.  I plucked up the courage to walk back into Aqualink several months later after given the all-clear from my specialists (in my brace and all). With both Riley and Linda’s help and guidance I was soon back on a treadmill.   Riley has been my inspiration. His encouragement has been terrific.  He made a huge effort to learn what exercises I can and cannot do whilst still giving my back the support it needed.   

At that point, my goal was to run 5k’s and to start a free weight training program to increase my bone strength. And guess what?  I can’t say who was the most excited when I blitzed that running goal – me, Riley or Linda!  

Riley and I both really enjoy working out together at Aqualink. It has a great community feel about it and the facilities are super. Riley has gained weight, built muscle and we are now both the fittest and healthiest we have ever been.  I still have a way to go and will continue setting my goals.  Moving forward we intend to use the swim centre more. We will begin to try some of the many classes on offer to mix things up a little. We hope to have even more fun at Aqualink and we will soon be in one of Linda’s spin classes! 

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