Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Belinda
It's so lovely reading all your stories and thank you to each and every one that takes the time to share this amazing journey we are on. Today, as part of our special #fernwoodfitness month it gives me great pleasure in introducing the beautiful Belinda.
How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
I am 33 Years Old. I have always done sport growing up, and been fairly fit the majority of my life. I have never been a really small person, but I used to be fit and strong and had active jobs. I have struggled with certain injury through time to time.
Once I hit early my early 20s I changed to a desk job and wasn't being as active as I was, probably still eating the way I was used to when I used to burn it all off. I started to gain weight and tried a series of different weight loss methods. In my mid 20s I fell pregnant with my 1st child and had a lot of issues throughout the whole time - I gained a massive, massive amount of weight. I struggled and never really lost all the weight between kids. I was really bad at rollercoasting put it on take it off and have done this for years. Once again trying all the different weight loss methods out there - I'm sure I have probably tried most of them. During this time I think I lost sight of normal eating.
I started at Fernwood and a short time later the Foxy challenge came up - I thought this was a perfect way to be able to put myself first in line again (with my crazy life) for at least 12 weeks. I had massive support from my family and mum and dad (who helped with the kids etc).
Week 1 - feeling total shame with my first weigh in. This in itself was a great reality check to get my butt into gear as I was now accountable to someone for the 12 weeks. It was a great challenge - I had PT session and team session each week. I also had a food coach which is what won it for me in the end.. We totally went back to basics with healthy everyday food. It was amazing, to re-learn on how easy it can be.
I am also running again..yay.. By the end of week 12 I lost 24.3kg and 74cm.
I still have a bit to go to reach my final goal, I have had a little set back at the moment, I got a hernia - so just waiting to see the specialist to get all sorted and I will be off again.
What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
I always ate very well as a child - we were your standard meat and 3 veg family. It was a real treat to get takeaway for dinner. Very rarely had soft drink or cordial - always had water or milk (haha and I still don't have a filling in my tooth to this day, thanks mum!). As a young adult still ate quite well, love my veggies. Probably ate a bit more takeaway being more busy with work/school/sport commitments. Still ate quite well as a young adult. Changes since then - Hubby, 2 kids, kids' sports, hubby's garden landscaping business owned and ran from home which I work with during some days and do paperwork for, I also make cakes and also work night shifts. Life is crazy busy, didn't always make the most healthy food choices - get takeaway on the run, or would miss meals. Now I started with Fernwood and completed the Foxy challenge - it has been great - we are all eating fresh healthy quick meals - just gone back to basics, its great. It's not hard and doesn't take a long time to prepare.
Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
I played netball for many years from year 1 or 2 right through to after I finished college. I did suffer a few injuries and had to stop. Work and further schooling took over and I then joined a gym and did a series of different classes, PT sessions, pool sessions. I currently now attend Fernwood at Tuggeranong, I love it there!!! Still attending fitness classes, food coaching etc. They are my second family!!
What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
# 1 - My Family and my Kids!!!! = all of the above.. I love to make cakes and decorate them, I love the kids faces when they see their cake for the first time... that also includes the big kids as well.Love catching up with mates at the gym for a training session or class.
What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
It was a number of different little things all added up:
- I work with my hubby doing garden/landscaping some days during the week (which can be a quite physical job) it was warm weather and I was unfit struggling to keep up
- Couldn't fit into clothes
- Wanted to be more active with my kids
- It was just time to lose it
- Sick of being the fat friend, and feeling blurh.
What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
Over the next 12 months I would like to reach my final weight goal. I would like to up my running speed and distance. Become more fit and strong Include my family as much as I can and get outdoors and be active together. Get on top of all my injuries. GET MORE SLEEP..haha
What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
Be true to yourself. One of my favourite quote which sums it all up for me was - "It will hurt, It will take time, It will require dedication, It will require willpower, You will need to make healthy decisions, It does require sacrifice, Yo will need to push your body to the max, There will be temptation, But I promise you, when you reach your goal, ITS WORTH IT!!!!
List your social media if you would like people to follow you
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Belinda on this massive achievement!
I'd love to feature YOUR transformation story, click here to share your journey.
Much love and friendship,
XxDani