Over the last 10 years I have led a healthy lifestyle, but I seemed to be getting progressively heavier. After the birth of my second child, I found I had curves (in all the wrong places). I felt tired, lethargic, fat and unhealthy. My visions of bouncing back as a 'yummy mummy' appeared to be a far-fetched dream.
I looked at the 12-week challenge off-and-on for several years but never had the willpower or determination to start, much less complete it. After moaning constantly to my husband about my poor physical state, he suggested I try the challenge.

I felt I owed it to myself, my husband and my daughters to give it a go. With that it mind, I employed the services of Ideal Bodies Online (IBO) to set me on the path to the new me.

It has not been easy, as my husband was offered a position in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of the 12 weeks. Between the challenge and caring for my girls, one still requiring nightly breastfeeds, I had to overcome a bout of mastitis, organise an international move, relocate temporarily to Perth and say farewell to my husband who had been my greatest support in undertaking this quest.

However, given the hurdles and time constraints, I persevered with my program and amazed myself with the results. Friends and family offered support and encouragement, making sure that I didn’t stray. As a result, it was easier to stay focused.

My toughest point was during the last hasty days of packing and the subsequent road trip across the Nullarbor. However, with careful planning, determination and ingenuity I was able to stay on track. I received plenty of stares, comments and wolf whistles as I undertook resistance training using 10L water jerrys as weights and ran along the Sturt and Eyre highways.

Twelve weeks on, I am happy with my transformation. I have far more energy, even during night feedings and early mornings. I love racing around with my eldest daughter and discovered that I can do chin-ups at the local park – a skill I never had before now. I am much happier with myself and can't wait to join my husband in Abu Dhabi to go shopping! c