Each month at Beauty In Strength we highlight one of our valuable members that has put extraordinary effort into her fitness. BiS is about recognising the pure Beauty we have in every aspect of our lives. It’s not just about how we turn up everyday to training it’s how we ‘show up’ to life on a day to day basis.
Please introduce yourself and tell me a little about yourself and your work?
My name is Sarah Farnden. I am old enough that it’s not polite anymore to ask me about my age ;). I am a Barrister employed by the Queensland Government to conduct criminal prosecutions. This can be a very all-consuming job. It is stressful, takes a lot of time, and the content of the work is often distressing. Exercise has therefore always been very important to me as its one of the few times I can truly switch off my thoughts.
What does Beauty In Strength mean to you?
BIS means strength in all areas of life. To me this includes physical strength as well as mental strength. I have recently taken a secondment to a different government department which is a much less stressful job. This has enabled me to really focus on myself and prioritise things that are not work. Many people I see are commenting on how “well” and “happy” I look. To me this is the beauty in strength coming through as people are not only seeing (hopefully) the effects of training and this program but also the de-stress and happiness in other areas of my life.
What were your initial goals before starting the BiS program?
Weight loss and toning. Physical strength, primarily core strength.
How do you think your sessions have helped you?
Definitely helped with my goal of core strength. I find the session’s very core oriented which is great. My push ups have greatly improved and so has my “puff”.
In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of exercising?
This is a tough question as there are so many benefits. During periods of stress, depression or anxiety it has been the only reason to get out of bed in the morning and has really helped me push through tough time. Plus there are the obvious physical benefits of increase in strength, flexibility and cardio fitness. But for me the greatest benefit is that it provides me with time to completely switch off my brain for whatever time it is and concentrating on the movement and the breathing.
Has the BiS philosophy helped you in your everyday life? How?
Yes it has as I think about fitness in a more inclusive way than just the time at the gym doing the exercises.
What would you say to someone who’s looking at getting started?
Don’t hesitate, just do it. Darcia is an amazing coach and the level of contact she provides is really quite remarkable. Even at the end of her pregnancy and immediately after the birth of her new born she has been so engaging and supportive. Darcia’s energy, enthusiasm and drive is contagious and she provides a great program. The sessions themselves are generally short and very achievable even if it is a day where ordinarily you might not be able to fit a workout in, you’ll be able to do these ones so that works to strip away any excuses to not train.
Share your success. Is there something happening in your life right now that you are proud of? Our BiS community would love to celebrate with you
Can’t think of anything – maybe if I look better in my BIS singlet than when I started this program I’ll be proud of that – but I’m too scared to put it on right now!!