FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#15 - Flipbook - Page 8
that strength isn’t just physical, making
every achievement feel even more
meaningful.” She’s found that strength
training works best for her body, helping
her manage symptoms while building
both physical and mental resilience.
Ellie’s journey through HYROX then
through to bodybuilding is a testament to
her discipline and commitment. “HYROX
and bodybuilding sit at completely
opposite ends of the 昀椀tness world one is
all about endurance, the other is about
discipline and precision. But through
both, Fernwood supported every version
of me,” she says. In bodybuilding prep,
some days required multiple training
sessions, balancing cardio, steps, strength
training, and recovery. The support of
the staff and fellow members, along
with recovery facilities like the infrared
sauna and massage chairs, made a
signi昀椀cant difference. One moment from
her time training at Fernwood stands
out vividly for Ellie: “Lee Squire, the
owner of Fernwood Ballarat, stopped
me mid-set and said, ‘Oh my gosh, you
look so incredibly strong. Wow, you are
so strong.’ I got into my car afterward
and cried. For so much of my life, I
chased compliments tied to being
‘skinny.’ No one had ever complimented
my strength like that before. That one
