find-your-spark

Workplace Wellness: Help your Employees ‘Find Their Spark’

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 01:14:08 GMT

Workplace Wellness is defined by the Global Wellness Institute as ‘any workplace health promotion activity or organizational policy designed to support healthy behaviour among employees and to improve health outcomes.’1

In some industries, Workplace Wellness may be better known by such titles as ‘Corporate Wellbeing’ or ‘Employee Health Promotion’.

These programs could involve:

medical screening
incentives
behaviour change intervention
fitness
social support
competition
activities to promote wellbeing - e.g., resilience training, yoga, stress management, life satisfaction.

Find Your Spark concentrates on maximising the vital aspects of your physical health, including exercise regimes, sleep schedules, and stress management, with a strong focus on eating well.

Why Is Workplace Wellness Important?

“Health care costs continue to rise for both employers and employees with profits and paychecks shrinking to cover basic health care benefits. One way to address this economic challenge is to encourage and help workers get well and stay well, and healthy eating is a cornerstone of this endeavor.”2

Ill-health takes a physical, emotional, and financial toll on employees – and the businesses they work for. While people often strive for good health in their personal lives, achieving ‘wellness’ at work and at home is the optimum situation for people to a live fully balanced and nourished life. Employers can support the overall health of their employees and, in turn, their businesses, by encouraging awareness, connection and good nutrition through relevant ‘Workplace Wellness’ programs.

Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business. It’s as simple as that. Healthy, engaged employees are your top competitive advantage.

~ Richard Branson

Each dollar a company invests in workplace wellness programs saves them money in reduced health care costs and improved productivity.

Businesses immediately benefit from healthier employees due to:

reduced absenteeism
enhanced work performance
improved job satisfaction
higher staff retention rates

When business owners are proactive about their employees’ health and happiness, it is likely to boost staff engagement and build a better overall representation of their brand.

COVID-19 & Nutrition

Good nutrition is critical for ongoing health and wellness.

The past two years have been one of the most interrupted time periods of our lives. Government restrictions and lockdowns have had a significant impact on our daily routines, lifestyle, work, and health habits. The Harris Poll survey showed that 61% of adults had unwanted weight changes during the pandemic, with 42% experiencing weight gain. Restrictions have affected our nutrition habits (including grocery availability and accessibility) and, even more so, our eating behaviours. I know my family and I ate take-away far more often than usual as we did our best to ‘support local’ cafes and restaurants who were struggling during this time!

To strengthen and support our immune systems, it is important to eat a balanced diet, maintain regular physical activity, and care for our mental wellbeing. Amid the current global pandemic, sustaining a robust immune system should mean we are less likely to get seriously sick, from COVID-19 or other illnesses.

This pandemic also caused psychological pressures that resulted in many people ‘emotional eating’, while gym closures and limits on time and places for outdoor activity prevented people from immersing themselves in their usual exercise habits.

Healthy Employees Are Productive Employees

Workplace Wellness programs can increase a person’s desire to work, and their productivity.

Healthy staff are almost three times more productive than unhealthy ones, which can result in them taking up to nine times less total sick leave each year. Research compiled by Medibank Private found that the majority of unhealthy employees took, on average, 18 sick days each year, compared to an average of two days taken by healthy people.

In general, healthier employees:

perform their duties to a higher level
have a cheerier disposition, which lifts mood and improves customer interactions
have lower stress levels
are less likely to call in sick
probably don’t use holiday leave due to illness
also encourage healthier behaviours at home, which results in less time off to care for sick family members
won’t bring illness to the workplace
may experience increased job satisfaction
are better able to manage the work/life balance

Dear Business Owner …

Do you want your employees to feel energetic, motivated, healthy, and perform at the peak of their ability?

Now is the best time to engage Find Your Spark Workplace Wellness Programs to show your employees exactly how to achieve this and feel their best.

Nutrition Is Crucial

Busy business owners and their employees are often hard-pressed for time, which often leads to poor choices of snacks and meals or worse, not eating at all! Not fuelling the body correctly can result in a reliance on caffeine and sugar to get through the day. Unfortunately, these strategies cause the body more harm than good.

Keep nutrition simple! Get Superpowers to Thrive

This is what Find Your Spark does best because if it’s simple … it’s achievable!

The simple tools and strategies presented in our ‘Superpowers To Thrive’ workshop can be implemented immediately.

Find Your Spark can work with your business to:

provide a nutrition education workshop
organise a Workplace Health Challenge
deliver the unique Staff Rejuvenation program.

We are also COVID-19 responsible and inclusive, so all programs can be offered in-person or virtually.

Healthy Habits To Thrive

Education is the obvious starting point to help your staff become nutrition conscious.

Perfect as a stand-alone presentation/workshop, or as part of your larger Workplace Wellness Day, employees will learn the ‘Two Percenters’ to give them the edge, and allow them to create healthy habits to thrive, not just survive. They will discover small nutrition tweaks to improve their daily productivity, and acquire knowledge fundamental to navigate stress, experience restful sleep, and achieve weight wellness.

Elevate To Success

The ‘Elevate To Success’ workshop is perfect for workplaces that elect to immerse in a full day of wellness.

Through a mix of formal presentations, collaborative group discussion and interactive activities, employees will bolster their knowledge to actively create better health choices in their daily lives. Staff engage in an enriching practical activity to reinforce their learnings. They are guided to whip up an effortless, wholesome snack then, later, unite in health with a nutritious pre-prepared lunch.

For business owners who seek an ongoing approach to workplace health, this workshop can be tailored to deliver six independent modules.

Workplace Rejuvenation

Businesses intent on making a longer-term impact on staff health will love our Workplace Rejuvenation Program.

The awakening commences with your tailored Nutrition Workshop to introduce the foundations of health and wellness principles to your employees. Following their workshop, each staff member receives a complimentary nutrition consultation inclusive of a ‘Personal Goal Setting & Planning’ session to prepare for a 10- or 28-Day health challenge. This package then incorporates our unique ‘Workplace Wellness Challenge’, which is delivered online and concludes with an emerging transformation winner.

Invest In The People Who Invest In You

~ unknown

The ultimate Workplace Rejuvenation includes a diversified Ignite program .

This month-long nutritional cleanse gives each staff member a personalised system for their individual success. The package incorporates supplemented nutritional products, personal coaching and support with Find Your Spark (inclusive of accountability coaching and check-ins), motivational material, recipe tools, and exercise challenges.

This format is structured for monetary incentivisation for business owners so, if this arrangement is of interest, please make contact to discuss further.

Implement a fun and innovative Workplace Wellness program to show your employees how valued they are. Your people are the most important asset to your business, it makes sense to invest in their health. Help your staff find their superpowers to thrive! Contact Find Your Spark today!.

¹ https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/wellnessevidence/workplace-wellness/#

² https://blog.nasm.org/nutrition/nutrition-at-work-opportunities-to-improve-employee-wellness?

Ignite: Make the Change to a Healthy and Happy You

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 02:05:30 GMT

Congratulations on your commitment to transform your health! It’s incredible to recognise you wish to become healthier and happier. As you embark, feel comforted in the knowledge that Find Your Spark will be there to help you celebrate, and navigate, the uncomfortable nature of change.

When beginning a health change, start with your nutrition.

What you eat has an undeniable impact on the way you feel.

