Articles & Blog

Celebrating the Wins – Jade Matheson

This week I heard something that inspired and uplifted me.

One of my good friends, yoga students and Elevate Community members, Jade Matheson emailed this week to say she was doing pretty well. She’d just completed the Michelle Bridges Body Transformation and happened to lose 10.3 kgs doing it.

First of all: yeeeeeuuww! Well done Jade. And second of all well done for having the strength to commit to something, stick it out and make a positive change. You’re an inspiration to many.

I asked her to send me through some answers to questions I know will help inspire others. Ultimately her answers demonstrate the importance of goals and supportive & inspiring people around you.

Firstly, a little about Jade Matheson…

Jade is 30 years old and rocks it out during the week as an Executive Assistant at Lend Lease. I met her when I was teaching corporate classes at her previous place of work. Her enthusiasm was impressive. I love it when a new student really gets into her practice and encourages others. Every week I would rock up to the office and there she’d be…first on the mat.

Change Means Taking Action.

When asked the main reason why she wanted to do the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation, she said it was to lose weight but as the challenge progressed she soon realised happiness and a positive outlook was what it was really all about. 

Jade says she’s struggled with weight and feels happiest when her clothes fit. As the challenge went on she realised it was changing her perspective and head space, “It’s been about having a positive outlook on almost everything in life. If something is getting me down it’s time to break down why it’s getting me down and do something about it. No more whinging… do something about it!”

Why measurable and realistic goals are important.

 As part of the 12 Week Body Transformation all members had to make 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 month goals. 

“I already had a goal to lose 19kgs to get back down to the weight and size that I was before a 3.5 year relationship had taken it’s toll, but the four different goals were a really great way of breaking down the incredibly daunting task of that enormous number.”

Support is Key & Success is Sacrifice.

When asked if she wanted to give up at any stage during the challenge she said no. “The amount of support that I’ve had, not only from Michelle Bridges and the fantastic diet and exercise plan she has set out for me but from my fabulous friends and family. I continued to get results each and every week. There have been weeks when I have jumped on those scales and the number has been higher than the last week but that has only spurred me on to go further and get to my goal.”

“The hardest challenge for me was to put my social life on hold for exercise and eating correctly. In saying that though, all of my friends have been so supportive and have organised healthy options of places to eat out and never given me a hard time about not drinking on a big night out, or going home early so I can get up early on a Saturday morning to exercise.”

Before & After.

So how does this champion feel now in comparison to before she did the transformation?

“Before I started this challenge, every Friday night I would go to the pub after work with my friends and drink a whole days worth of calories. I would wake up on Saturday morning extremely hungover and unhappy with how I was feeling and seeing in the mirror. Now, I get up early on a Saturday morning, do a massive work out and am all finished by 10am. The rest of the day is free for breakfasting and lunching with friends and sharing fantastic and quality conversations with them about their lives and offering each other support and advice on life’s challenges.”

Onwards and Upwards. Inspired by those who love her.

I’m proud, stoked and honoured that Jade felt inspired by our yoga classes together and pumped that she had others to inspire her along the way. Here’s what she had to say about them…

“My good friend Amy did the challenge with me and she was a fantastic inspiration – she did so well with her weight loss even though she went on a holiday to Africa in the middle of the 12 weeks! Louise (Louise Cassell – another super cool Elevate community member) has been fantastic too with her running and posting how well she was doing – she inspires me to run further and become a better long distance runner.

My friends have been so supportive and all comment on how fantastic I look and how much my demeanour has changed so a big thank you to them.”

YEAH!!!

Well done,

Katie K