My motivation for the 12-week BodyBlitz challenge was sparked after returning from a holiday in Thailand and seeing how I looked in some of the photos. I have always been quite fit and healthy, however the kilos managed to creep on over the last few years.

After seeing so many success stories in WH&F over the years, I decided to take the challenge to see if I could achieve the same results. When I saw my before photos I was nothing short of horrified. After asking myself, ‘How did this happen?’ I set myself a goal weight and drew a spreadsheet to mark off each day of the challenge, and entered my measurements and weight each week. It was not only rewarding to see changes in the numbers each week, but helped keep me on track for the goal in the following week.
After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2003 and enduring six months of chemotherapy, I still find it difficult to maintain high intensity aerobic activity due to the effects of the drugs on my lungs. To overcome this, I found the compound method of training to be extremely beneficial.

The training incorporates multiple body parts at once – for example, combining shoulder presses with squats, or bicep curls with lunges. By using multiple muscle groups at once I was able to increase my heart rate into the 80-90 per cent zone, without having to do high intensity aerobic activity.

My training consisted of a combination of walking, using the treadmill and elliptical machine, step class, pump class and numerous exercise DVDs with a variety of different training methods.

I purchased a heart rate monitor at the beginning of the challenge and found it to be an invaluable tool. I knew what heart rate zone I was in at any time, and it would motivate me to work harder and beat the number of calories I had burnt the day before.

Undertaking the BodyBlitz challenge meant sacrificing roast dinners and red wine for grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. I did most of my training in the evening, which resulted in my husband essentially cooking for himself each night, as I would have several small meals throughout the day.

I found that enlisting the support of friends and family is essential in the weight loss process, especially with regard to socialising and not succumbing to indulgent meals and alcohol.

In the final days of the challenge, I was able to try on clothes I had not been able to wear for years. When people suggested that I would have to buy a whole new wardrobe after losing the weight, I told them my aim of the challenge was to be able to fit into the clothes I used to be able to wear.

I can’t imagine not continuing my newfound healthy lifestyle. I love having the energy and vitality that comes with being fit and healthy. I have also found incorporating physical activity into social gatherings with friends is not only fun, but beneficial for everybody. Finally, I would like to thank my husband Rob and my friends for their support, encouragement and understanding throughout the challenge.