Life was going at a tremendous pace for Rima. She was working long hours, caring for your young son as well as managing the home.

Work was consuming her and she knew her work-life balance was terribly askew. Although desperate to regain control, she didn’t know where to start. This was when she came across RNT’s 5th anniversary giveaway, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

Through her RNT journey Rima says her life as well as her family’s well-being has greatly improved.

Amazing work Rima!

1. What were the series of moments that led to your “trigger” moment to begin your journey with RNT?

I was working 50-60 hours a week, mother of a 5 year old and was managing the cooking and cleaning in the house.

I felt like I didn’t have any ‘me’ time as my son, husband, work and home were always my priority.

I was so busy, I stopped working out and felt constantly stressed and short of time.

When my niece came to stay with us, she was trying to tell me about her day, and all I could think about was that I needed to go and work. That’s when I realised I didn’t have a healthy work life balance.

At this point, I remembered Akash’s book that sat in my kindle.

I read the book, listened to the podcasts and read all the information on the website.

I started making changes myself - getting my steps, started to weight training and tried to improve my nutrition.

I even changed jobs.

I felt like I’d made massive progress.

But one of my goals (thinking long term) was to build some muscle to protect my joints as my parents both have osteoarthritis.

My husband is also clinically obese and I wanted to improve the health of my family.

I felt I didn’t have the skills to build the right training programme and when I saw the 5th anniversary giveaway, I thought this was the time to prioritise myself.

2. What were your biggest problems before starting RNT?

I would make excuses for why I haven’t exercised or drank enough water. I wouldn’t always have that laser focus so I wouldn’t get the most out of my training.

3. What has the process been like, and the biggest challenges and obstacles?

Having read all the content, the book and listened to the podcasts I felt I knew exactly what I was getting into. There were no surprises as I’d spent 6 months pre RNT getting my 3Ss (structure, strategy and system) in place.

The biggest challenge has been space to store food, working around allergies and not having clothes that fit me and struggling to find things to wear.

Pushing myself when I had low energy during The Grind and especially on the hotter days was tough. As well as things outside my control such as lack of sleep due to having a young child.

4. How has the physical been the vehicle?

Going through the RNT process has made me realise that I am capable of far more than I thought possible.

By stopping with the excuses, using time wisely with the 3Ss in place and having a few clear priorities can help you move forward.

I used to feel constantly stressed through lack of time and now I have more time. Even my hubby commented that I seem less rushed.

My key priorities will always be the same: my health and my family, but every quarter I’d like to reflect on what other things I may want to prioritise; such as writing after completing my chores.

The workout, cardio and walks is ‘me’ time as well and it gives me the mental clarity I need for the day.

5. What almost kept you from joining?

Finances: investing in health and fitness is important, but as I was never ‘huge’ it was hard to justify spending money on me. As a mum and wife I’ve always prioritised my son and husband. I’d also taken a pay cut when I changed jobs.

Winning a partial scholarship allowed me to afford joining RNT without feeling guilty of the impact on my family.