This affects all other aspects of transforming your health – from mood and positivity, to your desire to exercise, your sleeping patterns, stress levels, connection and relationships with others, as well as purpose and fulfilment in life.

Is This Program For You?

This Ignite Program can help anyone and everyone! Truly!

To work out whether we are a good fit for one another, we first need to have a conversation. In this initial consultation we will cover a lot of ground, including some personal details, and address any health concerns you might have. We will discuss your current health practices and goals, and delve into any problems you experience, as well as review the challenges you’ve had in the past and options you have tried before. My goal is to listen to your story, identify any existing or potential problems, and determine whether the Ignite Program is the right solution for you.

Enrolment in the Program

Our goals are aligned and we’ve decided to work together!

First, we set up your own online account (like a Coles online or Hello Fresh account) to place the order for your initial nutrition pack. Setting up a membership account with Find Your Spark entitles you to 25% off retail pricing, plus your account remains active for 12 months whether you re-order or not.

Enrolment also secures us as a team, with me as your personal coach. ‘Associate’ Find Your Spark memberships allow you to be paid a cash bonus for any referrals and costs only $25 per annum, but this fee is waived for the initial purchase of our larger nutrition packs. To complete your enrolment and initial order, I’ll send a personalised link to your phone or inbox so you can finalise your flavour choices from the comfort of your couch, or Find Your Spark can take care of it in an Enrolment Appointment.

Kicking Off Together

Steps to Success

Once your order has been placed, you will receive welcome emails that contain important account information and your ‘Steps To Success e-Checklist’. This guide amplifies your success by providing simple, easy-to-follow steps that help you get organised and mentally prepare to commence the program. It includes:

an exploration of your ‘why’, which is key to driving your motivation for change
a snapshot of your ‘now’ to assist with measuring progress
steps to downloading our App and accessing our online support groups
the crucial ‘1%ers’ you can do to thrive during the program.

Nutrition To Your Door

Now committed to transforming your health, the anticipation can be both exciting and overwhelming.

You will have plenty to keep you wellness-focussed whilst awaiting your special delivery. Work through your e-Checklist to get your mind set, and environment ready. The beauty of this program is that a large proportion of your meals (and, depending on which pack you have ordered, your snacks as well) are taken care of with your nutrition pack.

It’s exciting when your first brown box is delivered to your door - within days of placing your order. We will follow up with your ‘Open The Box’ call live on Zoom, or it can be sent as a recording to watch in your own time. This important video explains the ins and outs of the program and the specifics of each product to ensure you utilise the system to its optimal potential.

Tools Galore

From the moment you join with Find Your Spark, you become part of a special team

~ Team Elevate ~

Team Elevate works together to support, educate, and encourage you towards your health and wellness goals. We co-ordinate exclusive groups throughout the year, which are a wonderful way to connect in the spirit of transformation through a collaborative health movement.

Our private Facebook community is utilised to share recipes and snack ideas, as well as workout suggestions.

Coaches will educate you on:

essential healthy foods
fundamental health and nutrition principles
nutrient timing for general wellness and for improving athletic performance
intermittent fasting protocols.

“Knowledge is power” ~ Francis Bacon

Through understanding what you are doing and why you are doing it, you become empowered in your new health knowledge.

This wisdom develops confidence to incorporate better health rituals in your everyday life, which leads to the ultimate result - long term transformation.

Community Support

There is no better way to achieve success than by being cheered on by supporters and other like-minded individuals.

Our online groups are the perfect environment for coaches to mingle with health crusaders. Through sharing stories, wins, challenges, and inspirational results, you will remain motivated and focused on your health goals.

In our community, there are no silly questions! Everyone is concentrating on becoming the best version of themselves - just like you!

Guaranteed Success … Or Your Money Back

30-Day Money Back Guarantee

Don’t worry about buyer’s remorse. This initial order comes with the reassurance of a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee for added piece of mind. Isagenix is committed to providing you with high-quality, no-compromise products.

Most people find that this system achieves results but, if for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, you may be eligible to return the products for a refund under the Isagenix Satisfaction Guarantee .

Personalised For You

Find Your Spark’s coaching is tailored to your needs, goals, and timeframe.

If you’re trying to get ready for a big event, I am the coach to support and motivate you.

If you have health concerns or dietary requirements, I personalise this program for your special needs.

With a long-term transformation goal, you may require a slow and steady approach, with a firm focus on ongoing coaching for accountability, and to make effective mindset shifts.

No matter how big or small your health aspirations are, Find Your Spark is here to help.

Your Time Is Now

The best time to make a health change is when you catch yourself in the right mindset. This is clearly that moment because your web search or curiosity has brought you here.

"We Cannot Become What We Want By Remaining What We Are "

~ Mae Depree

Address your nutrition and mindset to experience an awesome transformation in your health, body, and life! Take the first step – an initial (free) chat with me. Book now!

From Player to Coach

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 07:57:16 GMT

'A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.’

These words by John Wooden, American basketball coach and player, beautifully express the reason I love to coach netball. Only 13-years-old when I guided my team of Under 10’s to their first grand final, I continued to coach throughout, and beyond, my playing career. Coaching has taught me so much - at every age and every stage.

A Junior Coaching Juniors

I fell in love with playing netball after receiving my first Best and Fairest trophy back in 1987. As the seasons went on, my netball passion grew, and I often spent whole weekends at the courts with my local club team or representative side.

My Under 10s were hard-working little sponges. By drilling the fundamentals and teaching centre pass systems, this enthusiastic team made it to the finals, where I first encountered the need to select my team based on skill rather than sharing equal court time between players. A daunting task for a 13-year-old, I decided to hold an open team meeting to discuss our options. All my players voted to ‘play to win’ which gave me, as a young coach, the unique opportunity to manage the emotions and expectations of the players and their parents.

Perfecting My Coaching Skills

After I completed a 12-month stint at the Australian Institute of Sport, I coached school netball clinics with Melbourne-based coaching company, Coach Approach . During their Sports Expos, I repeated the same 30-minute clinic to rotations of student groups. This taught me to nail netball fundamentals quickly so we would have time to include a mini-netball game and make these short, snappy sessions fun and engaging.

During university, while also playing in the National League, I spent two years as a ‘Mentor Coach, heading up the Melbourne division of Perth-based health promotion company, Sports Challenge . Guiding ‘at risk’ school students towards improved self-esteem through a focus on preparation-for-life skills, I became proficient in leading activities to strengthen problem solving, positive communication, conflict-resolution, teamwork, and goal setting skills. Quickly developing rapport with my mentees was key to building trust, a skill that was particularly helpful when I worked in an International School and a Juvenile Boys Detention Centre in Singapore.

As an elite athlete within the Victorian Institute of Sport netball program, I was engaged as a guest speaker through their ‘Sportspersons In Schools’ program to deliver motivational and inspirational presentations to large groups of students – often graduates or those in a sporting academy. Never one to write down my speeches, I always found it easy to speak from the heart about the ups and downs of an athlete’s journey, and the dedication, hard work and sacrifice necessary to become elite.

This role taught me to relate sporting experiences to my world to show the distinct correlation that qualities such as commitment, loyalty and resilience bring to everyday life.

Good time management, prioritisation, visualisation, and goal setting in sport can be applied to so many other aspects of living.

