Be Strong Inspiration…

We ask our members from time to time, to share their stories with us; to tell us why they joined Be Strong, and why they continue on the journey. We do it because we want to look for ways to improve what Be Strong does for you, but it also makes great reading and is really inspiring.

Take a look at some of our members stories, it might spark some inspiration in you!

Debbie (Blackburn group)
Weight loss – 3 stones 10 pounds

Why did you decide to make a change to your lifestyle?

I have always battled with my weight and decided enough was enough I needed a lifestyle change.

What made you gain weight in the first place?

Steroids made me pile the weight on at first then they became an excuse as I continued to gain weight after I had finished them.

How did you lose weight?

I made sensible choices and I planned all my meals.

What is your favourite form of exercise to do and why?

Running and the HIIT exercises.

What motivates you to continue with this lifestyle?

The determination to be healthy.

Marise (Accrington group)
Weight Loss: 5 stones 1 pound

Why did you decide to make a change to your lifestyle?

Lose weight for a girls holiday then keep it off forever.

What made you gain weight in the first place?

I was so busy being a wife and mum, I forgot to take care or make time for myself.

How did you lose weight?

Calorie counting and my fitness pal to track my daily allowance.  Started running, doing HIIT classes and walking more. The monthly challenges helped keep me focused.

What is your favourite form of exercise to do and why?

Running, it clears your head and it’s free!

What motivates you to continue with this lifestyle?

To be healthy and get the most out of life.

Nicola (Multiple groups)
Weight Loss: 5 stones 7 pounds

Why did you decide to make a change to your lifestyle?

I had been overweight and inactive for many years, partly due to health issues including having 2 hip replacements and spinal surgery and partly due to comfort eating. I had tried many diets over the years but nothing had helped me to make a long term lifestyle change. After a holiday I saw photos of myself which I really did not like and was shocked at how I looked. I saw some photos online of another Be Strong member who had been successful with weight loss and getting fitter and decided this was what I wanted too. My weight issues had not only affected my physical health, but had caused me to avoid some social situations as I was embarrassed, and as I had a milestone birthday coming up, I set myself the goal of being at my goal weight, fitter and healthier by then.

What made you gain weight in the first place?

I had congenital bilateral hip dysplasia which caused osteoarthritis and resulted in me needing both hips replaced. Due to being inactive and low in mood because of my ill health, I would comfort eat to make myself feel better, but in fact this made me feel worse, as I grew bigger.

How did you lose weight?

Calorie counting, reducing my portion sizes of my meals and making better food choices. I also attend Be Strong 3 times a week to listen to the talks, be weighed, and to exercise. I also have increased my physical activity through walking more, and plan to attempt the Couch 2 5K Plan.

What is your favourite form of exercise to do and why?

The HIIT classes , as I like to exercise with others, and enjoy the variety of exercises.

What motivates you to continue with this lifestyle?

I am so much happier as a person now, and have a busier lifestyle, and I don’t hide away from social occasions anymore which makes my family happy too!

Lauren (online member)
Weight Loss: 2 stones 7 pounds

Why did you decide to make a change to your lifestyle?

I have struggled with my weight my whole life. I’ve tried diet after diet and always bounced back to the original weight plus more! It got to a point where I was disgusted every time I looked in the mirror and I knew something had to change. My relationship with food was awful and my portion sizes were out of control! I saw that a friend from school had done really well on Be Strong so I decided to give it a go!

What made you gain weight in the first place?

I’ve been overweight for as long as I can remember, I was always the ‘fat kid’ at school, so I have no idea!

How did you lose weight?

I’m close to being half way through my journey! I’ve completely changed my relationship with food, decreasing my portion sizes and eating foods that I’ve never tried before. I have an online membership and enjoy doing the HIIT sessions on the website! I have never done an exercise class or anything before so it was all new to me but now I love them!

What is your favourite form of exercise to do and why?

Definitely the HIIT sessions on the Be Strong website! It’s fun, I like to put my own music on and get to do them in the comfort of my own home! I always feel like I’ve really achieved something when I’ve finished one.

What motivates you to continue with this lifestyle?

Setting goals and seeing results! My clothes are getting baggier and I finally like looking in the mirror again!

This week!

We absolutely love hearing from you guys.  It’s great to hear how much more confident and in control you feel, now that you are on your Be Strong journey. If you want to share your story with us, (we would love it if you did!) and possibly feature in a future article (with your consent of course), please do so here.  You may have already done this some time ago, but it is always good to go back and re-do it, and realise how far you have come.

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