My name is Sue, I am 48 years of age, I have been a member of Curves Panania for nearly 5 years and I would like to share my weight loss journey with you all. It all started back in January 2006, when my sister and myself decided it was time that we shed our massive body weight and become the beautiful women we knew was hiding away inside us. So on the 31st January 2006, we drove to Bass Hill Plaza which was where the local “Weight Watches” meeting were held. Here the two of us signed up for our weight loss to begin. The ladies who ran the meetings were very kind and helpful as they had all gone through the same journey. I weighed 126.5kg and my height was 167cms then it was explained to me that a healthy weight for my height was 71kgs. “OH BOY DID I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO” Each week my sister and I drove to the plaza from her house in Chester Hill to Bass Hill which took only 10 minutes to weigh in and listen to the highs and lows of the week and what the next week brings. As the weeks went on and the weight slowly dropped off, we decided to walk to and from the meetings as our bodies needed to exercise as well, this took 20mins each way. By the time July was upon us and I had gone up and down on the scales like a yo-yo, I knew it was time to up the ante on my life style. So a friend suggested joining Curves at Revesby. She explained that it was a gym for women and that I would feel really comfortable there working out. Here too, the staff members who ran Curves were very friendly and helpful; they sat down with me and explained what Curves was all about and what they could offer me in the way of help to achieve my weight loss. I was weighed in at 118kgs on the 31st July 2006, but I also had my body measurements done which was great because not only would I see the weight come off the scales, but also I would see the measurements get smaller which is quite exciting! After starting the first visit on the machines which a staff member and been shown what to do I have not looked back but forward. The journey has been slow and gradual over the years. I signed up with “Curves Smart” in April 2009 which is always pushing me to do my best at all times going from beginner to intermediate with my fitness levels. I incorporate my exercise every day (6 days a week) with a good healthy diet and also now watching the portion sizes. This is not always easy as we all know temptations are always out there waiting for us to fall off the wagon. In 2011 I started Zumba. I do this once, sometimes twice a week for the full hour. I am having so much fun! It’s shifting those problem areas like the hips, thighs and legs. Going from 126.5kgs in 2006 and wearing a size 26-24 in clothes to now being 90.3kgs, 2011 and wearing a size 14-16 in clothes. “Looking Good” has now been hard and challenging at times but it has been a very rewarding journey. I still have a long way to go to reach my goal weight; I know it will happen one day. So for those ladies who sometimes feel like there’s no hope, think again because if I could do it, anyone can! It feels so good to finally fit into the same clothes as my daughter or even walk into the same shops that she does.

I commenced at Curves Revesby/Panania in October, 2008 after speaking with a friend who said that it was doing her good. I had fractured my left ankle the previous January and with two large pins up my shins, I thought exercise would help strengthen my ankle and leg. When enrolling with Sandra, I enquired my age- 77- was too old? She soon pointed to one lady working out at the time and said she was in her eighties. Why not give it a go, I thought! Now I am over 80 and with workouts three days a week, I will soon have 400 up workouts! I find it’s good discipline to get out in the morning, then have the rest of the day to myself. As far as weight goes, it remains about the same, but there is definite muscle strength improvement. My doctor was taking my blood pressure and commented on the muscle where the band went around my arm. I like the new equipment which strengthens the back and pulls in the tummy. The staff are very helpful, happy and make ladies feel welcome each time. As well as three days at Curves, I am usually out somewhere each day of the week. Friends who don’t drive need transport here and there, so I am sure that without my Curves’ discipline, they would be missing out. Keep up the good work Curves Panania, so I can keep on keeping on! Bev Packer

What were your greatest achievements last year? My blood pressure is finally under control for the first time in 20 years! My general wellbeing is at an all time high, fitness level improved greatly, strength and my confidence has improved and helped with my business growth. How have you kept on track with your goals? I have been determined to look after myself physically and emotionally. I think women spend most their time looking after everything and everyone else that we sometimes forget our own wellbeing. That’s why it’s easy to focus on attending Curves if you think of it as being 30mins for you! Before Curves I…lacked energy and all over strength and health was poor. I tried other gyms but felt uncomfortable. I was unmotivated and felt disconnected in my community since I moved. Everyday felt the same and wasn’t in a very happy or positive place in life. Now…I feel so much happier; I have more confidence in myself dealing with day-to -day activities in business and relationships. I have a lot more support and encouragement from the staff and friends at Curves. What have you done to improve your lifestyle? Mostly my eating habits; eating more fruit, veggies and water. Curves 5-6 days. What advice can you give other Curves girls? Believe in yourself and commit to working for you! Focus on being positive and motivated even if there are only small results, they all add up to the bigger picture.