“My weight peaked at 105kg when I had my first child. I was miserable. Take a look at the photo – that’s me. I refused to go out in public with my husband and made excuses not to attend outings with friends and family. I only have a couple of photos of myself with my children and sisters, and only one with my husband after 16 years together. I hated anyone getting out a camera, and would hide whenever they did. I have missed out on so much.
I felt as though I was constantly being judged and thought everyone was staring at me. I battled with depression and severe anxiety for many years. I didn’t like my husband giving me compliments, touching me or saying, ‘It’s okay, you’ll get there.’ I thought, ‘Why me? What did I do wrong?’
I didn’t realise how big I’d got until I decided to go on a 20-minute walk and it took an hour each way. I got home and I could barely breathe, my face was bright red for hours and my thighs rubbed so bad they were bleeding. That’s when I knew I had to do something.
I lost 56kg and was very happy with myself, but I became obsessed with being skinny and developed body dysmorphia. I was not healthy. In August 2015, I had a hysterectomy. There were many complications and weight started to pile back on quickly. I started to hide again and the anxiety came back. For eight months, I didn’t drop my children at school, let alone pick them up. I bought some scales and got my girlfriend to look because I could not look at them. I gave all my clothes away thinking I would never get back into them. I tried everything and only lost 4kg.
I needed help. I talked to my sister and she suggested I join Fernwood. She made an appointment for me to talk to someone and have a look around the club. Of course, I made her come with me. My biggest fear about joining a gym was being stared at and judged. Many thoughts ran through my head, such as, ‘I can’t even fit into activewear’, ‘What if I can’t keep up in the classes?’, ‘What if I don’t have a partner?’ and ‘What if I can’t figure out how to use the equipment?’
I joined Fernwood Tuggeranong in late June 2016, and it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was very surprised at how kind, caring, thoughtful and helpful all the staff and members were. I had never been to a gym like this. There were no judgments, and I felt so comfortable and happy. It had been a long time since I had a smile on my face.
The more I went, the more I wanted to push myself. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried all kinds of classes. And guess what? They’re fun! I have lost a total of 19.3 kg and fit into size 8-10 clothing. I am proud to say I did it the right way. I am healthy, happy, confident and have gained muscle tone, which I never thought I could have.
I have had many surgeries and Fernwood caters for this. No one before had ever taken the time to talk to me, ask questions and change exercises so I don’t aggravate any existing injuries. So don’t be discouraged, you can always go at your own pace and not feel as though you have to keep up with others. I could not have done it without the love, care and support from my wonderful husband, children and especially everyone at Fernwood. They are an amazing bunch of ladies and make you feel like you are a part of a whole new family. I am very grateful.
If you’re anything like I was, please call and make an appointment to come in and have a look around. You will not be disappointed. You CAN do it. You CAN lose the weight. You CAN keep it off. You CAN be a happier, healthier version of you. It’s okay to ask for help, you don’t have to do it alone. Never doubt yourself – and never give up.”
Join Fernwood before February 28 and pay ZERO joining fee.