What a journey!  Never in a million years did I ever think I’d actually complete it.

For years I have been unhappy with my weight and every time I complained about it, I’d get the “oh, but you carry it so well” reply.  In January 2006, I weighed in at 83.9kg and wore a size 14-16.  I wasn’t overly big just unhappy with how I looked.  It was seeing those numbers on the scales that I was pushed to do something about it.  Over the next 12 months, I lost 15kg and thought I was comfortable – but that’s all I felt.  Not happy or impressed with what I’d done, just comfortable.

There comes a point, when being comfortable isn’t enough and realising that to be happy, I had to get uncomfortable -was hard.  I didn’t want to be uncomfortable but I wanted to be happy and proud of myself more.  So, I did the research, found a great online personal trainer (Sue from Ideal Bodies Online) and went for it.

From the moment I received my first program I knew it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park – I was going to have to do some work.  I am now the queen of lists and schedules.  For this to work, it had to be and will continue to be as it is now, part of my everyday life.

The comments along the way have been mixed and varied.  I learnt very early on – from my trainer and feedback coach, that one of the biggest things I was going to have to fight was not just myself, but others around me sabotaging my efforts.  How true they were.  I had those that told me I didn’t need to lose it or I was doing it for the wrong reason or basically any excuse they could think of.  I learnt not to take it onboard – they were their issues, not mine.  This doesn’t mean I didn’t have the helpful ones – I did and especially my boyfriend who on the occasions when I thought I couldn’t do it and would put ½ dozen milk choc buttons in my mouthwould tell me to spit them in the bin as the only person I was cheating was myself.

Was the effort worth it. 100%.  My favourite saying is “the best motivation is recognition” and for me, having the after photo’s taken and seeing what I accomplished is the best feeling.  This is something I had to do.  I didn’t have a personal chef or someone there to do my training for me – it was me that got up early, me that prepared and ate the food according to plan and it was me that pushed myself to do the training.

I now love going to the gym (we actually have a new one in Biloela which is great), I love the food that’s on my plan and I love knowing that I can have the odd indulgence because I make a mighty effort the rest of the time.

It’s also great to know that the things I’ve learnt and am doing, are having an effect on my children.  They are really good at knowing what’s healthy and what’s not, have accepted the healthy foods and the way we now cook our foods and love exercising as much as we do – whether it be riding our bikes, chasing each other around the house or just watching us do our weight training, they see it as a natural part of life and hopefully will take it on with them into adulthood.  They get their lollies and junk food like any other kid but, it’s moderated which makes them love it even more when they do get it.  Junk food and softdrink is not a normal everyday part of their life – it’s a treat.

Throughout the plan, I used a few different supplements but the ones that I found worked the best for me were, Durathon (fat metaboliser), creatine (prior to a hard workout) glutamine (morning and night) plus the MRM MetaMeal replacement shake (convenient and oh so yummy).  I also take a Multi Vitamin and Omega 3 once a day and a good dose of Vit C every morning.

Get uncomfortable - Get organised - Get motivated – Get Training

The journey is fantastic and so rewarding. 

Thank you to everyone who helped me through the last twelve weeks, it can’t have been easy!  Sue and Rachel for the guidance and Nate for the patience, you’ve developed a lot of them I know.  You’re all unbelievable people.

The best part for me, is that it has left me feeling even more motivated than ever to continue on this journey and seeing what else I can achieve – if I can do this, who knows what else I can achieve.

Here’s looking forward to a domino effect in the rest of my life.  “TOO HARD” is no longer an excuse.

 *You can see more photos of Shelly's transformation in our Client Gallery