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Drop A Dress Size!
Tom Davies is currently on a mission – to help you drop a dress-size in January.
Listen out to get help and motivation to cancel out the effects of Christmas, and help you on the way to the body you've always dreamed of!
Star listener Yvonne took on the Drop A Dress Size challenge and has been taking us on her weight loss journey throughout the whole of January, both on air and here in her Drop A Dress Size Diary...
5th January 2012.
Well people, I entered a competition today on Star Radio. Drop a Dress Size in January, what's that all about? Having caught sight of a stranger stareing back at me in a shop window I realised that the fat person looking at me was in fact.......Me! Waking up with Star Radio I heard the competition and thought that I would love to Drop a Dress Size and then some! By 2 O'Clock in the afternoon Louise called to say that I was the winner!!!!! Now who should I take with me? Don't want to insult anybody by saying would you like to drop a dress size, so I thought I would call my sister in law to see if she wanted to exercise at a brand new gym. She jumped at the chance or at least did a mental jump, lol. I was to be called on Friday by Tom and accept my prize, bit scarey. Not been to a gym in 14 years and it shows. Gone on bit by bit just like most of us until suddenly there I am a size 20.
Friday 6th Jan
Tom Davies called me this morning and we did a telephone interview outlining the prize. Gosh, unlimited access to The Fitness Studio on Bondgate, Darlington's newest gym, not just for me but my friend. Following us throughout and photos to boot. Tom mentioned that the Fitness Studio was having an open day on Saturday 7th so Morag and I thought we would take a peek. Can't believe I have won such a lovely prize, thank you Star. Looking forward to a fitter slimmer summer!
Sat 7th Jan.
Morag picked me up and away we were to take a look at the Fitness Studio, bit nervous, not been to a gym for so long. We parked along Grange Road, well, start as you mean to go on and the short walk would do us good. We spotted the balloons on the wall and the banner and thought, well there it is, this is the hardest part, just walking through those doors......You know, "Matthew, tonight I am going to be......, Must be a bit like that! .No need to worry. We were welcomed by a happy smiling team who were friendly and most accommodating. It is obvious from their enthusiasm that they care about people and love what they do. They didn't know who we were so this must be how they are with everyone. We were given the full tour and an explanation of what they do as were several other groups who were milling about the studio. A steady flow of like minded people who are just want to be fitter and healthier and are doing something about it. People of all ages, sizes, fitness and abilities with that common goal in mind. Really impressed with The Fitness Studio and the team, not like any other gym I have ever been to, it is so relaxed and friendly.
Mon 9th Jan,
Well here we are, D-Day, tonight it starts in ernest. We have looked at the schedule and we are planning on doing Zumba. Nick had recommended that we take a look at different classes to see what would suit us best. Bit nervous, I got out of work late and as I had no "Living" trainers,.......(They died in a cupboard some years ago, lol) I had to run, well not run, but walk hastily to the Cornmill to see if I could get a pair before they closed! Phew, just in time, got the trainers at 5.25 and the class starts at 5.45, talk about getting a good warm up first, lol. I got changed, wearing my husband's t-shirt and some borrowed leggings, courtesy of Morag. Zumba was lead by Maria, and I don't think that I have ever laughed so much whilst exercising, was that really an hour? I was glowing for England but felt thoroughly exhilarated. I knew the tunes but just not the steps, and you know what, it didn't even matter! It was a great work out. Well done us.
Tuesday 10th Jan.
Got a call from Louise at Star Radio, I am going to the studio tomorrow for an interview, can't wait to share all our news. Walked to the Fitness Studio, it's only a short way from work and on the way home so no excuse! We are going round the machines tonight. They are worked on hydraulics so you only get out what you put in, no heavy clanking weights and pulleys, no over doing it because you are using too high a weight or forgotten to move the peg, it only gives back the same amount that you have given. Was shocked this morning that I didn't ache at all. Perhaps it might kick in tonight or tomorrow? I love the fact that it is all fully supervised by qualified fitness instructors, they are keen that you don't over stretch or injure yourself and they just make it all so much fun and are constantly encouraging and observing and working at a level that suits you, none of this treadmill stuff and you just don't realise that you are working. The other participants are all so friendly too. Before class we sat in the Lounge area chatting and generally relaxing.
