BodyBlitz Challenge Measurements Before Height: 170 cm Weight: 72 kg Chest: 97 cm Waist: 83 cm Calves: 37 cm Arms: 31 cm Thighs: 54 cm After Height: 169.5 cm Weight: 69.5 kg Chest: 99 cm Waist: 77 cm Calves: 37 cm Arms: 33 cm Thighs: 53 cm

I had been thinking about getting into shape for a while but being a regular at the gym and eating reasonably well most of the time, I didn’t feel like it was all that important. However, I was quite stressed and would come home from work and crack open a few beers — this was making me feel sluggish and unhealthy.

It all came to a head when a visit to my local GP showed that I had high cholesterol and blood pressure. It was then and there that I decided that I needed to change my lifestyle habits and begin to look after myself. I searched the internet for tips and ideas to start myself off on the right path. I thought that the BodyBlitz sounded like a great challenge and is exactly what I needed.

I decided to join Ideal Bodies Online, who provided me with some great programs that were not only easy to follow but fit in really well with my lifestyle. Time is a huge factor for me; I spend four hours of the day travelling to and from work. I would schedule my workouts into my lunch hour — I found this a great stress reliever. It would help to break up the day and I would come back to work feeling fresh and renewed for the afternoon. I made sure my lunch was packed the night before so I would be less likely to buy takeaway or eat something off the plan.

I found the first couple of weeks of the challenge quite tough; I had to form some new healthy habits and stop some bad habits. During the third week, I was no longer missing the things I thought I could never live without! I would limit my alcohol to my free meal on the weekend or if I had a social occasion.

I enjoy martial arts classes two evenings a week. Previously I would feel low in energy and find it hard to get the motivation to go but I started to notice that my energy levels began increase and I was feeling strong, fit and even much more coordinated.

I recently went for another check up with my GP and am happy to report that both my cholesterol and blood pressure have decreased. I am feeling full of energy and stress-free and am looking forward to a healthy happy summer. IM