After taking seriously ill in 2008 with pneumonia, I was unable to do any form of exercise, and slowly but surely my weight started to escalate. I had a photo taken at Christmas 2008 which made me realise how much weight I had actually gained. I had joined gyms and aerobic classes before but never stuck any of them out for more than a couple of months, as I always felt uncomfortable and most of the time, a bit intimitated. Then I received a flyer from Curves through my letterbox. I liked the sound of it so decided to give them a call and arrange an appointment. I went along and was made to feel right at home straight away. I joined Curves in March and have never looked back since. It's a lovely, friendly, relaxed atmosphere and the members of staff are wonderful; they encourage you every step of the way and pick you up when your motivation and self-belief might not be as strong. I am now back to my pre-child weight and thanks to the staff I have a renewed confidence, and for the first time in years, I can safely say I FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF! I would recommend Curves to everyone as it doesn't matter what size you are or how old you are, you are made to feel that only you matter. As the session is only 30 mins long it fits around my lifestyle perfectly as I am a full-time working Mum. I now attend Curves 3 or 4 times a week to help me maintain my weight and keep my fitness levels up.

I never realised how much my weight and negative body image used to control my life. I was shy, tired, irritable and had no self-confidence; I avoided situations that were new or unknown. I hated clothes shopping and detested the idea of exercise. That was until I discovered Curves! My previous experiences of gyms could be bottled and sold as nightmares; skinny women in tight clothes, men gawping and watching your every move, instructors who patronise and somehow make you feel worse than you already do and equipment that should be found in dungeons! Somehow I knew that Curves was going to be different and I was right. I’d finally found a place to exercise where I felt comfortable, and an activity I knew I was going to enjoy and look forward to doing. 15 months later I’m a different person in mind, body and soul. I’ve discovered the slim, young woman who has been hiding inside a fat shell for years; and I’m happy with what I’ve found! I’m confident, energetic, like meeting new people, love shopping for clothes and I enjoy exercise! I would never have reached this point in my life had it not been for Curves, for that 30 minute workout that can be fitted into the busiest of schedules, for those small challenges that keep you focused, for the other members who don’t judge but celebrate each success and most importantly for the staff, for their welcoming smiles, support and words of encouragement.

I was fed up with being the fat girl. We were going on holiday and I dreaded going on the beach, so I decided to join a slimming club and lost 4 and a half pounds. This was great but I was worried I would be left with loose skin (that I would have to tie in a knot and tuck in my knickers!). So I joined Curves! I got a lot more than just exercise – I got support and friendship too! I know that without Curves I would not have lost 5 stone or learned to love being active. Now I am 70lbs lighter and feel more positive and motivated than I have for years! I can shop wherever I want and have even signed up to run the Race for Life. A year ago I couldn’t run to the end of my drive – now I can jog, walk, run and jump (if I want to). Losing weight and getting fit is not easy but the staff and all the girls at Curves make it fun and not a chore. If I can do it, so can you!