It became natural for me to pass this knowledge, and these skills, on to the students I worked with and coached.

Coaching With The Best

During my university years, I was unbelievably fortunate to have Gillian Lee, (one of Australia’s highest accredited coaches and my 21 & Under Victorian coach), suggest I assist in her business, The Netball Zone . Working closely together to deliver her sessions, Gillian’s techniques to break down skills and perfect the basics helped me learn to be very explicit when teaching the intricacies and techniques of fundamental and specialist netball skills.

Coached By The Best

As an elite netball player, I’ve been lucky to be coached by many incredible individuals. They showed me that coaches can be positive, uplifting, restrained, and tenacious. Flogged by some and carefully fostered by others, I learned so much, not only as a player, but also how experienced coaches implement skills and drills, games and match play scenarios. Some of the extraordinary netball coaches I’ve played and trained under include (from top left):

Cathy Gillespie
Lisa Alexander
Richelle McKenzie
Norma Plummer
Jill McIntosh
Gaye Teede
Sue Hawkins
Lisa Wilson
Jon Fletcher
Anita Keelan
Gillian Lee
Jane Searle
Joyce Brown
Marg Lind
Julie Hoornweg
Marg Caldow

Qualified

The teaching content of my double degree in Applied Science (Human Movement) and Primary Education helped to improve my development, management, reflection and revision of training sessions. Studying sports science units gave me an essential understanding of the anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and psychology involved in netball.

Once qualified, I spent several years as a primary classroom teacher - the ultimate coaching role and my greatest learning experience - where I had to contend with students’ different learning styles, skill levels, and personalities.

Accreditation

When my husband and I started a family and I became a stay-at-home mum, netball coaching positions in private schools were a wonderful casual employment opportunity. In this role, I formalised my accreditation by adding Netball Australia’s coaching credentials to my CV. But it wasn’t until I sought a new challenge in 2019 that I became motivated to progress through the coaching pathway process and ‘put my hat in the ring’ for a Victorian Netball League (VNL) coaching position.

‘Allow your passion to become your purpose, and it will one day become your profession.’

~Gabriel Bernstein

Successful appointment as the VNL 2019 Boroondara Express Championship Assistant Coach required that I meet a minimum coaching standard, so I underwent the theory and practical assessment for Intermediate Accreditation. Eager to further my professional development, I studied for my Advanced Accreditation amid Melbourne’s lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. The practical sessions were troublesome to complete due to endless Covid-19 restrictions but, now they are finally fulfilled, I only need to complete my book work, mentor coaching sessions and final assessment to graduate. I look forward to adding the Advanced Netball Accreditation to my Coaching Resume in the near future.

The many coaches across my career have not only taught me the ins and outs of netball, but incredibly valuable life skills. As a netball coach, I strive to connect with each and every player and leave them with a little ‘nugget’ that they can apply to their netball game or to their lives. They say that a great coach can change a life … it is my hope that the young people so passionate about this sport I love say that I have positively impacted their life in some small way.

Elevate your netball performance! Book Danni for a fun and engaging individual, group or team coaching session.

The Wellbeing Cycle

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 01:46:30 GMT

In our current climate, we are all conscious of the need for positive ‘wellbeing’. But what does that really mean? Defined by the Oxford Dictionary as ‘the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy’, it’s an almost mythical state we strive to attain in our day-to-day lives. But, in this Covid-19 world of lockdowns, restrictions and constant uncertainty, how do we take care of our overall physical, mental, spiritual and financial wellbeing?

What Is the Wellbeing Cycle?

Our health and wellbeing is cyclic. It is a constant loop that can move in a positive direction, a negative direction, or be idle. When we do positive things for our wellbeing - eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, keep our stress under control, and maintain a positive mindset - we spur the positive cycle to keep on rolling.

Each of these positive actions accumulate, which results in improved health, increased vitality, and feeling better overall.

Feeling better is the ultimate prize – the superb bonus for healthy living.

As each of your actions build and become habitual, the wellbeing cycle gains momentum. But, it’s important to recognise that each individual action has less impact as the positive current gets stronger. Think of that person you know who epitomises health - do they always make the healthiest choices? Not likely! And here’s why that’s okay.

Creating Momentum Is Key to Positive Wellbeing

People who create momentum in their wellbeing cycle have more flexibility to deviate off-track, and enjoy the confidence of knowing that this won’t upset their overall positive direction. It’s okay to order dessert, miss a workout, enjoy a weekend celebration, endure a week-long work project or go on a no-holds-barred holiday adventure. Typically, they put their usual optimal healthy living habits on the back-burner while continuing to maintain their fundamental healthy rituals. The overall effect is a slowing down of their positive wellbeing cycle; it does not stagnate or reverse direction. So, when they return to consistent healthy living, it’s much easier to get the momentum going again.

This is called ‘living in the balance’

Living In The Balance

Living in the balance, is about following ‘The 80/20 Rule’ . In regards to healthy eating, it’s simply about maintaining a well-balanced nutrition plan, while still allowing yourself some freedom with your meal and snack choices.

This involves:

Choosing and eating unprocessed or minimally processed foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains 80% of the time
Exercising portion control
Burning more calories than you consume

But BEWARE!

‘Living in the balance’ does require consistent healthy lifestyle and diet change.

It does not mean eating well from Monday to Friday, then eating whatever you like on the weekend. And it certainly doesn’t make binge eating okay! Because, if the allocated 20% turns into 40% or larger portions, then you may find your wellbeing cycle becomes stationary - or worse, it moves into reverse.

Creating Positive Health Change

Kickstarting your Wellbeing Cycle may not be easy. Breaking old habits and creating new ones can be challenging, but the first step is recognising and deciding you want a change. The exciting part about making a health change is that simple tweaks to your diet and exercise tend to snowball into the other mental and spiritual aspects of health.

So, if you are wondering how to get the Wellbeing Cycle going in a positive direction, here are my suggestions:

Sip water all day long
Have a high protein breakfast
Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night
Cook for yourself
Manage stress with time out and deep breathing
Set short and long term goals
Aim to exercise three times a week
Detox each season
Snack healthily
Stop and smell the roses

Feeling vibrant, energised and happy are the wondrous consequence of healthy living. The ripple effect of experiencing vitality and joy is immeasurable. Start with one positive health change to get your wellbeing momentum moving in the right direction … just start

We all know what we’re ‘supposed’ to do – right? But everyone struggles with taking action, or maintaining positive, healthy habits. I’m here to help you ‘Find Your Spark’ and step into the rewards of enjoying a positive wellbeing cycle in all aspects of your life

Just Start

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 01:35:20 GMT

Deciding to make a health change in your life is never easy. Breaking old habits and starting new ones is challenging, uncomfortable and disheartening at times. The good thing is … you have taken the first step! You have identified and acknowledged that there is something about your health or wellbeing that you wish to change.

But where do you begin?

Believe In Yourself

Changing to a healthy lifestyle is a common goal, but after deciding you want to make a change, the next step is to believe you can actually do it.

Identify those habits that are bad or unhealthy and think about the reason why you want that change.
Be accountable to making the change by making a promise to yourself.
Get rid of the negative triggers in your life, whether that is that block of chocolate or those idealistic social media accounts you follow. Find ways to avoid the triggers.

