Stats Before After Height 160cm 160cm Weight 94kg 77kg Chest 120cm 104cm Waist 113cm 85cm Calves 43cm 42cm Arms 38cm 33cm Thighs 62cm 59cm Hips 131cm 101cm

I had always used exercise to manage stress. That is, until I injured myself at work. Soon after that, I was diagnosed with depression – a battle that I almost lost. Fortunately, I pulled through it and fell pregnant with my first child. Though I was warned of the risk of developing anti-natal depression, the nine months went smoothly and, upon the birth of my son, I showed no signs of the ‘baby blues’.
My second pregnancy was not so easy. I put on a lot of weight and the pain from my injuries became difficult to manage. But the worst thing was how I felt after the birth. Sometimes I wasn’t connecting with my baby the way I wanted to.
I knew I needed to do something to protect my health for myself, my son and my new baby girl. By chance, I found an ad for the Bodyblitz Challenge, posted by the local gym. This was something
I needed to do.
As a single mum, I required a lot of support from my family. It is only because of them that I was able to focus, commit and complete the 12 weeks. With a newborn baby and a teething toddler, lack of sleep and time management made the Challenge extra hard.
I would try to workout while the children were asleep, and somehow made time for five to six meals a day amid temperatures, winter sniffles and taking my daughter to hospital halfway through the Challenge.
This competition was never really about weight or body image for me. Feeling more comfortable and getting back into (some of) my clothes is just a wonderful bonus.
The real benefits for me are feeling stronger, healthier, more positive and being able to manage my pain. I can now bond with my baby girl and she is much more relaxed and content. I feel like I’m now available to both my children in a more positive way – not just going through the motions.