Exercise Right Month 2025: The greatest motivation comes not from within, but from the people who walk beside us.

This year for Exercise Right Month, we’ve been asked a simple question: Who moves you? Britney, one of our Exercise Physiologists in our Ipswich Clinic answers the question:

We all have moments when motivation feels out of reach – when we’re tired, drained, overwhelmed, and the last thing we want to do is push ourselves. But sometimes, inspiration doesn’t come from within. Sometimes, it comes from the people around us—the ones who unknowingly lift us up, challenge us, and remind us of what we’re capable of.

For me, that person is my friend, Elly.

Our friendship began like many others back in primary school in first grade. It wasn’t until we began swimming at the same club where our friendship developed to what it has become today. I remember the day we trialled for the mini squad. We were exhausted, in tears convinced we had pushed ourselves too hard. But we made a promise to each other that we would come back tomorrow as long as the other did. And so we did. Over the years we progressed through the squads, growing together as friends, athletes and to the people we are today. She wasn’t just my friend but also my training partner who helped motivate me through the 20+ hours of training a week, the highs and lows of sport, school and life. We stressed (and cried sometimes) over assignments but we rarely missed a session. We held each other accountable, knowing that showing up mattered, especially when it was hard.

Swimming is a very competitive sport, and inevitably, we found ourselves being compared to each other by others – our physique, strength, endurance, technique, results and performances constantly being compared. For some, that would create a divide. But for us, it never phased us. There were days when one of us had an incredible race whilst the other struggled. But no matter what the result, we were always in each other’s corner. I will forever remember the first time I qualified for nationwide – she ran down to the pool deck to celebrate with me. Hours later, I was doing the same for her. We were off to our first nationals together. 

Then, two weeks before competition, I was hospitalised and the possibility of being unable to compete became real. When Elly visited me, I could see that she was devastated and mentioned she didn’t want to go without me. Thankfully, I was discharged days before flying out. Certainly not the best preparation however, it was an unforgettable experience. 

In our final year of school, we qualified for Nationals again. This time, for the same event. When the race sheets came out, turns out we were racing side by side. Lining up next to your training partner and best friend. I honestly couldn’t tell you who won the race. What I do remember is the moment once the race was done, getting to share the experience after giving the race everything we had was a special moment. 

In the moment it seemed so insignificant however looking back, it made a huge impact on who I am today. It wasn’t just about the competition but it was what we gave to each other – the commitment, the resilience and the unspoken promise to keep showing up. Although we no longer swim, we still train together. Early mornings and tough sessions in the gym feels like the days of the past. And still, after all these years, Elly continues to move me, reminding me that effort matters, showing up matters, that pushing forward even when its hard, is always worth it.

Who moves you? Find that person. Let them push you to be better. And then, be that person for someone else. Because sometimes, the greatest motivation comes not from within, but from the people who walk beside us. In my case, those who swam next to me and for that I will forever be grateful. 

Author: Britney Summerville, Exercise Physiologist, Hiya Health Labrador

Britney Summerville

Exercise Physiologist

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