Vitality Room’s Michelle Redman, left, with star fitness recruit Joanne Tate.By Kath Gannaway
FINDING time for a personal trainer wasn’t easy for Healesville business woman Joanne Tate, but it’s an investment in time and money that is worth the effort.
Ms Tate, who owns and operates Yarra Valley Winery Tours, is a mum, and president of the Healesville Chamber of Commerce.
She started a personal training program at Michelle Redman’s Vitality Room in Healesville just over a year ago.
“I am stronger, fitter and healthier and have so much more energy,” Ms Tate said, having lost 13 kilos and gained a commitment to eating, exercising and living well.
Ms Redman, formerly a nurse and sculptor, opened Vitality Room two years ago setting up a top floor studio at 200 Maroondah Highway.
In addition to the one-on-one and group personal training, Ms Redman runs Nia Dance and Pilates programs.
“I have turned my sculptural passions into seeing people change shape and approach to becoming aware and connection to their body and nutrition,” Ms Redman said.
“The Nia has been a really powerful tool to connection cardio to the mind, body and spirit.”
In May, Ms Redman expanded the business, taking over the bottom level floor space and personal trainer Cathy McVay joined Vitality Room.
Ms McVay has introduced Vitality Corps to the options available for people looking for an exercise model which suits them.
Wearing two hats – personal and business – Ms Tate said she takes them both off to Ms Redman.
“She provides the motivation and having been a nurse is able to get you working out without injury and gets you thinking properly about food, eating patterns and exercise as a package,” she said.
“I was on a mission for the first 12 months and went every week. Now I’m going once a fortnight and am a bit more relaxed about it but still feels motivated to maintain my weight and keep fit.”
Tipping the other hat, Ms Tate said it is great to have a new business in the town offering a great opportunity for people of all ages, men and women, to be healthy.
“From my perspective, by spending the time and money you are investing in yourself – that has to be a good investment,” she said.