Hint: If you’re eating it at the fridge, over the sink or behind a closed door

… it’s a negative trigger for you.

Ignore the negative voice that crops up and replace it with a visual of you succeeding.
Allow yourself time because change isn’t easy. Setbacks are a natural part of progression, so when you fall backwards don’t fall in to a failure mindset. Just pick up a continue moving forwards.

Come Up With A Plan

In the same way that you might follow a schedule to get weekly routine happening, your new healthy lifestyle should also have tasks and a plan to follow.

Set yourself some goals so you know what to focus on and what you are working towards. Be realistic and start small so that you can achieve success to propel you forwards.
Put self-care strategies in place to ensure that your needs are met. Make ‘you’ time to begin working on your new healthy change such as that non-negotiable 6am walk.

The most important time in the world is the time you make for yourself.

Find your support crew who can motivate you and keep you accountable to your goals. This could be a partner, workmate or friend … or even Find Your Spark!

Get Into Action

Best laid plans can remain as such unless you actually put them in to action! So think about what your healthy lifestyle change involves and break it down to smaller little actions. Instead of generalising and saying “I want to eat healthier”, try being more specific and committing to eating 3 pieces of fruit a day or eating veggies with two of your meals.

Here are some examples of small changes you could make:

Drink 3 litres of water each day
Break the overnight fast with a hearty brekkie containing 20-40g of protein
Go to bed at a regular time and get 7 or 8 hours of shut-eye each night
Snack smarter by carrying healthy options and avoiding the sugary or fatty snacks
Plan your workout days in advance, aiming for 3 days of exercise
Beat the hunger pains with a glass of water instead of mindlessly munching

Small changes eventually add up to huge results

If you want to kickstart a healthy lifestyle the best advice for making sustainable, long-term change is to follow the KISS principle. Keep It Super Simple.

Make simple, incremental adjustments in these four main areas of health – nutrition, exercise, mental wellbeing and rest. And if it’s important to you, then you can’t go wrong as long as you JUST START

If you have moved your desire for healthy change from contemplation (I’m thinking about it) to preparation stage (I’ve made up my mind to take action) I would love to help you with the action and maintenance stages. Let’s Find Your Spark together!

Why an Informed Sport Certification Matters

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 02:14:30 GMT

Advancements in sports science and training techniques make it challenging for high performance athletes to find the competitive edge. When an athlete turns to supplementation, they need to be absolutely certain that there are no banned substances. Otherwise, they risk a positive drug test and potential suspension, or even a ban from their sport.

What Are Supplements?

Nutritional supplements are chosen by people looking to fill a gap in their diet, or who seek to enhance their exercise and athletic performance. They include:

vitamins
minerals
herbs
meal supplements
sports nutrition products
natural food supplements
other similar products which boost the nutritional content of food

Supplements can be taken in pill, capsule, tablet, powder or liquid form and include everything from high-protein powders and protein bars, creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), through to glucosamine and omegas.

Awareness and Risk

Many people use supplements, but they do pose a huge risk to high performing sportspeople. Every year, multiple Australian athletes receive anti-doping bans because of supplement use. Therefore, awareness and risk assessment are imperative.

Athletes from recreational to elite level must abide by anti-doping policies and can be targeted for testing. If you are a member of a national governing body, like Triathlon Australia which competes in a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctioned event such as an Ironman, you can be tested.

Unfortunately, the ingredient list on many supplements does not match the contents inside. Banned substances can be deliberately added during manufacturing, or they can be inadvertently contaminated.

Athletes need to be as diligent and selective as possible when consuming supplements.

How Can Athletes Protect Themselves?

When an athlete is considering supplement use, there are three things they can do to protect themselves from the negative consequences:

Protect your sporting career and reputation by following the 3 A’s.

understanding what constitutes a supplement
learning about the risks and consequences of misuse
investigating for peace-of-mind at a site like Sport Integrity or WADA .

Analysis continues that research.

Ask yourself three key questions:

Has it been tested?
Is it safe?
Is it effective (in enhancing performance) or necessary?

Avoid risk

If ‘No’ is the answer to any of the analysis questions, the athlete should avoid the supplement.

Sport Integrity advises,

“If you decide to take a supplement, the first question you should ask about a product is, ‘Has it been tested for banned substances?’”

before continuing to name the two major testers that operate in Australia – one of which is Informed Sport .

What is Informed Sport?

Informed Sport is a global supplement testing and certification programme for sports and nutritional supplements. They screen products including protein powders, creatine powders, pre-workout, and recovery products. These supplement products are thoroughly tested for contamination in a world-class laboratory, using a step-by-step process to ensure the highest level of batch testing has taken place, before the Informed Sport label is marked on it.

Why is Informed Sport Important?

Sport Integrity Australia is our national organisation that provides advice and assistance to counter the use of prohibited substances and methods in sport. While they advise that no supplement is safe to use, they do,

“recognise that there may be circumstances where sports dieticians recommend supplements, or where you will take the risk and use supplements. In these circumstances, our advice is to only use supplements that have been screened for prohibited substances by an independent company (also known as ‘batch testing’), such as HASTA or Informed Sport .”¹

1 in 10 supplements could be contaminated with banned substances.

Finding a supplement you can trust is all about risk management. Informed Sport reduce that risk. Every batch of supplements bearing the Informed Sport logo has been tested for banned substances before going to market. They:

have 55 years anti-doping experience
have certified 1000 products globally
complete 20,000 tests annually

With Informed Sport you can be confident your reputation is in safe hands.

Do Everyday People Need to Consider This?

Let me ask you this … if the role of Sport Integrity and WADA is to ensure nutritional supplements are safe and effective for your use, why would you use anything other than an Informed Sport certified product?

Whether you are a gym junkie, weekend warrior, amateur or professional sportsperson looking for a range of Informed Sport certified performance supplements, let Find Your Spark help you reach your greatest fitness, strength and body transformation goals

¹ https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/what-we-do/anti-doping/supplements-sport

Become A High-Performance Netballer

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 03:10:11 GMT

Do you love netball? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours daydreaming about what it would be like to play for the Vixens, Lightning, or even the Aussie Diamonds. Running onto the court in that netball dress, being introduced to a crowd of screaming fans, and signing autographs post-game. You have likely watched your favourite player shoot a winning goal or take a game-changing intercept. Perhaps you even follow them on Instagram, idolising their glamorous life.

But, behind every elite netballer are years of blood, sweat and tears. A journey of dedication, commitment and hard work that has led to their opportunity to shine. If you have a vision to become a high-performance netballer, here are some extra things you can do to elevate your game.

1. Keep The Passion Alive

Your dream exists because you absolutely LOVE netball.

This must be your main reason for pursuing the sport, not because you desire fame, or to make money from playing, or because your family want you to. Reaching the pinnacle of netball is a long journey with many ups and downs, so you will need to draw on your passion when things get tough.

Protect your sporting career and reputation by following the 3 A’s.

2. Work The FUNdamentals

Every sport has a few fundamental skills that form the basis of all other skills. For netball, the main two are:

Ball skills – catching both stationary and on the move, and a variety of passing
Movement skills – balance, running, jumping, landing, pivoting and body control

There is no such thing as too much practice in these fundamental areas.

