Simon, Belconnen

Simon is a father, personal trainer, and a martial artist. He was born in Canberra and has spent most of his life living in Canberra’s north.

As a personal trainer Simon starts his day before 5am. The early starts prompted him to cut back on alcohol about 15 years ago to be focused and present at work with his clients.

“My main driving factor to cut back on drinking was getting up early every day and coaching people. I’m interacting with people straight away, I need to be sharp.”

Simon is also passionate about martial arts and has found that the change has helped him to improve and sustain his performance over time.

“Cutting back on drinking and how much it helps with my training, it really does mean I’m able to do more.”

For Simon, it didn’t feel like there was a big “line in the sand moment” where everything changed. The decision to cut back felt like a gentle one that led to positive changes that have added up over time.

“I’m one of the older guys doing martial arts now at our gym and still training with the younger guys. I forget sometimes that I’m 15 years older than these guys, and keeping up with them as well. Still able to perform like I used to.”