Scoliosis, Strength & Style: My Life with a Curved Spine

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, and this year, I wanted to share something a bit more personal — my journey living (and thriving!) with scoliosis.

🌀 A Curved Spine, a Straight Path Forward

I wasn’t formally diagnosed with scoliosis until later in life — in fact, I only realised I had it when my daughter was diagnosed at 13. That moment opened the door to a family pattern we hadn’t noticed: scoliosis on the maternal line going back generations.

My teenage years and early adulthood were filled with sport — rugby and jiu-jitsu, full-on contact stuff. No pain, no problem. But as I entered my 40s, niggles in my hips and knees turned into chronic pain, particularly after I took up long-distance running. Post-half marathon, my knees were wrecked. One osteopath even called me "a structural disaster." Ouch.

She never mentioned scoliosis — just left me with the label and no guidance. But instead of giving up, I turned inward. I changed how I trained, switched careers, and became a personal trainer so I could understand, adapt and guide others — especially women like me, navigating changes after 50.

💪 Strength Training, Adapted for Me

Bodybuilding became my next chapter. Not just to compete, but to learn. To explore how strength can be built, even with limitations. I found ways to train around my scoliosis — no heavy squats, no deadlifts, no twisting movements. I focused on balance, posture, and body awareness. The aim? Stay upright, stay pain-free, and feel fabulous.

Every lift I do now is intentional. Every movement is adapted. And that mindset is what I bring to my clients — we don’t chase perfect. We chase possible.

💃 Style and Strength Can Co-Exist

Scoliosis hasn’t taken away my love of standing tall and feeling stylish. I’ve walked bodybuilding stages and catwalks — and I do it to show that a curved spine doesn’t have to curve your confidence.

My motto is simple: “We do what we can, with what we have, and we make it work.” I train, move and dress with the intention of feeling good in my skin, because confidence doesn’t come from being pain-free — it comes from owning who you are.

📣 Want to know more about training with scoliosis?

I’m always happy to chat. If you’ve been diagnosed later in life, or are just realising you might have a curve in your spine, I’m here to support, guide, and help you stay strong.

🧭 Book a free consultation

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