Every elite level coach I know ‘drills’ these skills, no matter what level of players they are training. But doing throwing, catching, running, and jumping over and over can get pretty monotonous and boring. So, when you are practicing outside of your usual team training session, try to make these fundamentals FUN!

When I was a young netballer, I used to throw the ball against the brick wall under my garage over, and over, and over again! Since I had to throw the ball powerfully to make it come straight back to me, I learnt to pass the ball hard. You’ll find ample ideas online for enjoyable passing and catching drills … try Solo Sessions on YouTube ; visit my good friend Lauren at Nardelli Coaching check out Nettyheads on Instagram, or you can buy a rebound net such as the Crazy Catch.

3. Drill Your Playing Area

Unless you are playing NetSetGO or Under 11’s, you’re probably beginning to specialise in a particular playing area on the court – goals, midcourt or defence. Make sure you spend time (outside your regular team training) practicing the skills for your specialist area.

Goalers need to put up shots every day

Ensure you shoot from all angles at close, mid-range and further out
Practice stepping forward, back and to the side to shoot
If you have a sibling, friend or parent who can help, ask them to put a hand over your shot, pass the ball to you so you can practice turning and shooting within your 3 seconds, and MAKE SURE you rebound!!!

Middies need to have excellent ball skills and footwork since they handle the ball the most

Passes on the move will be great for you so training with a friend or rebounder will be handy
Practice quick footwork patterns including sprints and dodges, using equipment like quickfoot ladders, cones or chalk marks on the concrete

Defenders must be aggressive to the ball so passing drills with a strong, confident ‘grab’ will help you improve

Quick footwork to move around your player without contacting is essential – you don’t want to be ‘out of play’ all the time!
Bring a chair to your training session and pretend it is your opponent
Work your feet around the chair facing inwards, outwards, with and without a ball being passed. Stay on the balls of your feet and use small, quick steps to move.

4. Watch The Pros

One of the best ways to learn is to watch those who do it well.

No matter what level of netball you play, watch the Aussie Diamonds whenever they take the court, and Suncorp Super Netball competition on tv or in person. In 2022, fans will have a heap of netball action to choose from with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July/August and Suncorp Super Netball being covered on both Fox Sports and Kayo for their 60-game season. Each state also has their own league with elite players battling it out on a weekly basis for around 6 months.

The premier league in Victoria is the VNL, our pivotal competition for player pathway to the Fury, Vixens and Magpies. Typically, games are played each Wednesday night from April to September at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville. Find the latest news about these competitions here:

5. Go From Strength To Strength

Becoming elite does not happen overnight. It is a result of training consistently over time.

As you progress through the netball pathways, your workload will naturally increase, so your load and intensity must be slow and gradual to avoid burnout and injury. Shin splints is common injury we see when netball players overtrain. If you feel pain in your shins, you should reduce workload, ice after workouts, massage your calves and seek physiotherapy treatment.

If you wish to train harder, you need to be strong, so focus on strengthening the major muscles in your back, chest, shoulders, arms and legs. Improvement in strength and skill takes a long time and consistency, so keep it fun and enjoyable. Remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare? Slow and steady wins the race.

6. Ride The Waves

No, I don’t mean surfing!!

Your netball journey is going to have both ups and downs. It is important to show resilience in the tough times and use your disappointments as motivation to work harder to achieve a different result the next time. Low times you may experience include injury, illness, non-selection, losses, a ‘dud’ coach, unfair grading, harsh criticism, slandering or put downs from other players/coaches/the crowd.

If you are going to make it, you are going to need to have tough skin and a strong mind. Work on being resilient as much as physical training.

Reaching your greatest netball aspirations will take time, effort, lots of practice and an abundance of passion. If you or your child want to take your training and skills to the next level, or if you coach a team full of superstars and want to help them reach their netball potential, Find Your Spark is here to help. To book your individual netball or group skill session

My Netball Story - A Bouncing Ball to A Bird

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 11:37:28 GMT

It began in 1987. Eight-years-old and inseparable from my best friend, Jessica, I tagged along to watch her play netball at the Springvale & District courts. Hooked from that moment, I attended the U10’s training the following week; the first of many sessions that my parents drove me to over the coming years.

Coached by enthusiastic teenage girls wearing Kuda Lines jackets and Rip Curl trackie pants, I was so excited every time I saw them waiting for us in the centre circle, netballs tucked under their arms. Initially, we were taught netball fundamentals – passing and catching, landing, shooting and defending - with ‘Windows’ and ‘Cut The Cake’ standard drills we ran through each session.

As a tall child, the coaches positioned me in GK and GD, where I was seemingly a natural, being awarded Best & Fairest at the end of my first season. I still treasure that trophy, it’s one of the biggest I own and eight-year-old-me thought it was humongous!!

The Netball Pathway Begins

Dedicated to the sport I loved, I continued to receive Best & Fairest awards each season, so it was a natural progression to move into Representative netball. Even more exciting, the team uniform was green and gold, just like the Australian Netball Team!

Many cold, wintery nights (Aussie netball season is April to September) were spent training at the Springvale courts, where I learned to enjoy shadow defence and despise ‘Indian File’. Tournaments were so much fun! My family got up super early on a Sunday morning to pack the Thermos and full picnic basket, as well as coats and blankets because tournament days were inevitably rainy and freezing. Those memories of our team chants, war cries and songs are some of my most cherished netball memories.

A Whole Family Affair

Mum attended a Springvale South committee meeting and returned home as President, much to my dad’s despair! But her initiatives drove our club to become one of the most successful and recognisable in the district. Not only did she lead the club, but also fundraised, ran selections, coached, umpired and played.

Dad utilised his talent for drawing to create a club logo for our grey and red uniform; the courts were soon flooded with red t-shirts sporting a bouncing netball with a smiley face. Every Saturday, Dad was my personal statistician, keeping score and monitoring my hits and misses. Our biggest fan on the sidelines, he was also chief cook at the sausage sizzle fundraisers. My little sister joined a team as soon as she was eligible, and my Nan drove from Glen Waverley each week to watch us play.

Netball umpiring was my first ‘job’. I was paid $5 per game, but also volunteered at the association canteen and coached my own little team of legends who thrived learning basic systems, just as I had.

From Juniors To Seniors

Local and Rep netball allowed me to hone my skills, but I needed to find ways to challenge myself, physically and mentally, on the court. A mid-week ladies’ competition with ‘Peaches and Cream’ was the perfect solution. Competing in an open age group developed my strength, plus I had to think faster and play smarter in circle defence.

When the Victorian Catholics held their selections at the State Netball Centre, many senior players were present as selectors randomly called players to their positions. I went on court, wearing their netball skirt and bib - the skirt was so gigantic that it wrapped around me twice and kept falling down as I played! A skinny, athletic little defender, I was thrown on court in GD against comparatively much taller and more mature goalers. As it turned out I had accidentally attended their senior selection day!

The Big ‘V’

In late 1992 I was chosen to play as wing defence in the Under 17 State Squad. Home training programs were allocated to us for the summer, so I did fitness circuits in my back yard holding tin cans or plastic soft drink bottles for weights and doing ‘step-ups’ around our garden beds.

This was the first time I encountered sports scientists, who took us through fitness testing and devised our fitness programs.

