A PERSONAL trainer whose mental health “improved dramatically” thanks to physical exercise has won an award for her achievement in the world of fitness.
Helen Isaac, who works in Ilminster, won the Muddy Stilettos 2023 for the Best Personal Trainer in Somerset, Dorset, and Bristol category.
When she started her fitness journey she was “at rock bottom” and “feeling at my worst” and exercise enriched her life.
Helen was diagnosed with Leukaemia a few months after her business launch and her new lifestyle also meant she is now “recovering really well”.
Now she is also inspiring other people and supporting cancer survivors.
She said: “Exercise has changed my life, when I started my fitness journey I was feeling at my worst, I was overweight, depressed, and suffering with my mental health.
“I was at rock bottom and didn't know where to turn. My mum bought me a personal training session, and this is where my journey began.
“Not only did I lose an extreme amount of weight, but my mental health and life improved dramatically.
“I did it because my journey is not just about weight loss. What exercise can do is amazing and that’s the message I want to give to people."
Helen used to work in management in the fashion and beauty industry and said the career change was “massive”.
“It was a massive career change. The quality of life is so much better. I got to support people who are on a similar journey and I think they can relate to me, it’s been brilliant.
“I learned how exercise could enrich my life, I learned better health habits, and soon realised my story could inspire others to do the same. In 2022 I left the corporate world to start my own personal training business.
“I have over 30 clients now who range in age and ability but all benefit just like I do from exercise.
“I am freelance, but I work out of a gym in Ilminster- MawFIT. In July 2022 after two months after my business launch, I was diagnosed with Leukaemia, I thought this was game over however it has supported me to support other cancer survivors or sufferers in their recovery through exercise.
“To win the Muddy Award has been a real honour and I have now the chance to win the national award.”
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