A while back I contacted my old gym in Darwin to ask if they kept the records of my body measurements that were taken when I joined and they did which was great because at that time I didn’t think to do so.
Whilst chatting with them about my “weight loss journey” they asked if I would be happy to answer some questions which they might publish for their members so I thought I would share my answers here. I’m not sure if/when my answers will be published.
What inspired you to start?
I had started going to aqua fitness with my friend Jenna for a couple of months before but wasn’t really committed to a big long term weight loss. Then Christmas 2016 I flew home to the UK where I am from, for Christmas and went shopping with my mum at a shopping centre. The next day I woke up and my back was so painful I had to cancel a much wanted trip to visit one of my best friends. I knew then I needed to do something so when I came back to Darwin I began working on my food and on 2 February 2017 joined the gym and I have not looked back.
What activities and / or eating plan you were following?
I currently work out with weights 3 days a week followed by 30 minutes of cardio. On Saturdays I try and get to Park Run or will do 60 minutes of cardio. My exercise and diet plans are put together by my Trainer Felicity Neale who I work with remotely as she lives and works in Sydney.
What benefits have you seen?
I have dropped 7 dress sizes so far (and 50kg) which has been fantastic but I have also enjoyed being able to be active every day. I feel so much better and full of energy and willing to just get out there. I love walking/hiking and have been able to find raise for a few charities through sponsored walks the last couple of years. I also participated in the Gold Run which was a 5km run at the commonwealth games and received my own medal!
What challenge/ goals are you working on at the moment?
I am still working on loosing another 5-10kg in weight and to drop my body fat percentage down. To do this I am working on building strength and gain lean muscle which will help to boost my metabolism and burn fat as well. Long term I am planning on a “tummy tuck” style operation to remove the excess skin which will help get me so much closer to my goal.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about getting started?
It’s a bit of a cliche but small changes really do add up to big differences. I started working on my diet first because that had to be right or at least better than it was and then when I was ready I joined the gym. I’d also really recommend strength training. Starting to work with weights was/can be intimidating but that is really where I have seen the big changes happening. Also keep track of your measurements and take photos regularly when you reach milestones it is great to look back and see how far you’ve come, especially on days when you really don’t want to go to the gym!
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