Their fitness testing process was fun, especially the sprint and agility runs. In those days the VO2 Max test was a 1.6km time trial, which is far less brutal than the ‘Shuttle Run Beep Test’ or the ‘YoYo Test’ conducted now. Team selection came after four months of home and squad training, and a final day involving skills and match play. I was terribly nervous when the selectors read out the squad list and remember nothing but the joy and relief of hearing my name!

Out of all the hopeful netballers, I was chosen in the 1993 Victorian State Under 17 team, along with the legendary Goal Attack, Sharelle McMahon.

Training for Nationals With Coach Cath Gillespie Was So Hard.

Excellence was expected in every single drill. Although I had been playing Circle Defence in local and rep netball, I was selected to play Wing Defence and Centre because the circle defenders were much taller. I was never taught to play either position, so had to adapt and learn on the fly. At the special presentation ceremony to announce team captains, we also received our ‘loot’ and I was thrilled to see my name on the back of my uniform for the first time.

Watched By A Legend

Nationals came around in April of 1993. I played several quarters in both WD and C, with my parents and sister supporting me. At the conclusion of one game, while sitting on the sidelines to take off my shoes and socks, a shadow fell over me. I looked up to see the legendary ex-coach of the Australian Netball Team, Joyce Brown OAM. Stunned, I wondered why on earth she was talking to me! She said two things,

‘I see you haven’t got your ankles strapped; you should really look in to that’.

and

‘Well played.’

She walked away, long black coat swinging behind her, as I wondered where to buy ankle braces. I couldn’t believe she had taken the time to compliment me on the way I played! Little did I know that this was the first of my many encounters with the infamous Joyce Brown.

Watched By A Legend

In 1994 I became extremely run down due to training heavily and my Year 11 studies. Eventually diagnosed with Glandular Fever amid Victorian State Squad selections, my fatigue kept me bed-ridden for weeks on end before I was allowed a slow comeback to training. Although I gave my heart and soul, I was devastated to not be re-selected for the State Team. But this started a fire in my belly that sent me on a path to ensure I made the team the following year.

When 1995 rolled around, I trialled once again for the Victorian 17 & Under State Team knowing I had to work hard to prove myself. Committed to my prescribed State Team cardio program, I regularly met with fellow squad members Karen Natoli and Wendy Jacobsen to do small group speed, agility, and ball work. My dad measured one- and two-kilometre tracks around our neighbourhood and, knowing my determination, my neighbours and family members often perched on their lawn – wine glasses in hand – high-fiving me on each lap. Mum waited at the finish line with a rug to collapse on, a bucket of cool water as a foot bath, and cold towel for my face. I was so fortunate to have such amazing supporters!

After all that preparation, I was overjoyed to make the Victorian team. And Wendy Jacobsen (current 19&U Victorian Coach) and I were named Captain and Vice-Captain!

Doors Started Opening

Our 1995 National competition was held in Canberra. We had a strong team, which was great as competition was always fierce between Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia because, at the time, these states had the strongest junior development and pathway programs. At the conclusion of the tournament, I was chosen in the Australian 17 & Under Development Squad and invited to go to the Australian Institute of Sport for a weekend training camp led by some of Australia’s most decorated coaches.

Eagerly awaiting my VCE (Year 12) results, I unexpectedly received an envelope of a different kind!

Enclosed was an invitation to become a Full Scholarship Holder at the Australian Institute of Sport’s netball program. This meant relocating to Canberra, away from my family, and postponing my plans for university. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity, and in January of 1996, I moved in to AIS Hall of Residences.

AIS Life

The athletes lived in a set of U-shaped apartment buildings; each four-storey split-level block contained a single flat below-ground where the House Parents lived, 12 single rooms, four small bathrooms and a common room. The netballers were in Blocks 9 and 10, with the rowers to one side and the swimmers on the other side. The basketball girls and guys and the soccer boys lived across the quadrangle. After spying a tall, dark and handsome boy playing cricket the weekend I moved, I spent a lot of time getting to know the basketballers… but that’s another story!

AIS Days

Early morning training followed by breakfast and work
Early afternoon rest, recovery, treatment (physio, massage, etc) or socialising
Late afternoon court sessions where I played Wing Defence and the occasional Centre
Every Wednesday afternoon we travelled by coach to Sydney to play our weekly match in the NSW State League. This is where I learned, and honed, skills in goal setting and visualisation to help me focus.
Saturday morning training with free time for the remainder of the weekend

As my AIS scholarship year drew to a close, Head Coach Gaye Teede described me as a ‘late bloomer’.

Most netball athletes received positions in their respective state National League teams but, unfortunately, that was not the case for me. So I returned home to Melbourne (with my spunky Queensland basketballer in tow) and played in the Victorian State League competition for a year, before being offered a Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship.

VIS Head Netball Coach, Jane Searle, recognised that speed and agility were my best assets and invested time to convert me to a Wing Attack. I absolutely loved the challenging strength program under lead physical trainer, Vern McMillan, and began to thrive. 1998 was an incredible year, made memorable by a tournament in the Cook Islands.

The Commonwealth Bank Trophy

In the late 1990s, National Netball received a shake-up and, with the disbandment of the Superleague, came the rise of the Commonwealth Bank Trophy. In this new competition, all eight teams were controversially named after birds!

The two Melbourne teams were the Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne Kestrels.

Once again, I crossed paths with the extraordinary Joyce Brown who had come out of netball coaching ‘retirement’ to become the new coach at Phoenix. Scouting for young blood, she invited me to join the latter part of the Phoenix pre-season, disappointingly missing my opportunity to feature in the team poster and be photographed for my very own Player Card.

Someone (I can’t remember who) suggested that I take a photo of myself and make my own player card which I did by printing photos at Kmart and cutting them to size! So, if you happen to own one of my Melbourne Phoenix Player Cards, then you are very special because they are a true rarity!!!

The established Phoenix mid-court was very difficult to break into and opportunities throughout the 1999 season were scarce. Frustratingly, I only played seven quarters for the whole season, so I decided to defer my university course to entirely devote my time and attention to netball and training. I needed a coach to give me a chance!

In an answer to my prayers, Marg Lind, coach of the Kestrels, told me that my ‘university education is important’, that ‘netballers don’t get paid well’ and that my plan was ‘a stupid idea’, suggesting that I would likely get more court time by changing clubs. By the end of the conversation, I committed to doing uni part-time and switched to play for the Melbourne Kestrels. And I got my first real Player Card!

Opportunity Arises

My first season at Melbourne Kestrels was spent mostly on the bench. Although, Coach Marg was right about getting more court time as I played 13 quarters that year! Our Centre was Nicole Richardson (current Collingwood Magpies head coach & Australian Diamonds Assistant coach) who was playing for Australia, and our Wing Attack was Shelley O’Donnell who was the Vice-Captain of the Australian Team at the time.

My opportunity to step-up came in 2001 when Shelley fell pregnant, leaving the WA position mine for the taking. As the starting Wing Attack for Melbourne Kestrels, my family and friends came to cheer me on at our home games, and after our matches, netball fans - young and old – crowded the stands to request autographs. It was wonderful to become a role model and help to build other people’s netball aspirations.

Phoenix had successes on the ladder whereas Kestrels were the underdogs.

