Ina's Story | Choose Progress

From Uncertain Path to Unstoppable Progress:

For Ina, the fitness floor is not just a job; it’s where she helps others realise their true capability.

During the uncertainty of the lockdown, she took a leap, leaving the tourist industry behind to seek work that fueled her joy and passion. She qualified as a Personal Trainer, turning a personal interest into a calling. She didn't just find a new career; she found a place where her excitement could be contagious.

As Fitness Manager at Fitness First Highbury, Ina measures success not by records, but by the choice to show up. For members just starting, simply walking through the doors is a win. But her greatest pride comes from the breakthroughs she inspires, none more exhilarating than seeing a female member do her first pull-up.

"I get so excited, I tell everyone... A female pull up first time around, best thing in the world."

For Ina, the pull-up is the ultimate symbol of progress: it’s a moment that proves the individual has done the work, broken barriers, and achieved something difficult through persistent effort.

This philosophy is why she champions able, seeing it as a bridge for members who feel "not fit enough." It removes the fear of the unknown, providing a smooth, safe transition into strength training. For experienced members, it’s a tool to introduce challenge, test flexibility, and break through plateaus using advanced modes, pushing members to power they "didn’t know they had."

Ina’s advice to those afraid to start: "No one is fit enough when they start... all that matters from there is you just show up."

From finding her passion in a time of crisis to becoming the manager who inspires daily consistency, Ina’s story proves that progress isn’t an end state. It’s the continuous act of showing up, embracing the challenge, and choosing to believe that every rep, every set, and every time you walk into the gym, you will get better.

At Fitness First, we believe progress isn't linear, results don't come from quick fixes, it's about showing up, again and again. It's not about perfection, it's about progress. Every rep, every class, every choice adds up to real change. Because when you choose progress, you don't just change your body - you change what you believe is possible.