Success Stories and Reviews
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Join hundreds of women in midlife who now feel fit, strong and great in their clothes.
" What I like most is that it’s simple and realistic. There’s no extreme dieting or feeling like you’re being punished.
One of the things I appreciate most is that there’s no calorie tracking, no weighing of food, and no pressure to step on the scales. For me, that makes the programme feel incredibly freeing. The focus is on building healthy habits and feeling better, rather than obsessing over numbers.
Since starting, I’ve noticed a real difference in both my body and my mindset. I feel stronger, my clothes are fitting more comfortably, and I feel calmer and clearer in my head. My body feels firmer and more capable, and I have much more energy than I did a few months ago.
One of the biggest advantages for me is how convenient it is. Whether I’m in Ireland, France, or travelling, I can still follow the programme and stay consistent.
Jessica has created a supportive community for women over 40 where the emphasis is on consistency rather than perfection.
I’m delighted I joined Thrive . Four months in, I feel healthier, stronger and more positive, and for the first time in a long time I feel like I’ve found an approach that I can maintain for the long term. I'm not leaving this group #Thriver for life. "
- mary MOLLOY
''I spent the first few months laughing at myself because I was so uncoordinated and was so unfamiliar with the names of the exercises in the workout . I joined Thrive Academy as a 63 year woman with a focus on getting fit and strong while building my mobility. I had never worked out or lifted weights before so it is a great win that my coordination has improved and I am lifting weights . I can also see the results in my overall wellbeing and the shape of my body. The Thrive mind and breathing exercises enable me to take time out for myself . I feel great ! I strongly believe that the aim to empower women to be kind to ourselves to get fit and healthy and reject the negative diet culture is the way to go. I am a positive person which has helped build my resolve . Drawing strength and motivation from the powerful women in the group has been a game changer. Jessica, Mary and Trisha make it seem easy but their down to earth approach has helped build a powerful , energetic, fun loving women's network who care for and encourage each other" .
- MAGGIE O'RiaDA
"Joining Thrive Academy was a great decision. I love the convenience and simplicity of it. I’ve learned simple tools to deal with stress and calm my thoughts. By sticking to the process of Physical Activity, Accountability, Hydration, Mental Health and Self Care, I have grown healthy, happy habits by committing to simple daily actions. There’s no weighing scales, no ‘bad’ foods and yet over the past 10 months my favourite dresses fit with ease.
Although the Coaching is online, there’s nothing remote about it. I really feel part of the group. We can all relate to each other’s struggles- there’s no judgement, only support- and joy for our wins. Thrive Academy is a game changer for me".
- mary O'Dwyer
"Thrive Academy is brilliant! Workouts are challenging and fun but there is so much more to gain from this online space for mind, body and soul. You'll get amazing support from Jessica, and from the wonderful tribe of like-minded 'Thrivers'.
Being part of the program has made my life so much easier. Stress has reduced and I make more room now for the things that really matter. My health issues have dramatically improved and I have greater energy, strength and agility. I now feel better able to do the things I love like travel, walking, sea swimming and getting out in nature. I work out three times a week and walk almost every day. Being fit and healthy enough to live your best life is everything! Highly recommended!"
- Riona Egan
"At the start, I struggled with consistency, low energy, and lack of motivation. I felt overwhelmed trying to balance fitness with work and personal responsibilities. I still had a ‘f* it’ mentality if I couldn’t do things perfectly.
The biggest change is just consistency. I'm learning to let go of perfection and do what I can. I want to move, I want to be active, I want to look after my body—and I’ve learnt (still learning) to prioritise that.
I feel calmer, mentally stronger, and a sense of determination. I feel less focused on my body size and shape, and instead building strength and resilience for the future.
Jessica has founded a fabulous group of women who provide so many words of support, kind words and guidance. It’s such a good feeling to not feel alone".
- krysia LUCUK
"My results have mainly been a feeling of strength, both physical and mental. My clothes fit better which is always a plus and one big achievement is the fact that I can now do full pushups. This is big for me as I had never been able to do them before and it’s one move that I had been told I’d probably never do again after my double mastectomy. But most importantly I am feeling mentally more resilient, more self-aware and assured and so much less anxious than I have for the past few years. "
- ceara belviso
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"Joining Thrive Academy was a great decision. I love the convenience and simplicity of it.
I never thought I could be a morning exercise person but I really enjoy it now and feel so good afterwards — such a great feeling. It has given me back my love for being active and working out and the great feeling afterwards despite being utterly tired beforehand. Life is still very busy but I feel I am not coming last for everything anymore and make time for myself — it makes me a better version of myself. I feel more like the old me and enjoy all the movement. It’s very easy to feel safe and looked after here — no judgments, only wonderful support for one another".
- VANESSA LILLIS
Thrive Academy has helped me bring exercise back in to my life, the format allows me to workout 3 times a week at a time that suits me. I was so overwhelmed and couldn’t think straight, I found it hard to sit still, but, thanks to Jessica’s support, I created a wonderful morning routine, of a workout, thrive mind, journaling and grounding habit which is helping me be better and do better in all areas of my life. Jessica works really hard to make the program achievable and real for everyone, she keeps me accountable and always knows when I need a gentle nudge after a misstep.
1 and a half years later I can honestly say, it was the best decision. At 48, I’m stronger, more active and more accepting of myself and the many changes that my body has undergone. I can lift weights and do pushups without thought!