Wed 11th Jan.
07.30 and here I am at the Star Radio offices. Thought that I would be nervous but Tom and Louise made sure that it was like talking to old friends, putting me completely at my ease. Can't thank Star enough for this prize, I'm really going to make the most of it. Gym tonight? You bet! Thought by now that I might feel a little bit stiff or achey but nothing! Must be doing something right. Got my tape measure out today.......not so vital statistics....Bust 46", Waist 40 and Hips 44...OMG where did my 22" waist go? Not that I want to be a size 8 again, after all I was only in my 20's then and at 54 a more healthy 12/14 would be more appropriate - That's 3 dress sizes, but lets concentrate on small goals and target - it has taken 14 years to put this on so it's not going to shift in a month or even 2. Feet on the ground and be realistic. Got weighed today on the wheelchair scales at work, and the contestant in the blue corner weighing in at...........84.7kg, that's 13st 5lb in English money. Did the back re-hab with Lianne, she is a physiotherapist. She gave us some very helpful tips about muscles and joints and was so funny during the class, again it was so much fun using muscles I didn't even know I had, My "Butt Cheeks" in particular I am becoming more acquainted with, lol.
Thurs 12th Jan.
Really getting into this now and even after just 3 days I feel different. Dared to measure the top of my arm today, not so much bingo wings as jumbo flaps! My thigh at 24" is 2" larger than my waist was when I got married, and my calf came in at 14.5". I have decided not to diet as such, no Atkins or cabbage soup, just a review of what I eat and when, more fruit and veg and less white bread more "bits in in bread" and stop eating when I am ful!! You don't have to clear your plate and another tip is to make the actual plate smaller. I had 2 apples instead of biscuits and plenty of water. Home made tomato soup, though tinned is just as healthy and filling, nearly had my 5 a day already! Funny, I don't feel hungry, perhaps it is because I have something to fill my time other than thinking about food and being bored?
Frid 13th Jan
Can't believe it has been a week since we started to prepare for the gym. Going to have a coffee at the Fitness Studio before Zumba - really looking forward to it, Chatting and swapping tips with the other members and there is plenty to read, nice to just chill out before the session.....I got rhythm, I got music............Well I got music! I did "shake my bootie" and most of all I enjoyed. What a great finish to the week. We are going to take Saturday and Sunday off and will be back on Monday.....
Sat 14th Jan
Just tried on a pair of jeans that were too tight before Christmas even though they did fit.....I can fasten them up and........put my fingers in the waistband! Whooo hooo!
Monday 16th Jan
Zumba and the machines, wasn't too sure about Zumba as I still can't get the moves - I am going to look at other options but still open to continuing with the Zumba, who knows I may get a "Severrrn" next week. Really pushed myself tonight doing the machines, Can't believe how much quicker I am than last week!! Talked to Claire about body pump, she is going to show me the weights before I decide if this is for me, so helpful and encouraging. Claire keeps on saying "small goals" and "give yourself credit for achieving them". I'm going to check the wardrobe for an outfit that I cannot get into and make that my goal but a realistic goal. Would love to be a 14 but I know it's not going to be before the summer.
Tuesday 17th Jan
Machines again tonight, had a coffee first, remembering to drink plenty of fresh water as well though. It is so nice just relaxing before the start with Claire and the others. Started with Claire this evening and finished the circuit with Nick. Getting to recognise some regulars now. Everyone I speak to seems to be so impressed with the team that Nick has put together and it shows with all the smiling faces. We are all energised and nobody is aching, well done us!
Wed 18th Jan
Back rehab tonight with Claire, it is a late session starting at 19.30 to 20.30 so we are doing the machines first then having a relax in the lounge before. Had a one to one with Maria re: Zumba, she made me feel much better about not keeping up! Lianne talked through some knee exercises and we all had such a laugh when I mixed up my left and right and lost my balance trying to do the same leg and arm in the air at the same time instead of opposites!
Thurs 19th Jan
Claire gave us some typed tips on healthy eating habits and we did the machines. Even I have to admit that I am getting much quicker and my shape is changing. I got weighed and I am now 83.2kg! Going to Star tomorrow...Will I make it by the end of next week......
