I decided at the beginning of 2013 that I needed to make some changes in my life and that I had been too far down the priority list for far too long. Until 2009 when my dad became seriously ill I had always done some fairly regular exercise and I was even a member at Curves where the PW Physique and Fitness Personal Training studio is now.

When my dad died my world fell apart. My weight had slowly begun to go up over the course of a few years when I was doing less exercise and probably comfort eating.

Being a busy mum with 3 kids their needs came before my own. I felt uncomfortable and didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. I had ballooned to nearly 12 stone and a size 16.

I was horrified when I saw pictures of myself at a family Christening. Usually I preferred to be behind the lens rather than in front of it. This was the push I needed to try and gain some control.

My eldest is 18 so that is a pretty long time of not being important and putting everybody else’s needs before my own. The first step was the hardest, deciding I was important enough to invest time, money and effort in. I walked through the door, met Anthony and haven’t looked back.

When I joined the PW Fitness Family I wanted to get back into regular exercise and make the time for myself that I deserve. I didn’t bargain for all the added extras that come with studio membership! The very unexpected bonus has been the friendships I have made and the people who see me as Sue and not just Mum and “General doer of everything that needs doing”. Various different personalities have been very encouraging and inspirational, and a particular high point for me was completing the NUTS Challenge assault course with my friends.

I learnt… I can, I will and I did.

Having a laugh and a joke along the way, getting into some mischief has been fun but also at a very stressful time in my life working out and pushing myself to succeed has given me something else to focus on, putting my energy into improving myself rather than letting others take me down. I think Anthony might regret challenging me to ‘kick him’ when doing crunches as I have been trying my hardest ever since! 😉

What has surprised me is that I am not just stronger physically but mentally stronger also. When I decided to take responsibility for my own health and well being (and that of my children) I didn’t realise it would have such a large impact on our lives.

I feel I am a better role model for my children as they see me looking after myself as well as them. I have slowly and surely started to remember who I am, that I am important and I need to look after me to allow me to continue to look after everybody else.

I am much happier now I have dropped 4 dress sizes and I am more confident in front of the lens. I was fortunate enough to be Godmother again in September and standing in the same church having my photo taken wearing a size 8 dress was an amazing feeling.

Being able to buy a size 8 dress and feeling good in it has definitely made all those mountain climbers worth it!