Please tell us about your background.
My background is a unique blend of two distinct but equally meaningful paths: a teaching career and deep involvement in my family's well-known business in Ireland, which has spanned generations. These dual pursuits have not only enriched my life but have also taught me valuable lessons in leadership, education, enterprise and the importance of community. For three decades, I dedicated my time to the field of education, nurturing the minds of young individuals and helping them shape their futures. It was a fulfilling journey, and I cherished the opportunity to make a positive impact on countless lives. Outside of the classroom, my heart has always been drawn to the simple joys of life. I found solace in long walks and the tranquillity of gardening. These activities allowed me to connect with nature and provided a sense of balance in my life. Unfortunately, a debilitating flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis and a battle with breast cancer threw unexpected challenges my way, forcing me to re-evaluate my approach to fitness and mobility. My quest to find alternative solutions led me to Innerva and power-assisted exercise. These innovative approaches have not only offered me a way to recover some of the mobility I lost but have also empowered me to continue doing what I love for longer. They've become a critical part of my journey to maintaining my wellbeing and independence. Through this unique combination of experiences in education, business, and the lessons learned from personal health challenges, I've come to appreciate resilience and the importance of adaptability. My background has shaped me into someone who values both tradition and innovation, education and personal growth, and who seeks to make the most of life's opportunities, no matter the obstacles in the way.

 How did the Hello Goodlife Wellbeing brand take shape?
It emerged from a powerful fusion of ideas centered around the notion of saying hello to a better life by prioritising one's health and wellbeing. At its core, "Hello Goodlife" believes in embracing a positive, fulfilling life by actively engaging in activities that are not just beneficial for physical health but also nurture social and mental wellbeing . The brand's journey started with the recognition that health and wellbeing are not isolated aspects of life but are interconnected, affecting our physical, social, and mental dimensions. "Hello Goodlife" advocates for an integrated approach to wellbeing, where individuals can make meaningful, sustainable changes by saying hello to a healthier lifestyle. Central to this concept is the incorporation of power-assisted exercise, a revolutionary approach to physical fitness that offers numerous advantages. This approach recognises that exercise doesn't have to be strenuous and difficult; it can be empowering and inclusive. Power-assisted exercise technology is designed to assist individuals in achieving their fitness goals, regardless of their current physical condition. It's a way of saying hello to a healthier you by making exercise accessible and enjoyable. Furthermore, the "Hello Goodlife" brand places a strong emphasis on the social aspect of wellbeing . It understands that humans are social creatures and that connecting with others is essential for a fulfilling life. The brand promotes group activities, support networks, and communities that foster social interactions and build lasting relationships. These connections not only enhance physical health but also contribute to mental and emotional wellbeing . Mental health is another integral element of the "Hello Goodlife" philosophy. It acknowledges that true wellbeing extends beyond the physical body and encompasses the mind. The brand encourages mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional support through various wellness practices. By focusing on mental health, "Hello Goodlife" aims to help individuals find a balanced, centered, and happier version of themselves.

How do you manage your busy workload?
I utilise a combination of strategies and a range of digital tools while working from a prioritised work-list to help me stay organised, focused and productive. Also I limit time on social media and set realistic goals and deadlines. I also try to minimise distractions while working and I attend to what I can at the earliest opportunity.

What is involved in Hello GoodLife Wellbeing products?
We supply and distribute the innovative ranges from Innerva UK, known for its cutting-edge power-assisted exercise equipment designed to make physical activity more accessible and effective for a wide range of individuals, regardless of their age or physical condition. We also supply and distribute Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs which offer a holistic and inclusive approach to health and wellbeing . The power-assisted exercise equipment from Innerva UK makes physical activity more accessible, and the Wellbeing Hubs provide a supportive, community-driven environment where individuals can focus on their overall wellbeing . Together, these components aim to empower individuals to lead healthier, happier lives.

How do they benefit a user?
Power-assisted exercise and Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs offer a range of benefits to users, promoting their physical, social, and mental wellbeing . Here's a more detailed description of how these components can enhance the lives of individuals:

Benefits of Power-Assisted Exercise:
1. Accessibility: Power-assisted exercise equipment is designed to be inclusive, allowing individuals with varying levels of mobility to engage in physical activity. It removes many of the barriers that might prevent people from exercising, such as joint pain, muscle weakness, or physical limitations.
2. Improved Physical Health:
• Strength and Endurance: Users can build strength and endurance gradually without straining their muscles or joints, making it suitable for both beginners and those in rehabilitation.
• Cardiovascular Health: Some machines offer low-impact cardio workouts, which are gentle on the heart and joints.
• Flexibility: Power-assisted exercise equipment can assist users in stretching and enhancing flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility.
3. Enhanced Mental Health:
• Stress Reduction: Regular exercise, even with assistance, can reduce stress and anxiety, enhancing mental wellbeing .
• Mood Improvement: Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which can boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
4. Customised Workouts: Users can personalise their exercise routines to match their fitness goals and needs, whether they aim to lose weight, build muscle, or improve overall fitness.
5. Safety: These machines are designed with safety features, reducing the risk of injury during exercise. This reassurance is especially important for users with physical limitations or those recovering from injuries.

Benefits of Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs:
1. Community and Social Support:
• Sense of Belonging: Wellbeing Hubs offer a supportive community where individuals can connect with others who share similar health and fitness goals.
• Accountability: The sense of belonging and the supportive network help users stay accountable to their wellbeing objectives.
2. Holistic Approach:
• Physical wellbeing: Wellbeing Hubs provide access to power-assisted exercise equipment, promoting physical health by making it convenient and enjoyable.
• Social wellbeing: Regular group activities and exercising promote social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing social wellbeing .
• Mental wellbeing: Engaging in social and physical activities in the hubs fosters good mental health and contributes to improvements in overall wellbeing. Power-assisted exercise and Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs work in tandem to empower users in their pursuit of holistic wellbeing.
Power-assisted exercise equipment makes physical activity accessible, while Wellbeing Hubs provide a supportive environment where users can focus on their physical, social, and mental health. Together, these components enhance the lives of individuals, helping them lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

What were the difficulties in launching a brand such as this?
It will take some time to build our profile and explain what is different about power-assisted exercise and its benefits to people in a variety of sectors and settings. The first Hello Goodlife Hub in Ireland will launch in January 2024 and this will enable interested parties to visit and see for themselves and to talk to the people using the hub.

What advice would you give to people with health challenges?
To join a hub and experience the often life changing benefits of regularly exercising with power-assisted equipment which can help to rehabilitate and recover some lost mobility and if possible to strengthen and tone the body to help manage the condition into the future.

Do you have any advice to facilities that are seeking to improve their options to support such people?
Review the science-backed knowledge and information available from Innerva UK regarding regular use and the improvements and benefits to the many different users living with a variety of health challenges. Informed by the science this equipment is designed with these users in mind.

www.hellogoodlife.ie