Here is Kara doing a 55kg back squat during Winter Buddies Week 1 testing. What a champion! Kara has been strength training for the last 4 years and has built up her strength and an understanding of what her body needs. She listens while lifting, not only getting great results, but also keeping herself and bub (Pippa) safe.

Nice spotting too, by new lifter Kyra!

Pregnant lady doing squats that were 15kg under her all-time PB, new lifters looking like professionals and mentors pumping eachother up to hit their maxes were all part of Week 1 of 2018 Winter Buddies.

We have smaller groups for more individual feedback but still the saem great vibe!

Our new lifters are taking to the back squat and floor press like ducks to water, and our mentors are polishing their skills to shining!

Here is new lifter Kyra performing a sub-max floor press, with mentor Kara (24 weeks pregnant).

Kali, Paras and Ashlea are proof that consistent training builds strong bodies and minds, regardless of whether you have a Y chromosome or not.

Sis has got your back!

Paras reprimands mum Ang for making Kali laugh at the top of a heavy press.

Thank you all for your commitment in the Winter Buddies programs. Mentors, your showcase of proper technique every week gave your Buddies a running start. Buddies, your commitment and willingness to learn is outstanding. To those mentors who weren't well enough to come today, your buddies did you proud and are grateful for all the help you've given them.

For those who will keep training with me, thank you for continuing to trust me with your physical development.

For those that will move on to new adventures, please keep connected - I hope that everyone keeps in touch, and you keep sharing your new lifting ventures in this group chat.

Once Winter Buddies, always Winter Buddies!

Missing: Megan Lewis - Mentor to Liz Mitchell