LAST year was a very successful one for many of my clients, with weight loss goals being reached, medication being cut down, an increase of fruit and veg and an overall feeling of good health and well being.
But there is one particular client I'd like to pay particular attention to, and here is her story.
Sheila's story Name: Sheila Franklin Age: 56 Start weight: 23 stone (April 2007) Current weight: 14 stone 7lbs (April 2008)
I first met Lynsey through my husband Alan, who had been diagnosed with type two diabetes and high blood pressure.
Lynsey was organising a project to increase awareness and knowledge around healthy lifestyles (Healthwise) and Alan was invited to go along.
As I was very overweight at the time he asked if I could attend as well and Lynsey encouraged us to come as a couple.
I weighed 23 stone, had severe arthritis in my feet, knees and hips which made walking agony and I had also started to experience abdominal pains after eating.
I had tried all kinds of diets, losing a few pounds here and there and then putting them back on again, so I decided to be totally committed to the healthy lifestyle project and became determined to reduce my weight.
The Healthwise project provided information about the types of food we should be eating, when we should be eating it and how much we should be eating.
Chocolate biscuits were banished from the house, if grandchildren were visiting a packet was bought and any left over went home with them!
In came the fruit and vegetables, the meat portions got smaller and our choices became wiser.
This turn around in my life did not happen all at once; I made the changes to my diet gradually so I was more likely to sustain them.
When shopping now we enjoy looking for the healthiest options and have found not all the so-called healthy meals are the best.
I am much more aware of how to read food labels and understand the importance of knowing what Im putting into my body.
Now I enjoy eating more fruit and vegetables, and love salads. Before I started my lifestyle change if I had one square of chocolate I had to finish the bar, whereas I can now have a couple squares and leave the rest.
The most important fact is that I have realised I am noton a diet, I have had to change my eating habits to healthy options permanently and change my lifestyle.
After the Healthwise project had finished I felt a little more confident with myself, my weight had already started to decrease and so I decided to attend Lynseys exercise class at the Pingles Leisure Centre.
The weekly class is now a must because she weighs everyone, plus gives our confidence a boost. The group all get on well together and we have some fun.
These classes are not for the super fit but for those of us that need help, guidance and encouragement. They work on our cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, core stability, mobility, flexibility and functional ability. The exercises help us carry on with daily activities ensuring we have a good quality of life.
After a few months of attending the sessions, I became more confident with myself and using exercise equipment. I had lost more weight and felt I wanted to increase how often I was exercising. I had always enjoyed swimming and so Lynsey and I agreed this would be an excellent addition to my exercise programme.
It meant less pressure on my joints, my daughter would come along and I was still doing something fun.
Once I had got used to this extra session and the weight was still dropping off I decided to take the plunge and join the gym!
Lynsey arranged to show me how the equipment worked and advise me on how to get the best out of the sessions. At first I felt embarrassed, I was still big and awkward and I felt as if all eyes were on me.
Lynsey reassured me and made me feel comfortable, she provided support and encouragement.
Since then my weight loss has carried on and my fitness level has gone from strength to strength.
Since January 2007 my life has changed - I have lost nearly nine stone. My arthritis and movement is so much better, I no longer have to take medication for it .The pain I used to get after eating has gone.
I like myself again, and take an interest in how I look.
Another bonus of losing weight is that I can now sit in the bath again and enjoy a soak. When I am sitting down I can cross my legs and when in the car the steering wheel is not digging into my stomach. Little things that mean a lot.
Alan never complained about how heavy I was; now he cant wait to tell people how much weight I have lost, he is really proud of my achievement.
With the continued help of Lynsey and the class I have the determination to carry on losing weight so that my former 23 stones will be a much slenderer person.
My daughter gets married in March 2009 so I would like to be at my target weight by then, but if not I will continue to have a healthy lifestyle.
Shelia is living proof that a change of lifestyle can really work. It takes hard work and determination but the results speak for themselves.
It is a pleasure working with Shelia, she has not only reduced her weight dramatically but has also stopped her pain medication for her arthritis, reduced her risk of coronary heart disease and built up her confidence. She is a role model for all.
For more help or guidance on making a lifestyle change you can contact me at Lynsey.miles@nbleisuretrust.co.uk or on 024 7640 0548.
Comment 
