Suzie Smith

At the beginning of 2025 I was not in a good place.  My weight was sky high and I was feeling very down and at a loss.

I knew that I could not exercise the weight away while I still indulged in inconsistent eating.  Something had to change and it was definitely my attitude towards food and exercise.  This change in attitude together with the support from my wonderful trainers, I started to make small changes.  A smaller coffee here, low fat dairy there.   Smaller portions and increasing my protein.  But I did this slowly and in the first week I noticed a drop in weight.  Nothing amazing but enough for me to realise that maybe the changes were working. Consistency and paying attention to what I was eating were starting to pay off.

Each week, I would set goals, filling in my food diary and turning up to my sessions.  My trainers noticed my change in attitude and we started to mix things up a bit.  Different exercises which challenged me.  And slowly the weight continued to fall off.

In September, my trainers convinced me it would be a good idea to join in the Lean for Life Challenge.  I have participated in challenges in the past and had always, without exception, given up after a couple of weeks as it all seemed too hard.  But this time, I was determined to make it to the end.  I attended the seminars and also the group exercises and really enjoyed myself.  If I had not had the support of my trainers, I don’t think I could have made it to the end.  But at all times, they were there, cheering me on and supporting me when I had a mid-challenge wobble. After 9 weeks, I was shocked to learn that I had not only lost 4.8 kilos but also I was the female winner of the challenge.  

Since February this year I have lost nearly 15 kilos.  I have discovered the other side of my wardrobe and it feels amazing. The things I have learned this year from this weight loss?  I could not have done it alone.  Having the support of my trainers was essential.  Also, consistency in food and exercise.  Plus I am now running, well, sort of, but I am having a go and really enjoying it.  In the end, I think it was finally turning up for myself as no one else was going to do it.