Name: Hayley Weston
Age: 34
Club: Goodlife Morningside
When I joined Goodlife Wintergarden in 2009, I desperately needed to lose weight. However, at the time, I think I lacked commitment. I didn't realise just how much hard work was involved in losing that amount of weight and 12 months later, I put it in the too hard basket and cancelled my membership.
I signed up again in 2011, weighing in at 150kg. This time I was in the right head space and focused on putting my plans into actions. I was determined to lose weight and saw it as a journey that I knew was worth travelling.
My biggest fear was that I would be judged for my weight, but that was soon put to rest. I'd never felt more at home, or more welcomed than when I stepped into the gym for the second time.
Like any health and fitness journey, I've certainly had some personal ups and downs. After completing four 12 Week Challenges, and thanks to the support and guidance of my trainer Richelle, I got down to 80kg - shedding almost half my original body weight. However, after ongoing illness and a struggle with depression in 2014, I gained some of that weight back. Even through those struggles, the friendliness of the people at Goodlife always made me feel better, and it showed me that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
I have found when I am having a bad day, a trip to the gym always makes me feel better. My friends and colleagues have commented, too, that they know when I have trained that day because I am more relaxed and much happier.
Currently, I am on my sixth challenge and have so far lost 7kg in the first five weeks. I love seeing my fitness improve and being able to do things I never thought possible. My social circle has changed and I surround myself with people with similar interests and goals, including my best friend who I met during one of the challenges.
Knowing I am becoming a better version of me and putting my health first is a really motivating factor, but I also hope that I am an inspiration for others. To know someone made a change because of me makes me more determined. I feel like I owe it to them to keep going because I've experienced the same struggles as they have.
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