BY KATRINA STORM BONAR
​MY JOURNEY AND TRANSFORMATION STORY... I’M NOT SOMEONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN OVERWEIGHT… IN FACT IT WAS THE EXTREME OPPOSITE!
MY STORY....
I was skinny, constantly exhausted, and had an obsession with body image, and always wanted to be bigger and curvier.
This eventually took a massive toll on my mental health, but I found a way to break through the unhealthy mental and physical habits I had formed. I had no idea about nutrition, which led me to force myself to eat everything in sight, good and bad, to try and gain weight.
My transformation is from being skinny, unhappy, and unhealthy to being strong, confident, and full of life!
I am a Scottish powerlifter and fitness coach who lives and breathes an active lifestyle. I live by a healthy, wholesome diet, work hard in the gym, but also recognise the importance of rest and balance in life. Especially now, being a first-time mum.
My personal experiences of overhauling my lifestyle have driven me to inspire and help others to do the same - no matter what your starting point is.
THE OLD ME....
I have always led a very active lifestyle and played sports from a young age ranging from kickboxing, rugby, football, jet skiing and even motor sports.
I have had a gym membership for as long as I can remember, and always loved challenging myself in the weights room.
My own personal health and fitness journey has certainly had its ups and downs. I have always suffered from body dysmorphia , Growing up I was so skinny weighing around 46kg and thought that I looked like a little boy, I was very straight up and down and always struggled to hold any kind of weight.
I went to the doctors on regular occasions but all they kept telling me was to eat more. I then began to stuff myself with anything and everything, Yes I gained weight but the wrong kind and on the wrong places. I soon realised the only thing I could do was build muscle and eat correctly then finally I would be able to get that body I craved.
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​It all stemmed from some heartbreaking news when I was 21, which took a toll on my mental health. I had two options: give up and go down the wrong path, or push through and better myself by starting a new journey with a passion for weightlifting.
At the time, I was uneducated about training and the importance of food as fuel for the body. In the gym, I felt anxious and avoided lifting weights for fear of getting ‘bulky.’ Let’s be honest—it’s intimidating to walk into a room full of men and not know how to use the equipment!​
I began researching different exercise techniques and ways to weight train, and gradually built up the confidence to get into the weights room. Looking around, I realized: if guys can do it, why can’t girls? Lifting heavy weights doesn’t make you masculine. I taught myself by watching the men in the gym—studying their form, observing which muscle groups they were training, and even counting their reps—until I felt comfortable creating my own program.​
THE NEXT CHAPTER...
After a while, I decided to take things to the next level by hiring a personal trainer for a few months, but I soon realized I didn’t actually need one. I already knew what I was doing; it came naturally to me. In fact, I began helping friends, family, and even others at the gym.
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I always struggled to figure out what I wanted to do in life. I was never one to have my head buried in a book, and I found it hard to stay interested in school. I preferred learning visually and always needed to be active.
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Then, in 2016, I realized that I was spending all my free time at the gym helping others and training myself. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do: become a personal trainer and help people change their lives the way I changed mine, not just physically but mentally as well.
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From that point on, I’ve never looked back!
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I have a newfound love for lifting heavy. Over the years, I’ve tried it all, but I’ve come to the realization that cardio just isn’t for me. I’ve always enjoyed weights more, focusing mainly on bodybuilding, but I prefer lower reps and heavier weights.
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I absolutely admire all the incredible men and women who get on stage and compete. It takes real dedication and drive. However, that path is not for me.
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Still, I always had a desire to compete, and that’s where powerlifting entered my life. There’s something empowering about having the strength to squat and deadlift more than double my bodyweight! In February 2019, I did just that, I qualified for the Eastern Districts in the 72kg weight category, weighing in at 67kg and achieving a total lift of 282.5kg (107.5kg squat, 120kg deadlift, 55kg bench press). which I was delighted about.
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From then on, I was very eager to embark on the next chapter of my life, sharing my knowledge and helping to transform lives. Whether your goal is to lose fat, tone up, or get strong, or even to enter a competition yourself, I’ll be with you every step of the way, challenging you to keep pushing toward your goals and turning dreams into reality!
THE NEXT CHAPTER...
THE NEW ME...
I never thought I would be writing this, but I have had a baby! This incredible journey into motherhood has been truly life-changing and filled with a multitude of emotions. I’m excited to share my experiences, insights, and the pure joy that comes with welcoming a little one into the world. Join me as I navigate this beautiful new chapter of life!
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We are also in the process of opening our own gym, and I’ll soon be taking on new clients for 1-1 personal training sessions. Additionally, I’m launching a new fitness class designed for new mums and their babies to help regain strength and confidence! As a proud mum to one special little girl, I understand the unique ups and downs of motherhood. Together, we’ll explore effective strategies, supportive practices, and inspiring stories to help you thrive during this amazing time.
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Click on the STORMS STROLLERS section for more details, and let’s embark on this journey together!
