Anyone can change
The reason I like to tell my story is because I am no one special - I'm a mum, a wife, a person no different to any other 41-year-old woman. If I can do this then they can too. In December 2005 I was walking past a local store and noticed my reflection in the glass window. I wondered to myself, "Who is that person?" Surely, that couldn't have been me! I saw an extremely obese and out of shape woman. It was hard for me to accept that this was the woman that I had become! I said to myself and to my family: "2006 is going to be different - it's my turn and it's going to be all about me!"The importance of exercise
I had tried to lose weight several different times in my life and had even succeeded in losing a few pounds, but I always gained it back and then some! I knew if I was going to be successful this time, I had to include exercise in my new lifestyle. I started with simply walking. I was too intimidated to go to the gym. I wasn't sure how I would be viewed. However, by February 2006 after only one month of eating healthier and walking at least three days a week, I was down 14lbs and 8 inches. I was on cloud nine! By March I had lost another 11lbs and another 9.5 inches and only 90 days into my new lifestyle I totalled 38lbs and 31.50 inches. I was doing it. I then had the confidence to try out a real gym! In July I joined Gold's Gym. I found a new love - exercising. I couldn't get enough of going to Les Mills™ classes.
A new healthy lifestyle
Losing weight and becoming fit has changed everything in my life. Working out and eating healthily is a new way of living for me. I'm in the gym at least four to five days a week. I enjoy early morning classes so I can continue to burn those calories all day long! My life has improved because I feel better about myself. I'm happier. I feel like the Denice I used to be when I was younger. I enjoy being able to shop and wear the hottest fashions! I can fit into the seats now at the amusement parks, and on the plane, and I can pull the seat belt tighter. My stomach does not touch the steering wheel when I drive.
No going back
The group atmosphere of the LES MILLS™ programs appeals to me. I enjoy working out with other people. We have so many diverse people and where some may inspire me, I do the same for others. I continue because there is NO going back to what I used to be.