I was particularly fired up in our Round 10 clash of the Commonwealth Bank Trophy. Phoenix had held the lead all game but, in the final quarter, our goalers began to hit all their shots and the atmosphere shifted as their crowd went quiet while ours began to lift us with their roars. In the dying minutes my adrenalin was pumping … I must’ve gone too hard for an intercept as I received a warning from the umpire. But we walked away with a one goal victory, elated, if unlikely, winners!

With one strong National League season under my belt, I felt confident heading into season 2002. The Kestrels pre-season training was led by the amazing Gus Puopolo, a strength and conditioning coach and National athletics throwing coach. His sessions were the exact training I loved – sprints, plyometrics and weights.

I Was the Strongest, Fittest, and Fastest I’d Ever Been…

New players were imported to our Kestrels line-up, including another extremely speedy and agile Wing Attack from Sydney, so I knew I would have to train and play well to earn court time. Our club participated in a pre-season competition at the Australian Institute of Sport against several other national league teams. Scouts for the Australian 21 & Under squad were present, and I was in good form.

The 2002 season commenced, and I found myself sharing wing attack court time with Katrina McCaffery as we headed to ETSA Park in Adelaide for our Round 4 match. ‘Starting’ was always my goal but this weekend my head was heavy with a nasty cold, so I was almost relieved to start on the bench.

Then the Unthinkable Happened

Within minutes, Katrina rolled her ankle so severely that it took both the physio and masseur to get her off court, leaving me as her substitute. As I took the injury time to quickly re-warm up, a wheelchair arrived on the sidelines for Katrina. One centre pass later, it was our possession. Goal Attack, Cynna, and I split, she received the ball, and I was quick to re-offer across the court, receiving her long bounce pass in open space. But as I took the ball, my knee buckled and I collapsed, clutching my knee in pain and screaming one or two expletives. Our wonderful physiotherapist, Cate Boyd, hadn’t even seen it happen as she was still tending to Katrina’s ankle, but she assessed my knee and, with one solemn shake of her head I knew it wasn’t good news.

Surgery Confirmed a Full ACL Tear

Not quite a professional athlete but elite enough to gain priority access to doctors and surgeons, within days I had snared a ‘consultation’ (in the hospital hallway between his operations) with infamous knee surgeon, David Young, and my operation was scheduled soon after.

Dr Young conducted a full ACL reconstruction in May 2002 using the hamstring method, whereby the hamstring tendon was grafted, and torn ligaments removed. The surgery was a huge success and the hospital physiotherapist had me on my feet the next day and on a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine to keep my knee joint active.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to thwart a painful complication - deep vein thrombosis.

Rehab included the usual physio visits, and hamstring and quad strengthening exercises as I gradually built from weight bearing to running and, finally after 6 months, I was allowed to test my new knee dodging.

I returned to Kestrels’ training during the pre-season of 2002/2003 to find there had been a changeover in the coaching and leadership team – a new head coach and new team manager. To my great despair, I was not re-selected in the 2003 team and was advised to head back to play in the State League competition.

The Decision Caused a Fork in the Road … and My Elite Netball Playing Journey Came to a Grinding Halt.

Sometimes things happen for a reason. At that time my basketballer boyfriend from the AIS proposed, so the excitement of planning an engagement and wedding gave me a new focus. At the same time, I graduated from university and earned my first teaching position, which was exceptionally exciting and terrifying all at once. Suddenly, with no regular training or netball games, life looked very different.

Over the years, I’ve been drawn back to the game on several occasions, playing:

a partial season with Ariels in the State League
a stint with Maroondah Hawks (coincidentally, now Boroondara Express where I coach!)
a mid-week ladies A-grade comp at Waverley Netball Centre
a little in the footy-netball league for Sorrento Sharks

But, while my love for the game was still there, my passion for playing (and my body’s inability to withstand the jarring of asphalt courts) had faded.

My Memories of Playing Netball Are Forever

All my incredible coaches who fostered my love of the game
The teammates, camaraderie and friendships I made
Opponents who became friends, and those who remained rivals
Weekend tournaments to week-long competitions
Seasons played with exhilarating wins, heartbreaking losses and championship ending triumph
Cheer squads I was part of, and those who cheered for me
The valuable life lessons that grounded my determination, work ethic, time management and goal setting skills
And, finally, the unconditional love for my beloved nettie!

I have experienced all the ups and downs a netballer can possibly experience. I understand the skills and conditioning required as well as the work ethic, mindset and sacrifices to make it to the top. No matter where you are in your netball journey, I would love to be a small part of it. Arrange a training session for your team or club using the Contact Page and together we will elevate your netball.

More Than Just A Business Name

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 11:37:28 GMT

Typically, your business idea comes first. Then you need to come up with a business name. You may be inspired by your actual name, precious childhood memories, foreign words, mythology or literature. Some people create a clever acronym that suits the purpose of their business.

My Business Name Came From an Extraordinary Feeling

I was NOT looking to start a business. My business found me.

Let’s take a step back in time to late 2019, when I was at the peak of my weight gain. Heading off on a trip to Disneyland with our kids and extended family, my sister and I planned to ‘DisneyBound’ when we visited the theme parks. DisneyBounding is a fun, creative and unique way to represent Disney characters through everyday clothing. It’s funny how difficult it can be to find a Little Mermaid green-coloured top when you want one!

Tight-fitting Clothing Made Me Feel Uncomfortable and I Bulged Out of My Regular Clothes.

Carrying excess weight (that I was hoping to lose) meant I didn’t want to invest in expensive clothing, so I hit the Op-Shops to find bright t-shirts that covered my lumps, bumps and the shape I was so ashamed of.

Kid-wrangling without my husband (he couldn’t get time off work) during long, hot LA Disneyland days wasn’t fun. Already frustrated with my physique, and internally angry about the reason I had lost control of my appearance and put on weight, eventually and inevitably, I snapped.

Sharing dinner with my family in the ‘Happiest Place On Earth’, I had a complete emotional breakdown. My tears would not stop and, this time, no amount of chocolate could soak up my sorrow.

I Knew I Wasn’t Happy but, at That Moment, I Understood I Was Depressed.

Returning from Disneyland to the privacy of my own home, I continued to quietly break down, often wrapped in my husband’s loving arms. He didn’t know what else to do but be there, hold me and show his unwavering support. Then, one tearful night, he helplessly asked, “What do you need?” and I unexpectedly replied,

“a Personal Trainer, a Nutritionist and a Psychologist All in One.”

I wanted a personal trainer who would whip my butt into shape. I knew I needed to exercise but couldn’t find the motivation to do it.

I wanted a nutritionist who would tell me what to eat. I knew I had been eating poorly but I couldn’t stop myself.

And I wanted a psychologist who would understand the trauma I’d been through and guide me in the right direction to heal.

Isn’t It Funny That When You Ask the Universe, the Universe Provides?

The next morning I received an intriguing message from a local personal trainer about a Summer Body Reset program. Interest stirred, I responded and, eventually, spoke to the lady who sent it. We had never met before; our only communication had been earlier that year when she arranged a donation of personal training vouchers for the Art Show at our kids’ school.

Little did I know that I would forever regard this beautiful woman as my guardian angel. I had no idea she would become a best friend, my personal trainer, and my partner and mentor in business.

