"The First Class Is Always the Hardest" – But It's Worth It

If you've ever thought about joining a fitness class at Burnie Brae but weren't quite sure where to start, you're not alone. It's something one of our fitness instructors, Nadine hears all the time.

"The first class is always the hardest," she says. "Walking through the door can feel like the biggest step. But once people realise they're in a friendly, supportive environment, they wonder why they didn't start sooner."

As one of Burnie Brae's much-loved fitness instructors, Nadine has spent the past 20 years helping older adults build strength, improve balance and feel more confident in their bodies. Her classes aren't about keeping up with everyone else- t hey're about moving in a way that works for you.

A Journey That Started with Her Own Challenges

Nadine didn't always work in fitness.

After years of living with lower back and knee problems, she decided it was time for a career change. She wanted to better understand how the body works and help others living with pain, injuries and ongoing health conditions.

Together with her husband, she completed their fitness qualifications and opened an Over 50s Fitness Centre, encouraging older adults to stay active, strong and independent.

Today, she brings that same passion to Burnie Brae through her Standing Pilates, Functional Fitness, Core & Balance and Tai Chi/Qigong classes held at our Chermside Community Centre.

It's About More Than Exercise

For Nadine, exercise isn't about chasing personal bests or spending hours in the gym.

It's about making everyday life easier.

Whether it's getting up from the floor, walking with confidence, carrying the shopping, playing with the grandkids or simply feeling steadier on your feet, every class is designed with real life in mind.

"I love helping people understand how their bodies move and showing them ways they can stay fit and strong so they can continue doing the things they enjoy with family and friends."

Building Confidence One Class at a Time

One of Nadine's favourite classes is Core & Balance.

Using a combination of standing and floor exercises, participants improve their strength, balance and stability while learning practical movement skills that support everyday independence.

"I like using floor exercises because they help people learn different ways to safely get up and down from the floor. That's a really valuable life skill."

Every class includes different exercise options, so whether you're just starting out or already active, you can work at your own pace.

"My goal has always been to create a safe, friendly and supportive environment where people can build strength, confidence and enjoy moving."

The Best Part? Watching People Flourish

Ask Nadine what keeps her teaching after two decades and the answer comes without hesitation.

"It's seeing people grow."

Watching someone who was once nervous walk into class with confidence. Seeing balance improve. Hearing about the gardening they've started doing again or the holiday they enjoyed because they felt stronger.

And then there are the friendships.

"Group classes aren't just good for your physical health - they're wonderful for your mental wellbeing too. Watching people connect, laugh together and build friendships is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do."

Why Not Give It a Go?

If you've been thinking about joining a class, let this be your sign.

You don't need to be fit. You don't need experience. You just need to take that first step.

As Nadine says, "The first class is always the hardest - but it's also the beginning of something really positive."

Come along, meet some friendly faces and discover how good it feels to move with confidence.

Your future self will thank you.