Building Strength, Building You

Hi, my name is Joanne Thornton, but most people know me as “Jo”. I’m 27 years old and the founder of Thornton Physiques Online Coaching. If you spend any time in Hillcrest, there’s a good chance you’ve seen me grabbing a coffee with my cream dachshund, Ollie.
My love for fitness and health started over 10 years ago. Back then, I walked into the gym feeling intimidated and unsure of where to start, but deep down, I knew it was where I was meant to be. Fitness gave me confidence, purpose, community and healing. My goal is to help other people discover what movement can do for them beyond just physical results.

Over the years, fitness has become so much more than just exercise. I developed a passion for lifting weights, building my body and learning everything I could about health and nutrition. At one point in my life, I felt stuck and uncomfortable in my own body. I know firsthand what it feels like to lack confidence and not know where to begin. That experience sparked something in me. I spent countless hours researching, learning and eventually became a certified nutrition coach. What started as a journey to understand my body became a purpose-driven path to helping others transform theirs too.
For me, the gym has never just been about aesthetics. It became a place where I found peace. On stressful days, I would walk into the gym and leave feeling lighter, calmer and refreshed. When I lost my twin brother almost a year ago, that space became even more meaningful. It gave me something to hold onto during one of the most difficult seasons of my life, helping me process grief, clear my mind and keep moving forward one day at a time. Looking back, I truly believe fitness carried me through that loss mentally and emotionally and continues to do so.
One of the things I’ve grown to love most is weight training and what it does for both the body and mind. Yes, it helps you build strength and improve your physique, but the benefits go far beyond that. It improves posture, supports long-term health, boosts confidence and builds discipline in a way that carries into every area of life.
Another thing I love about the fitness industry is the people. There’s something special about it. Strangers become familiar faces, you start to greet people you’ve never spoken to before, and over time it feels like a community all quietly working on becoming better versions of themselves.
These days I’m proudly a 5 a.m. club girly. You’ll usually find me waking up before sunrise, having my almond milk coffee and heading to the gym to start my day doing something I genuinely love. Moving my body first thing in the morning sets the tone for everything that follows.
I know not everyone loves the gym, and that’s okay. My biggest piece of advice is to find movement that works for you. Exercise should never feel like punishment. Whether it’s lifting weights, running, dancing, swimming, hiking or simply going for a walk outside in fresh air, find something that makes you feel good and do more of it.
My approach is built around sustainability. I believe fitness should enhance your life, not consume it. Rather than quick fixes, I focus on education, accountability and building habits that last long after a programme ends. Real life includes family dinners, holidays and busy schedules, and I teach my clients how to make progress while still enjoying those special moments. Balance is important.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: stop focusing so much on changing your body and start focusing on what your body can do. Our body is a gift. The confidence, strength and resilience you gain along the way will always be worth far more than any number on a scale.

Starting your fitness journey doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple and focus on consistency.
Master the basics: You don’t need a perfect plan; start by building simple, repeatable habits first.
Move daily: Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement a day, whether that’s walking, training, stretching or anything else that gets you active.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water daily supports energy, performance, recovery and overall wellbeing.
Prioritise balanced nutrition: Focus on protein, carbs and veggies. Protein supports muscle repair and keeps you fuller for longer, carbs fuel your training and daily energy and vegetables provide key vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Listen to your body: Rest is part of progress. If you need a recovery day, take it without guilt.

Winter Wellness Treats

One thing helping me get through the colder mornings lately is my current obsession: chocolate baked oats.
They’re warm, packed with protein and honestly feel like dessert for breakfast (I have a big sweet tooth).

Ingredients
30g oats
Pinch of salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
30g NPL Whey Platinum Plus
5g honey
80ml almond/low-fat milk
Cinnamon

Method
Mix all the ingredients together and pour into an oven-safe dish.
Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.

Ingredients
For the chocolate drizzle topping
10g peanut butter
5g cocoa powder
15ml almond/low-fat milk

Method
Microwave the ingredients for 15 seconds and stir until a smooth chocolate paste forms.
For extra sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or top with your favourite fruit or a spoonful of low-fat yoghurt.

Delish! You have a high-protein breakfast.

Words: Joanne Thornton

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Photo Credit: Kyran Aldworth