Monique is a long-term member from St Neots who joined Include Fitness right from the very beginning, initially looking to get fitter, stronger, and lose a bit of weight — just like many people do.
The Challenge
Not long after starting, Monique faced a serious setback — a significant knee injury that completely changed her journey.
Before working through rehab properly, she was:
- Struggling to move her leg
- Unable to squat
- Lacking strength and confidence in her body
What started as a general fitness goal quickly became a much bigger challenge — rebuilding her body from the ground up.
Why She Nearly Didn't Start
Like many people, Monique had her doubts — especially when it came to group training.
Having previously worked with a personal trainer, she was worried that:
- Everyone else would be stronger than her
- She wouldn’t be able to keep up
- She might feel out of place or judged
That fear nearly held her back from fully committing.
The Turning Point
Once Monique committed to the process, everything began to shift.
With the right support, structured sessions, and a focus on proper rehab, she started to rebuild strength in her knee — step by step.
What surprised her most?
The group environment.
Instead of feeling intimidated, she found it:
- Welcoming
- Supportive
- Genuinely enjoyable
And even more powerful than one-to-one training, pushing her further than she expected.
The Results
In around a year and a half, Monique’s transformation has been incredible:
✅ Went from barely being able to move her leg to training confidently
✅ Regained strength and function in her knee
✅ Returned to exercises she once couldn’t do at all
✅ Built confidence in her body again
✅ Found a training environment she genuinely enjoys
Here’s what she had to say:
*“When I first came back after injuring myself, I could barely move my leg… I couldn’t squat, I couldn’t do a thing. The difference in myself now in a year and a half has been unrecognisable.
I was actually pretty scared to come into a group session… but it’s been really welcoming, a hell of a lot of fun — and it pushes you more than you think it would.”*
What This Means for You
If you’re dealing with an injury, feeling held back, or worried you’re not “fit enough” to start — you’re not alone.
Monique’s story shows that with the right support, the right structure, and the right environment, real progress is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.