When I Heard About This Program, I Had All the Reservations in the World

In all honesty, I didn’t like the idea of shake meal replacements. The ones my husband drank were gritty and tasteless to me. I also didn’t want to give up on the foods I loved so much – hubby and I were always out “lunching” and exploring local cafes. As for fasting? I couldn’t possibly fathom not eating for a whole day, let alone two days!

The more I heard about this program, the less I listened because the objections in my mind were so much louder. Until she asked me three questions that changed my life:

How Badly Do You Want a Health Change?

What is your plan to get there? What if this could help you achieve it?

I wanted change - so badly. I hated my bulges, my blemished face and was sick of feeling ‘blah’. I simply didn’t have the tools, or the strength, to make the changes myself. I had no plan other than to continue to wear my ‘happy-Danni’ mask and pretend to the world that everything was okay.

But, deep down, I knew that I didn’t want to continue feeling the way I did. Emotionless. Empty. Apathetic. If this could help, it didn’t matter how much it cost, what it involved, or if it took 30 days or 3 months. I finally began to see a glimmer of hope, so went all in and decided on the Ultimate pack.

So, I Ordered My “first Brown Box” and My Isagenix Journey Began.

Once I made the decision, nothing stopped me. I had the tools (products), the system (shake days and cleanse days) and the support (my guardian angel and private Facebook group). I literally followed the instructions and, pretty quickly, began to notice differences. My tastebuds changed, cravings for sugary foods dissipated, and brain fog lifted. I was less bloated, and for the first time in years, I felt like exercising.

In My First 12 Days I Lost 3.8kg and 22.5cm in My Measurements

By the end of my first month I was down 4.6kg and 31cm, so I asked my coach if I could repeat the program and began to incorporate some of her group training classes. I vividly remember being told at my first Boot Camp to run around the school basketball court between sets, but was only able to shuffle-jog due to the intense pain in my ‘netballer’s knees’. I attended a TRX class and embarrassingly watched everyone else capably manoeuvre the strength holds while I collapsed after each repetition. Despite feeling frustrated at my weak, unconditioned body, I was determined to keep moving forwards and get out of the deep, dark hole I’d been in for too long.

I Stayed Consistent, Incorporated the Isagenix Products to My Daily Routine, and Exercised Regularly

I had kickstarted the The Wellbeing Cycle . Eating better led to feeling better and, with a stronger mindset, moving my body became easier, so my physical transformation slowly began to take shape. My skin cleared up, eyes brightened, waist shrank, and my arms, back and abs toned up. These changes were visible to others, and I received lots of comments and private messages asking what I was doing.

My Results Inspired Friends and Family to Jump on Board, Creating a Beautiful Ripple Effect

Knowing that my journey was showing people I care about how to feel healthier and happier gave me a huge sense of fulfilment and self-worth … something that had long been lacking. It felt so good to help people. The process was surprisingly simple: people came to me with a problem, and I offered them a solution. It just so happened that all my work and life experience fit beautifully within the Isagenix business plan – something I had not even contemplated exploring seven months earlier.

The Mask of Happiness I Had Been Wearing Finally Came Off. My Smile Now Came From Deep Within.

I had found my spark again.

This was how I described the feeling to my husband, who replied, “Hey baby, there’s your business name.” And, so, ‘Find Your Spark’ was officially born.

I discovered that many other mums have also ‘lost their spark’ and, soon enough, began helping lots of them find it. As time went on, I learned that find your spark meant different things to different people. For some, it was a desire for more energy, while others simply wished to survive their workday without copious amounts of caffeine and sugar.

I’ve helped people who wanted to eat healthier but didn’t know where to start, as well as people who ate healthily but still found that they felt like rubbish. I work with sportspeople to get the competitive edge, athletes to get fitter-faster-stronger, and gym junkies to attain their ultimate body transformation.

As You Can Now See … Find Your Spark Is So Much More Than Just a Business Name.

For me … I rediscovered a genuine inner happiness that flows from being unbelievably healthy on the inside and radiates to the outside.

I am empowered in the knowledge that I have control of my mental, emotional, physical, and financial health. And I have realised my purpose - to help other people to find their spark.

What Would Finding Your Spark Mean to You?

What if I told you that the things you’re unhappy with don’t have to be that way? That change is not as difficult as you might think? And that you will have a team of thousands who will support you towards your goals? I am here for you … whenever your time is right, no matter what finding YOUR spark means.

The Story of Behind The Spark

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 11:37:28 GMT

The Story of Behind The Spark

Introduced to netball by my Grade 4 best friend, I became a passionate, athletic and skilled netballer who played in the Victorian State Team as a 15-year-old. On completing VCE, I was awarded a full-year live-in scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

After leaving the AIS in 1996, I returned to Melbourne (with my husband-to-be) and soon went on to play in our nation’s most elite netball competition at the time – the Commonwealth Bank Trophy (National Netball League). As a Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne Kestrels player, I was given a unique opportunity to be guided by our country’s elite Sports Scientists and Dieticians.

Post-athlete Life Saw Me Graduate University and Become the Teacher I Was Meant to Be

Devastated by the disappointment of my career-ending ACL injury (and a little burnt-out from the decade of intense training and constant sacrifice), I left my beloved netball behind.

Education became the bright light in my life. My first ever class of thirty-three Grade 6 students allowed me to nurture my natural teaching ability. Motherhood - my greatest career to-date – was the only thing that could remove me from the classroom.

Becoming a Mum to My Two Beautiful Children Taught Me My Biggest Lessons

But, over the years, I lost and found myself over and over again. As ‘Chief Homemaker’, I was always there for my kids but, over time, my passion for netball re-ignited. While juggling mum-duties, I began to squeeze netball coaching in at schools, clubs and organisations throughout Victoria.

Fast-forward to 2017, When My World Began to Crumble

I experienced an unexpected trauma that sent me in to an emotional tailspin. The world saw what I wanted them to see - that I was happy, healthy, organised and had it together. It was only a select few who knew the real turmoil, and only my husband shared my darkest moments.

I felt emotionless. I called it “Blah”. No highs. No lows. Just blah.

"I dealt with my depression by eating my emotions. Cakes. Donuts. Chocolate. Pastries. Cookies. And, over 12 months, I stacked on so much weight that my clothes no longer fit."

I had been an elite athlete. I knew this behaviour was bad for me. But I couldn’t control it. I cried myself to sleep sometimes, hardly able to look at the person in the mirror, despising all she was and everything she represented – fat, ugly, weak, worthless, useless.

Like an Answer to My Prayers, I Received a Message That Altered the Course of My Life.

An advertisement for a Summer Body Reset and an accountability partner to help me achieve my goals. It felt like destiny, so I jumped in and – as they say – the rest is history.

I regained control; established good eating habits, kicked my sugar cravings, and began to exercise again. I became empowered with knowledge of new wellness rituals and re-invigorated through practising old health habits.

"After a few months, people began to notice … my SPARK had returned … and my friends wanted what I had found!"

Organically, the Rediscovery and Rekindling of My Passion for Life Led Me to Begin Helping Other People Find Their Spark

My journey gives me indescribable joy. I absolutely love guiding people to ignite their self-esteem and self-worth.

And now I would love to help you …

Find Your Spark brings a feeling of intangible happiness that emanates from within. It radiates in your smile, boosts your confidence and brings an inexplicable positive energy that ripples out to all aspects of your life.

I want to help you Find Your Spark.