Grief helps mum accomplish goals

Tara Oliver has turned to exercise to help deal with the heartbreak of losing her young son and is inspiring those around her at the Eaton Recreation Centre.

The Glen Iris mother lost her son in May last year, after the 17-month old contracted pneumonia due to complications he experienced from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (a lack of oxygen and blood deprivation).

Mrs Oliver said the gym had helped her deal with the grief of losing her son at such a young age.

“The gym is always there and it has helped me learn to move forward, ” she said.

“The gym gives me something to do and gives me another purpose.

“My other son and work give me purpose.”

Mrs Oliver has seen her attitude and body change dramatically since taking on a strict exercise regime, which has her at the Eaton Recreation Centre up to four days a week.

“I have lost about 12kg and lots of centimetres, ” she said.

“I have gained fitness with increased muscle tone and endurance.

“I find on weeks I’m really busy and can’t make the gym, I feel rundown with less energy, things just seem harder.”

Eaton Recreation Centre operations manager Ben Jordan said Tara’s journey and achievements should provide inspiration to others who struggled to put their health and fitness first.

Mrs Oliver said she encouraged anyone else dealing with hardships to get more involved in exercise.