Building Strong Women Abbey Dunne
Strong women inspire other strong women, it’s a saying we’ve heard before but how many of us have experienced it? I can honestly say that I have experienced this in the last place I could have imagined, my gym. I joined Diesel gym because there was a $39 special, I missed martial arts, and honestly, I was feeling a bit down about my appearance. A few weeks after walking through those doors I was being held by Kate as I cried about my breakup, she hugged me tight and told me how I deserved nothing but the best and she’d help me get my confidence back. Two months later I had Hilary pushing me to my limits as I hit the pads and learnt how to move my body and appreciate its strength. The other night I had Karimah telling me how strong and capable I am, how she won’t let me get hurt, and that I can build muscle and feel strong because I can do anything. The best part is that now almost two years later I walk through those doors and have ten or more women smiling at me, welcoming me with hugs, and making me feel a part of something. You could almost say that going to Diesel Gym and being surrounded by these bright, kind, badass women has caused a rebirth of sorts. Hilary’s determination as she gears up for a fight inspires me to push harder, be better, and be proud of any achievement. Kate’s ability to be both a perfect Barbie doll and a weightlifting machine reinforces that as a woman you can be strong and beautiful, they aren’t mutually exclusive. The women who take part in the classes are equally as inspiring. There are mothers like Alicia who despite having four children, studies, and a job, remembers that she is also important, she deserves to have some “me time”, and her needs to socialise and exercise are just as valid as her being a good mother. There’s Fiona who will literally give you the shoes off her feet if yours are damaged (yes, this has actually happened) makes me remember how small acts of kindness create huge impact. There’s Beth, who not only has banter
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