500 Visits Club Member – Jody O’Connor: Even MS can’t hold her back!

Message from the Coach:

Jody O’Connor is a great inspiration to so many of the members (and Coaches) here @ EFM Caulfield, as she is in all aspects of her life. She probably doesn’t realise how many people she affects in such a positive way, but as the Coach looking on, I see it every day.

 Jody takes any set-backs and challenges all in her stride, with no fuss and no bother. Her wellness and strength have not just happened – she has trained so consistently and so passionately, as is evident in her 700+ visits@ EFM……….. and still counting.

Jody says that she sometimes forgets she has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) because she feels so well…….. and to tell you the truth, at EFM Caulfield, we sometimes forget too because she is so capable and does not allow MS to define who she is.

Simone Myles, Fitness Coach, EFM Caulfield

Jody’s Story

I have been part of EFM Caulfield for over 5 years now and I just love it.

It all started when I was at Caulfield Community Rehab. I had finished my program with them and my Physiotherapist (Lauren) said I should continue by joining a gym. Pilates was also suggested to me.

I went to look at a couple of gyms with Lauren and I really felt I couldn’t possibly go to them. They were large, impersonal and had rows and rows of machines. Then she took me to EFM Caulfield.

Straight away I liked the look of the space. When I started there everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I thought I can do this.

The EFM Coaches gave me my own separate program at the start, and then they modified the programs on the board to suit.

Now I often do the same program as “the normal people” (whatever that means).

Pilates classes at EFM have been great – I usually go to two a week and two to three gym sessions.

I have MS, which is the main reason I started coming, use it or lose it. I have been really well (probably for the last year or so). I believe it has a lot to do with attending EFM. The EFM Coaches know just how much to push you and when you need it.

I’m often surprised at what I can do. I used to do only one cardio machine each session, now I often do four or five.

I really enjoy going to EFM. My family call me a gym junkie, me? a gym junkie. If someone told me 6 years ago that I’d be going to gym and loving it, I’d have said they were joking. No way.

I haven’t been working for the last 5 years or so. I’m about to start an online course at Monash Uni to upgrade my teaching qualifications, as I’m feeling strong enough to return to some part time teaching in the future.

I’ve been volunteering at my local primary school and, of course, I fit EFM training in around it.

I used to come home from a gym session and rest, now I go straight from gym into a busy day.

Thanks to everyone at EFM, past and present. You have made a really positive difference for me.

Special thanks to Pilates instructors Natalie and Jenene. Thanks to Simone and Brad also.

Jody O’Connor

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