Friday 20th Jan
Another week over! It has gone so fast. I realised today from looking for photos that I have avoided the camera for some time! Doing the Zumba tonight with Maria at The Fitness Studio. Maria turned the lights down, very atmospheric and what's more it meant I was more focussed on what I was doing and I enjoyed it so much more, it was almost tropical! Just what you want to set you up for the weekend. Had a really good session.
Mon 23rd Jan
Zumba and the machines today, sounds like an 80's pop group, well if it helps me to get the figure of the 80's I don't mind. Lol. Maria turned the lights down again tonight and it really makes a difference, even more fun than usual.
Tues 24th Jan
Machines tonight, had a great work out and a long chat with the team at The Fitness Studio. I had walked to work yesterday and again today. It is about 2 miles and is something I haven't done for about a year. Bit drier this morning than yesterday!! I had forgotten how nice it is to walk and get some fresh air whilst gently exercising. so much more beneficial than the hectic drive to work where you only breathe the air from the car park to the office!
Wed 25th Jan.
Walked to work again today. Looking forward to back re-hab tonight with Lianne. (Sorry Lianne I mixed you and Claire up last week in my diary.) I found myself thinking of what Lianne had said about posture whilst I was walking to work, have I grown by 2" or I am just standing taller? Got weighed on the scales at work, but oh no! it weighed me in as "Error"!!! No error in going to the gym though and at least it didn't say "one at a time please"! Eased in gently tonight with a coffee and a warm up on the machines. Some different faces this evening. Looking back I can't believe how far we have come in just two and a half weeks but we still have a long way to go. We have been well supervised and have not ached or overdone it so we are enjoying our sessions and not dreading them. This is a prize which we have had to work at but it is a prize that has opened a door which we might not have even knocked on let alone gone through. And the beauty of it is anybody can give this prize to themselves, bit like the advert, you know... "because I'm worth it". We are nearly there now, back re-hab was great and I swear my posture has changed, I really am walking much taller. Only 2 days of My wonderful Star Radio prize to go........have We done it?......Wait and see...
Thurs 26th Jan
Only 2 more days to go of my wonderful Star Radio prize. Last radio interview tomorrow with Nick coming down as well. Had a slight mishap on the way to the gym tonight, misjudged the kerb and a hole in the gutter and did a brilliant impersonation of superman only at ground level!!! Staff at the gym took good care of me when I arrived muddied and bruised, lol. Only hurt my pride but they made sure that I didn't over do it. Got home and had a lovely hot bath to ease the pride. I got weighed at home, my base line at home had been 13st 7lb and tonight I am 12st 6lb, I don't think this is a 100% accurate but it is a good indicator to the one stone loss mark! So Yipee, I do believe I have done it. I have lost inches all over and it shows, so there you have it, I have dropped a dress size in January! If I can do it in 3wks then so can anybody. I feel energised and motivated and will carry on with my sessions at The Fitness Centre. It is 100% supervised, they offer personal training and individual routines which is what has worked so well for both Morag and myself. You can pay as you go or join with various packages available, classes are less than it would cost for a very cheap bottle of plonk so it is a double whammy, no calories and burn calories!! Being open from 09.00 to 21.00 monday to friday makes it accessible to a wide range of people, the variety of classes are amazing from Zumba, Boxercise and circuits to access with the Physio, Lianne, she does the back rehab but it is not just for those with a back problem it is to promote good back health as well. If you exercise twice a week for a couple of months you can be on your way to a new you and if I can do it after an absence of 14yrs from the gym then so can you!!
Friday 27th Jan
It was my last Radio interview this morning with Tom, Louise and Nick from The Fitness Centre. I cannot believe that in this short space of time things have changed so much for me, from size 20 tops to 18 and from 18 bottoms to 14/16. I cannot thank Star, Nick and all the team for this, I am more confident in my self and my appearance. A Very very special thank you to Nick and the team at Star for my wonderful surprise this morning. A makeover at Image in Darlington, how wonderful is that? It makes the effort so much more worthwhile and I am looking forward to a bit of pampering. My very best wishes to you all and good luck in your endeavours. Von
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