Hello, let me introduce myself,
I am a 41 year old nursery assistant, been over weight most of my life.
My journey began at the end of June 2019 when I saw a photo of myself on social media (below) – Now I have always been a confident plus sized woman, but was shocked to see in reality just how much weight I had put on. I had let myself balloon to almost 18 stone!! I was mortified & knew I needed to make some changes in my life style.
So… After chatting with a close friend about wanting to lose weight, we decided on swimming & went to our local pool at Kimberley leisure centre. We managed 26 lengths that day. I was so happy with myself as this was a massive achievement going from no exercise at all… even putting on a swimming costume filled me with dread!! We started swimming twice a week, building up by 2 lengths each time.
I changed my diet & reduced portion size. The results were amazing and spurred me on to keep going. Buy August I was going swimming 3 times a week, swimming 50 lengths at a time… the weight began dropping off.
I have logged my journey on social media, tagging in at Kimberley leisure centre and posting weekly weigh in’s. People have been so kind & got behind me, which has definitely motivated me to carry on. I have done this for myself, by myself… No slimming clubs or personal trainers.
By October I had lost 3.5 stone & was feeling fantastic and ever more confident, enough so I enrolled in at the Gym at Kimberley leisure centre, swimming 70 lengths 3 times a week and an aqua fit class.
My goal from the beginning was to be able to wear a dress by Christmas and feel comfortable and confident in it. I had not worn a dress for 20+ years.
I achieved this in November over a month ahead of target!!!
By the end of November (6 months into my journey) I had lost 4.5 stone… Showing that hard work & determination definitely pays off.
During December & January I stepped up my swimming to 80, 90 and 100 lengths at a time…. I’m loving it. The weight loss had slowed down now but was still coming off slow but sure.
I hit my 5 stone weight loss target on the 21st December… the feeling was pretty amazing, and by January the results were extremely evident.
1st of February arrived, I had worked so hard in the gym and swimming, but I only lost 1lb- I was very disappointed. So decided to post pic’s on social media (above) of me before & after… People were so kind, spurring me on. Some explained to me that muscle weighs more than fat… Maybe I should now start taking body measurements instead of doing weekly weigh in’s, as my body is now toning and changing shape. I know this makes sense but think it’s going to take a bit of time to get my head around it!!
Where I am today
So here we are… 9th February; 1lb off losing 6 stone! I have dropped from a size 22 to a 14. I am happy, confident and 100% fitter than I ever have been in my life.
This is me 7 months ago & now!… It just goes to show if I can do it anyone can. I went from doing 0 exercise to working out and swimming 4-5 times a week. The effects physically and mentally have been and continue to be amazing & life changing.
It is my hope that sharing my journey will help to motivated others into taking on the challenge themselves. Anything is achievable if you set your mind to it ❤
Kelly Biggins
My weight loss journey; a Bramcote Leisure Centre member’s story