Jessica is not only a great fitness coach but also a kind, caring and compassionate coach who’s goal is to help one woman at a time, but she managed to bring an amazing group together and we to do better because she shines a light on the way.
- marcella Killoury
"I had the good fortune of coming across Jessica Cooke on Facebook. I loved her story, her material, and especially her honesty about her own struggles with anxiety, self-sabotage, comfort eating, and more. At first, I was afraid to join due to self-limiting beliefs about technology, but my friend Annette reassured me it was easy to navigate, so I joined—and a wonderful new life began.
Jessica has taught me to break the ingrained beliefs that were tattooed onto my brain. I now follow the PAHMS plan every day, and I’m stronger than ever—physically and mentally! I’m kinder to my mind, and I've worked through so much in my life since joining. The Thriver Group is pure love, and we hold each other by the hand every day. If you join, you’re in safe hands with Jessica and the group."
mary T. Lane
"Jessica’s workouts just clicked. They are not overwhelming or scary, you get the feeling from the beginning that you are not alone, there is a wider group of women who feel exactly the same as you.
I have been surprised and amazed at how easy it has been to be consistent, it’s totally achievable. I have gone from being able to do literally only 1 press up to being able to do multiple sets and am so proud of myself. I highly recommend Jessica’s Thrive Program to anyone who is struggling to make a decision about where to start with getting fit after 40."
- Andrea Kerr
"Now I've more energy and I feel fantastic. I can really see the benefit of online training. I no longer worry about my fitness. I used to be so stiff and tired all the time. I'm not dreading the next 'roundy' birthday, I'm going to look forward to the fact that for a "woman of that age" I'm doing all right."
- Isabella Coffey
"I now feel less anxious for the most part and my health has improved. I now feel so much happier and am so aware of where my mental health is at at any given time.
I acknowledge I sometimes fall back in to old habits however all the encouragement from Jessica and tribe get me back on track .I am probably one of Jessica’s older clients that being said I never in my wildest dreams thought I would workout consistently and lift weights."
ANNETTE BURKE
"As a result of Jessica's material, I've completely "flipped" my thinking! Now I am being proactive - first thing every morning I do Thrive Time... . Here I focus in on my affirmation for the day. I write out my action steps and the positive spin off from that has ..... for the first time in my life..... helped me so much to focus on my achievements only and gain confidence in my self .... I now believe I CAN do this!! My self-belief has risen, my confidence has increased and each day I have my clear plan for the day, with my affirmation to bring to mind. It does really inspire me!''
mary t lane
"I’d never having done anything online at home before.
I'm feeling fitter, stronger physically and calmer in myself. The biggest change to my life has been a consistent start to my day with the workouts and the individual and group coaching has been wonderful."
- Rosemarie Casserly
"I'm someone who struggled to commit to gyms or other classes regularly – I would attack it like a demon for a month or two but if I’d miss a few sessions I would find it impossible to restart. Thrive Academy is the only fitness program I’ve ever stuck at long term and that is because its simple to start and it does not take too long out of the day. Also the regular check ins with Jessica and the support from the group generally keep me accountable. "
- ann roddy
'' I have found it easy to cut back on my treats/wine/junk because I actually find I don't crave them as much.
I am learning to journal (a huge struggle at the start) and seeing the huge benefits of having focus back in my days... my clothes are fitting better and I'm feeling more confident in my own skin. I have attended some marvellous and inspiring online workshops, coffee mornings, live chats that have both inspired AND challenged me.'..ALL OF THIS IN MY OWN HOME. I would never be able to access so much learning, in such an easy way if it wasn't for this group.''
- margaret mc cluseky
"First of all, I actually feel so much more fit and happy in my body. I feel like I’m getting stronger, I actually feel my arms are less flabby looking (yes, the bingo wings are getting addressed). I feel like the post workout pain is much lessened. I could never do a press up and now I can do several in a row. In fact I feel more fit now than I was 10 years ago."
- marguerite fallon
"I’m consistently walking & working out."
- mary breslin
I LOVE being a part of this amazing online community. I can safely say that I never thought I would put the words ‘online’ and ‘pleasure’ in the same sentence. Doing the workouts at home is really convenient. Weekly check-ins with Jessica and other group members along with the different social ‘outings’ have really made me feel like part of a community...
I have a plan, with goals and Jessica supplies the tools, support, and encouragement to keep it up. My fitness levels have improved enormously- I don’t get out of breath as quickly and I’m sleeping better and less tired than I was. "
- claire o'connell
"Physically , my body is more toned and I don't feel sluggish and bloated. My clothes are fitting better too which is a great result.
My big results are my mental health is much better, I feel lighter and my body has toned up. I have come a very long way and this is down to the routine which I have put in place since joining Thrive Academy.
the way I keep focused is with the weekly group coaching calls with Jessica, and the motivation and from other members. It's always great to tune into the post workout feeling and remember how good it is, this is a great motivator to keep focused."
- rosaleen carr
"My name is Joanna Fitzpatrick and I have been with Jessica for 5 years.
Thrive Academy has changed my eating habits, exercise ability and attitude forever in such a positive way."
- joanna fitzpatrick
"I feel so much fitter both physically and mentally.
Working out has become a part of my everyday life. I don't feel it's a chore at all.
The support I get from the whole team at Thrive is what keeps me going.
Previously I would have great intentions but the business of life would take over. I have since learned to prioritise my workouts and check ins and everything else will fall in place."
- gillian shaw
