News
7 March, 2024
Personal trainer overcomes adversity, and strives to help
Bellmere resident Naomi Borowicz has undergone many challenges, difficulties and setbacks, but is determined to not let her past and present issues get the better of her.
Founder of the Caboolture-based Body Positive Fitness group training facility, Naomi said she agreed with the saying ‘what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’.
“Helping women and men find their power, their strength, and smashing their limiting beliefs is my passion and my mission,” she said.
Now 38 years old, Naomi said she was heavily overweight in her youth as “food took over” while she didn’t take care of her health.
At 19 or 20, Naomi sought to change her lifestyle and become fitter and healthier, which she managed to do as she exercised frequently and undertook a balanced diet.
But things weren’t always easy in her personal life, as she worked casual jobs while being a single mum with two young children.
Naomi later became a personal trainer, and got married.
However, her life changed irrevocably in 2018 when she was in a car accident on Gympie Arterial Road, just outside Carseldine.
Her 4WD was rear-ended by another 4WD, and pushed into a Sedan in front of her.
The Sedan sustained only minor damage while the other two vehicles were written off , and the next 15 months were the worst of Naomi’s life.
Due to the car accident, she developed Fibromyalgia and a life-long spinal impairment.
Naomi gave up her personal training business and became angry, bitter and isolated.
“I was in so much pain and discomfort, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to work again,” she said.
“I was miserable at home, and I took it out on my husband and kids.”
After 15 months, Naomi finally changed her attitude, outlook and approach.
“I thought I’d put myself back out there and see how I’d go,” she said.
“A friend tagged me in a post, as they needed a personal trainer.
“I thought I’d give it my best.”
Naomi also became an advocate and ambassador for Fibromyalgia, and she created a blog titled Fibro Wellbeing Warrior.
Naomi also learned to be wary of certain physical activities that could cause her pain to flare up.
There were still setbacks, including a time she slipped on tiles and tore the meniscus in her knee, resulting in surgery and being on crutches for weeks.
Naomi also became a full-time carer for her daughter, who had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
When Naomi opened Body Positive Fitness, covid restrictions meant she had to teach classes from home via Zoom.
“Anyone can exercise in some capacity, whether it’s going for a walk or something low impact like a swim or yoga,” she said.
“It’s about how we deal with things, which will determine our success and lifestyle. There’s going to be times I’m in pain and think ‘woe is me, not again’.”
Naomi said talking to other people was “really important”, as communication was crucial when undergoing struggles.
