Building Strong Women – Abbey Dunne

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

for days, but is also a cheerleader for anyone she’s paired with, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves in every session. We have Debbie, a beauty queen who owns a day care centre and is constantly advocating for charities, as well as training to be a fighter. Sangita and her daughter who always greet me with the tightest hugs after a long day and endless chatter. I could go on for days about the many amazing women I encounter on the gym floor, I could tell you about how we’ve shared laughs, tears, memories and more.

The bonds formed are made by our shared experiences as women and the power in that. Diesel allows us to not only enjoy each other’s power in the ladies only classes, but also encourages us to constantly grow, achieve, and excel. Many of us took part in an event called Girls Fight Back, a charity sparring event held to showcase female strength, talent, determination, and pride, whilst also raising funds for breast cancer. Not only did Diesel gym take part, but they truly helped each and every one of us grow and become a better person during the training process. Hilary spent many early mornings training us, encouraging us, reminding us that we are doing this for ourselves and nobody else, her kindness not only kept us going but it certainly got us in that ring. Kate jumped in and set an example to us all by pushing out of her comfort zone, reminding us that growth occurs under pressure. Karimah wiped away the tears of many of her teammates when the frustration kicked in, and the team bonded in a way we can’t quite explain. We cheered each other on, wrapped each other’s hands, held each other’s crying babies whilst mothers were in the ring, we ran with prams, and we made sure no one was left alone. Frankie, Karl, Jason, and Alic would cheer us on and remind others to support our fundraising efforts, they gave us the same level of respect as any man doing the same thing, something that I wish my fellow women at other gyms experienced. Something I wished I’d previously experienced.

I am constantly amazed by the bonds forged with these women, bonds that started by literally punching each other in the face or crying over burpees. Looking back to my first few weeks at Diesel I can’t help but laugh at how some of these friendships started by someone passing over a hair elastic or by offering to help with a fussy baby, both things women always offer up without thinking. We instinctively seek to help each other grow, achieve, and excel and that is our superpower. It is a superpower I have been expanding upon at Diesel and one I hope to continue growing. As my kicks get stronger so does my circle of inspiring women, they’re mothers, business owners, fighters, beauty queens, models, farm hands, and they are all strong women who inspire other strong women.