Over the past six years I’ve tried everything to lose weight, including fads like low-calorie, soup and shake diets, but I was always hungry and I never saw any great results. I usually dropped to my comfortable weight of 68kg and then I would give up. I’ve also spent years and money on gym memberships, but my attendance was sporadic and I never saw any changes in my body.

I started the 12-week challenge about five times over the past four years without any success. On most occasions I didn’t even submit photos. My most successful attempt was in 2008 when I lost 3kg by week five and then resorted back to my old habits.

However, this time I knew something had changed. I was more hungry and determined for success. I joined the 12-week challenge run by my gym, Strand Fitness in Townsville. Their help and guidance – especially from my PT Ben Channon and boot camp instructor Dean Boodle – was fantastic and I would recommend their program to anyone trying to improve their health, fitness and life.

My completion of the BodyBlitz challenge has been an amazing achievement for me. I’ve gained so much confidence, increased energy and fitness, nutritional knowledge and motivation. I’ve realised consistency is the key and I can now say that I’m truly an exercise junkie.

My greatest challenge throughout was my commitment to a daily routine and to juggle full-time work, family and friend relationships with part-time study. For most of the 12 weeks I woke at 4:30am to fit in exercise. Constant planning of my exercise schedule and daily food requirements ensured I did not stray.
My other challenge was the management of injuries that I sustained. I spent most weeks visiting my physiotherapist due to tight calf muscles, as well as experiencing shin splints, Achilles tendon bursitis and lower back pain. However, this time I didn’t use my injuries as an excuse and I adjusted my exercise schedule to ensure a speedy recovery.

My exercise routine consisted of outdoor boot camps, resistance training, gym classes and a personal training session each week. I surprised myself with how quickly my fitness increased. Running has never been my forte; I could hardly run 20 metres non-stop – now I can run two kilometres comfortably. I can also do 50 ‘man’ push-ups in a minute, which is a huge achievement for me.

My relationship with food has changed dramatically since the BodyBlitz challenge. I now eat fresh wholesome food and when I go shopping I stick to the outer parameter of the supermarket, avoiding all pre-packaged foods. I’ve learnt not to let an occasional binge ruin my week, and I simply jump back on the wagon for my next meal if I slip up occasionally.

For the first six weeks, I didn’t see much change in my body. My motivation was low but I pushed through. By week eight, it was like I dropped centimetres overnight. The results were fantastic and I was amazed.
The benefits I have gained have been impressive. I’ve dropped from a size 14 to a size 10. The last time I could fit into a size 10 was in high school! I’ve also decreased my body fat percentage by 10 per cent. I’m more confident in social situations and I feel comfortable in my own skin. The compliments I have received encouraged me further.

I’m now looking to pursue a certification in fitness in order to help other people achieve their goals. The 12-week challenge has been the kickstart to the rest of my life.