From Struggling to Strong: My Journey to Fitness (with a Few Laughs Along the Way!)

Let me start by saying – if I can do this, anyone can! I’ve worked at Gladstone for nearly 13 years now, starting out by answering phones, and today, I’m a Customer Service Team Leader. It’s been a journey in more ways than one, and today I’m thrilled to share how fitness has transformed my life – both physically and mentally. Oh, and there’ll be a few laughs along the way, because, well, that’s just how I roll (pun intended).

The Breaking Point

It all kicked off in February. I had a doctor’s appointment, and he was ready to put me on statins because my cholesterol was high. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to shy away from advice, but I had this stubborn thought: “Nope, not taking tablets for this. If I need to lose weight, I’ll do it myself!” So, he set me up with 12 weeks of Slimming World, and let’s just say, the nutritionist he sent my way wasn’t exactly my cup of tea (and I drink a lot of tea). She tried to convince me I could learn to like peas – yeah, no, not happening!

Slimming World and the Fat Club Dilemma

So there I was, sitting in my car outside Slimming World, convincing myself I wasn’t going in. But fate (and a stalled car) had other plans. I huffed, I puffed, and I walked up what felt like 100 steps to the door. Honestly, I thought about turning back. But I’m glad I didn’t because the welcome I received was amazing. No judgment, just a group of lovely people all on the same journey. And trust me, it shocked me how many men were there too! Oh, and a side note – I like to call it “Fat Club,” but not in group, i've been in trouble for that before!

Stepping on those scales for the first time was a humbling experience. I weighed in at 14 stone 11, which was nearly as much as my husband. Yep, time for a change!

A Weight Loss Rollercoaster – With Laughter

The first week, I lost 8 pounds. I’m not kidding! I was like, “Wait, can we do that again?” It just goes to show the junk I was eating before. Every week, the weight kept coming off, and eventually, I lost my first stone. That’s when I realised I could move a lot easier – even climbing the stairs wasn’t as much of a workout! I started walking, and it became my daily ritual. Whether I’m walking with a friend, talking to myself, or simply enjoying the fresh air, walking has become my therapy.

The Wins Keep Coming

Fast forward a few months, and not only had I lost nearly 4 stone, but I also got the “Woman of the Year” award at Slimming World. I’ll admit, I was speechless for once (and that’s saying something). But it wasn’t just about the weight loss – it was about perseverance, showing up week after week, and believing in myself.

I even fit into a pair of jeans I bought six years ago. The best part? They’re too big now! My husband had to point out that they didn’t quite have the look I was going for anymore. I’ve dropped from a size 16 to a size 12, and let me tell you, the four bags of clothes I sent to charity were a joyful goodbye to the “old me.”

A New Mindset – And a Bit of Sass

The biggest change, though, has been how I feel about myself. I used to define myself as just “Mum,” “Nan,” or “Wife,” but now I’m just Debbie – and I like her! My kids? They’ve had to learn that sometimes, Mum isn’t available to babysit because she’s out walking. That’s right – this time is for me.

Walking has become my lifeline. I don’t care if it’s raining, dark, or if I’m in a mood – I grab my shoes and go. It’s my therapy, my escape, and the way I keep moving forward – both in life and on my weight loss journey.

Fitness for Life – Not Just for Weight Loss

This journey hasn’t just been about losing weight. It’s about mental clarity, feeling stronger, and embracing life with more energy than ever before. Walking has become my go-to activity, and it’s a simple yet powerful way to clear my head and stay active. I’ve even started walking to my Slimming World meetings now – it’s a 4-mile trek, but it feels amazing.

So, if you’re sitting there thinking, “I could never do this,” I’m living proof that you can. Start small, take that first step (even if you have to stall your car to get yourself going!), and find what works for you. Whether it’s Slimming World, walking, or just cutting back on the pints (I’ve swapped lager for vodka – fewer calories, more fun!), it’s all about finding your own path.

Keep Moving, Keep Smiling

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that fitness is more than just the number on the scales. It’s about feeling good in your own skin, finding your confidence, and, most importantly, having a laugh along the way. So here’s to walking, to weight loss, and to never eating peas!

Keep moving, keep smiling – and remember, you’ve got this!