I decided to take the 12-week body blitz challenge after finding I was hiding in baggy clothes. I’ve always been happy with the way I looked, until I had a photo taken and realised I can’t go on like this. I was eating a block of chocolate twice a week and a big bag of salt and vinegar chips. There was never a day that I didn’t have my junk food. I started to try and get myself into exercise but I would always have an excuse..I’m too tired from work…I have a headache…it’s cold outside. I recently got engaged and didn’t want to be a frumpy bride so I decided that this was my one chance to get fit, healthy and tone up.

While waiting in the beauty salon I flicked through a copy of Women’s Health and fitness and saw the Body Blitz winners. I read an article by Anne Hatfield and decided to get in contact with her. I was a bit apprehensive. At first, I knew what I was like with exercise and was afraid that I couldn’t do it and I would back out. Anne wrote a program for me and started me on eating healthy allowing me a “treat day” once a week.

The first weeks were the hardest. My body was adjusting to the healthy eating and my body ached. I was running in the mornings and seeing Anne at night for 1 hour sessions three times a week and doing a boot-camp two days a week. I didn’t really notice a difference in my weight loss in the first few weeks.  Five weeks into the Challenge though, I developed severe shin splints which meant I had to stop running and limited me in my sessions. Anne modified the program and I went to the physio to get orthotics and I am now back running.  I really started to notice the difference about 6 weeks into my program; my once baggy clothes that I was hiding in were being replaced by tighter ones to show off my new figure.  After 12 weeks, I have achieved my goal. I am now able to fit comfortably into a size 10 with out the ‘muffin-top look.”

I am now more confident within myself. I will definitely not be the ‘frumpy bride’ at my wedding.  I have so much more energy and I am looking forward to seeing the photos on my wedding day!