HOW many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror and felt completely helpless about what you see? A little extra weight in the middle, too much on the thighs, and where did that behind come from? When did you lose control? <@$p>All is not lost ladies - there’s one woman who’s made it her mission to help you get it back. “Your weight and health are in your hands,” says personal trainer and owner of Heart Core Fitness, Jenille Deveson-Smith. “There are enough hazards in day-to-day life that are out of our control. I want to encourage women - mothers, daughters, grandmothers - to take control of their health so they can be there for the long term for the people who need them.”

Recognising a local demand, and confident in her physical ability, Mrs. Deveson-Smith started Heart Core Fitness, outdoor fitness for women, and has been officially training for a year now.

Her programmes focus on strengthening the core of the body through Pilates and yoga inspired exercises, because she feels the components of the core are essential to physical strength: “Once your core is strong we move onto cardio and body sculpting with weights.”

Why only women?

“Because I am a woman,” she says, simply. “I admire women - I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by some incredibly intelligent and strong women.

“And I know what issues like weight and body image can take away from a woman’s strength. I understand the struggles women go through with identity and self-confidence.

“If you don’t feel you’re the best you can be, and in the best condition you can be, it can wear on your self-esteem and generally how you see yourself.”

In concordance with physical work, Mrs. Deveson-Smith aims to understand each individual - their body type and eating habits - in an attempt to educate them on the small changes they can make in their lifestyles to facilitate their goals.

Having always had a keen interest in fitness and a constant desire to learn more about exercise physiology, it came as no surprise to her family when she decided to pursue fitness as a career.

“As the years went by I realised I’m actually quite knowledgeable on the subject and not only that, it had become a passion of mine,” she says. “Once I had that clarity the rest was easy.”

In order to attain her Personal Training/Personal Fitness Certification, Mrs. Deveson-Smith took the American Aerobic Association and International Sports Medicine course and exam.

“I was fortunate to have the guidance of Marie Beach, one of the Island’s fitness and health experts to guide me through the course,” she adds.

Admittedly, it took her two years: “I attempted to take the course last year but I think I was perhaps a little arrogant in my assumption ‘that I already knew everything’.

“I retook the course this year and attacked it with humility and determination. Humility and determination are a great team. I passed the exam last February.”

Although her near perfectly sculpted physique may seem intimidating, don’t let the muscles fool you.

“I’ve been there,” she admits of the struggle with body image most women face daily.

In 2004, Mrs. Deveson-Smith gave birth to her first daughter, Eden, and had gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy.

Through hard work and determination, she was able to lose 50 of those and soon friends and strangers flocked to her, dying to know her secret, and she willingly shares the emotional and life changing experience.

“Every part of my body grew exponentially,” she recalls. “I went from having a flat stomach to having rolls - I almost felt defeated. But I made up my mind to recover and I was amazed and proud to find that it was possible.”

She continues: “Some women have a hard time recognising themselves after they’ve gone through childbirth. I want women to embrace the victory of it and recover with a healthy attitude and grace.”

Additionally, Mrs. Deveson-Smith places a great deal of importance on women taking back their health by helping them fight disease such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

“I enjoy educating people on not only how to do a ‘proper squat’ or ‘lunge’, but on how to maintain a state of health through nutrition and exercise,” she says. “Sometimes people don’t know how to make the correct or healthiest choices - I try to give them the knowledge and encouragement they need.”

Unfortunately, in a world where air brushed models and wafer-thin actresses are commonplace, optimum health is the last thing on her clients’ minds.

“Women seem to be concerned about two things when they come to me for training - their stomach or their thighs,” Mrs. Deveson-Smith concedes. “ ‘How can I get rid of this ‘spare tire’?’, ‘I need to attack these ‘thunder thighs’. I, personally, would like to discard these terms.

“I believe that in order to attain any strength you must strengthen your core first (your core consists of any part of your body from the base of your neck to the top of your thighs).

“I try to encourage women, no matter what shape or size, to love themselves first before they try to change themselves. Because when you love yourself, the true commitment to change materialises.”

She continues: “A lot of women get caught up in the ‘caregiver’ role and forget that they need to take care of themselves as well. As a result they sacrifice themselves for the well being of others,” she muses.

“Women, please know that there is such a thing as too much sacrifice. Make time for yourself - If you are not content with yourself it is so much harder to help others.”

Take her as a shining example, a beacon of hope, not just another skinny trainer in spandex barking instructions - because for Mrs. Deveson-Smith it’s more than just about helping you lose weight.

“I love to see the results. Not just the physical results,” she says. “Weight loss brings on a whole personality change. It brings on confidence, satisfaction, and motivation, in all areas of your life. It is a great accomplishment.”

For more information on Heart Core Fitness and to get involved, contact Mrs. Deveson-Smith at jenille.smith@gmail.com.