Hayley | 39

I have always been a regular gym member and have exercised (mainly cardio group fitness) out of what I believe to be necessity. However since joining Mecca necessity has turned into an enjoyable habit largely due to the community. I have been a member at Mecca since it originally opened and found it through my Personal Trainer and now coach at Mecca, Joelene Neville.

Jo had trained me since the birth of my first son now nine and would always try to persuade me to join crossfit. I was always too intimidated, I had never even picked up a barbell. It wasn't until my second son now three that I finally gave it a go. I was able to attend the 9.30am class during maternity leave with the 'mums' making it somewhat less intimidating. Since returning to work I was reluctant to attend evening and weekend classes but soon realized everyone is super friendly and encouraging regardless of age or gender. Whilst we do write our scores on the board I soon learnt that at Mecca we are not competing against each other but only ourselves. We are there to move and improve, the most important thing is your name makes it on the board and not your score. Take it from someone who often comes last but still turns up week after week.