Courtney Hall is a Shire mum, born and raised. She chats to us about how she fell into the fitness industry and found herself amidst raising a baby on her own.
Where and how long have you lived in the Sutherland Shire and what do you love about it?
I’m a born and bred Aussie who has always called the Shire home. I grew up in Sylvania and now live in Engadine. I truly love calling this place home because I find Engadine provides a nice community feel.
Tell us about yourself and your family:
I am a positive, bubbly, and outgoing Mum, who genuinely cares about empowering women to find their most confident, powerful, and sexy selves.
I have a beautiful young son named Damon, who is the light of my life.
When Damon was less than 6 months old, I unexpectedly became a single mum.
This led me on a journey of self-discovery… of who I was as a woman, a mother, a person.
Through this experience, I found my true inner strength. I had to work out who I wanted to be, show up as, and become the best version of myself for me, my child, and others around me.
This is one of the main reasons why I am so passionate about helping busy mums find their self-love, self-care leading to self-worth and inner beauty.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Pre-COVID it was madness!! Working 6 days a week, most days we were up and out the door at 6:45am to get Damon to care and get myself to work. During lockdown, it was PJs, home-schooling, online zoom classes and bike rides around the block.
More recently I have focused on streamlining my work and building my business so that I can be there for my son more. I can now drop and pick him up from school each day, teach classes, clients, and work within school hours. It’s certainly not easy doing it all on your own, but all those cuddles make it worth it!
Once home, it’s homework, chill out, maybe a little dance party, night routine and he is off to bed. I then become a domestic goddess!! and once those duties are done, either Netflix, computer work or a bit of downtime for this mumma.
Favourite park and why:
Love Cooper St park in Engadine for the great big scooter and bike track.
Favourite thing to do with your bubs/kiddies and why:
Dance Parties!!!! My son and I love to put music videos on the TV and bust out our crazy, fun dance moves together like no one is watching. Why? Because why not! Dancing is freeing and fun, and laughter is one of the best forms of medicine you’ll ever find.
Favourite restaurant or favourite night-spot and why:
We love going to Big Mexican Rancho in Gymea Bay, if you like Mexican food, you can’t beat it. The Hats, the décor, the music, and the family-friendly setting make it a relaxed, fun environment when taking kids out to dinner.
What do you like to do when you have time to yourself:
I really enjoy socialising, catching up with friends and dinner nights out. I also enjoy anything active- bushwalks, the beach, or going dancing, as I have danced my whole life and love Latin and salsa.
Work or SAHM (Stay at Home Mum):
I am the founder and owner of The Pilates Vault, a place where a holistic lifestyle approach to balance your mind, body, and soul is encouraged! This is achieved through body education, physical movement, holistic counselling, wholefood nutrition and mindset meditation.
The Pilates Vault has everything you need to exercise at home. No matter how you feel there is always a class in the Vault for you! Offering Pilates, Yoga, fitness and healing that is affordable, achievable and enjoyable!
My classes and online programs are designed for busy mums and women, giving you the freedom to workout anywhere, at any time. Catering for all levels and abilities, my goal is to have you feeling empowered, supported and motivated whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro’ or anywhere in between.
I also run Private Pilates sessions from my studio in Engadine, if you’re looking for more support and guidance you could always try one of my signature Transformative sessions- a beautiful mix of movement, mindset, and healing. With over a decade’s worth of experience, working with thousands of women and specialising with mums rebuilding their bodies post-baby. I can hand-on-heart say I have found my true passion in life!
Motherly advice on how to stay sane:
My go-to was always alcohol! And hey, what mum doesn’t deserve a drink right!?
However, I realised there was a better way, one that served me fully, kept me healthy and therefore sane haha! So, I gave up alcohol completely and turned to practicing holistic self-care. Positive self-talk, affirmations, a good healthy routine- sleep, exercise, nutrition. No deprivation, just everything in moderation, and practice finding joy!
Funny mum moment:
When Damon was about 4, he discovered a wonderful new word… SHIT! I went through the motherly process of explaining to him that was a bad word and we do NOT say that, which thankfully he understood. He understood SO well that the following day he went to daycare and proceeded to tell all his friends that “‘Shit’ is a bad word and we do not say that.” This carried on all week until I had another mum ring me and inform me of the education that Damon had been sharing. Failed mum moment!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Generally, I’m all about the hot chips, chicken salt and gravy!
What makes you lose your shit?
Rude people!!! And lack of manners. Especially those people who don’t give you the courtesy wave in the car when you let them in.
What’s something not many people know about you?
The reason I got into the health and fitness industry was by chance, when I was professionally dancing at the age of 20, I suffered a lower back injury which stopped my dancing career. It was through the rehab process I discovered my love and passion for Pilates and what wonders it can do for the body. It brought me back from the brink and I then started my fitness career and went on to specialise in Pilates, rehab and many more modalities.
What’s the best product/service you can recommend since becoming a mum? (for baby/kids or you)
Angie’s Family Day Care service. I was forced back into work quite quickly after having my son, and as many of you might know, having to leave your little one in someone else’s care can be daunting. Angie was highly recommended. What I discovered, though, was she was more than just a family daycare worker. She was an exceptional second mother-like figure to my son! They say it takes a village to raise a child and she is someone you want in your village without a doubt.
What’s your “can’t live without” beauty product?
My newfound love is Eco Tan Face Water. Wow, it’s a game-changer. I have super sensitive skin on my face (can break out from sunscreen) as a result I don’t wear makeup, so this is perfect!
What is the greatest challenge you have faced since becoming a mum?
Well, if you’ve read this far, you might think that’s an obvious one- becoming a single mum so early in the piece. Yes, it was super challenging, of course, however, I never doubted myself or that I could make it on my own. Being mum, dad, breadwinner, household-runner and more has its challenges.
The greatest challenge for me, however, came through understanding I needed to heal myself, build my self-esteem, let go of what does not serve me and be grateful for what I have. Understand, accept, and forgive so that I could move forward and be the mother I felt I wanted to be, whilst literally learning how to be a mother at the same time.
Would you like to share your local #mumlife with us like Courtney?
If you would like to feature as our next ‘Local Mum’ we would love to hear from you! Please tell us about yourself here.
