There are moments in life that remind us just how important it is to take care of ourselves.
For Joanne Romano, that moment came after one of the most challenging years of her life. Working in healthcare is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. After the sudden loss of her dad, Joanne found herself feeling drained while also managing ongoing back and hip pain.
She knew something had to change.
Her physiotherapist had been encouraging her to build strength and keep moving to help manage her pain, but Joanne also knew that exercising alone at home wasn’t going to keep her motivated. She needed somewhere she would feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to stay consistent.
That search led her to AB Health and Fitness.
Finding More Than a Gym
When Joanne first joined, she wasn’t chasing a dramatic transformation or trying to hit a particular fitness milestone.
She simply wanted to feel better.
What she discovered was much more than a place to exercise.
AB quickly became a space where she could leave the stresses of work behind, focus on herself for an hour, and invest in both her physical and mental wellbeing.
“AB has given me more than a place to exercise,” Joanne says. “It’s given me accountability, support, and a positive space where I can focus on myself.”
Sometimes that’s exactly what we need. A place where we can switch off, breathe, and take care of ourselves.
The Power of Showing Up
Ask Joanne what she’s most proud of and she won’t talk about lifting the heaviest weights or smashing personal records.
She’s proud of her consistency.
Between a demanding healthcare career and life’s unexpected challenges, making time for herself has not always been easy. Even so, she kept turning up.
Week after week.
Workout after workout.
That consistency has made a remarkable difference.
She has become stronger, her energy levels have improved, and the back and hip discomfort that once affected her daily life has eased significantly.
For Joanne, those everyday improvements mean everything.
They are proof that looking after yourself, even in small ways, really does make a difference.
Stronger Than She Ever Imagined
We’ve all looked at a workout and thought, “There is no way I can do that.”
Joanne laughs because she’s had that exact thought more than once.
Yet each time she surprised herself by finishing the workout anyway.
Those moments have taught her something valuable. We are often capable of much more than we think, especially when we have people around us cheering us on.
Every completed workout has built not only physical strength but also confidence.
A Community That Makes the Difference
One of the things Joanne appreciates most about AB Health and Fitness is the people.
She says Aaron and Brendan know every member personally, and everyone takes the time to get to know one another.
“It’s very different from other gyms where you can easily feel like just another number,” Joanne says.
“The support, encouragement, and friendly atmosphere have made it easy to stay motivated and feel like I belong.”
That sense of belonging is something that cannot be measured.
It is the encouraging smile when you walk through the door, the friendly conversation before class begins, and the people who celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small.
It is what makes AB feel like a community instead of simply a gym.
Training With Purpose
Strength training has become Joanne’s favourite part of the week.
Every session serves a purpose beyond building muscle.
Each lift helps strengthen the muscles supporting her back and hips, improves her mobility, and allows her to move through everyday life with greater confidence and less discomfort.
What began as something she felt she needed to do has become something she genuinely enjoys.
Even on the busiest days, she reminds herself how much better she will feel afterwards.
And without fail, she always leaves feeling accomplished, stronger, more energised, and mentally refreshed.
Joanne’s Advice Without Saying a Word
Joanne’s journey reminds us that progress is not always measured by numbers on a scale or heavier weights on the bar.
Sometimes progress is choosing yourself.
Sometimes it is simply showing up when life feels overwhelming.
Sometimes it is finding a community that believes in you until you begin believing in yourself.
When asked to describe AB Health and Fitness in just three words, Joanne’s answer perfectly summed up her experience.
Supportive. Encouraging. Inclusive.
Those three words are exactly what make AB such a special place.
Congratulations, Joanne, on being our Member of the Month.
Your resilience, positivity, and commitment to your health are an inspiration to everyone around you. Thank you for reminding us that taking care of ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.
We are proud to have you as part of the AB family.
