I was desperate to get my health and fitness back and I wanted to fit into size 12 suit pants. I’d blossomed to a size 16, had a belly, a backside and could not even fit one leg into these size 12 pants.

Changing my habits and my lifestyle was key. It meant changing my world and the way I planned my week. I needed to incorporate 2 early morning ICE and FIRE sessions into my working week.

It meant getting up early and getting enough sleep. I had survived on very little sleep for 6 years studying into the early hours of each day, after working 8-10 hour days and doing the single mama gig of dinner, bath and bed.

I sat down with my daughter and I told her that this year Mummy had to change her life to get fit again and that I’d need her help. I explained it would mean some very early nights to enable some very early mornings, she had to come to gym as there was no one at home to look after her.

To be inspired to change for yourself is one thing but to be motivated by your daughter when she sees the muscles develop on your arms, the weight drop from your waist and to see the look on her face as I do the zip up on those size 12 suit pants – makes this journey so worthwhile!

To transform is to undertake a change in the appearance or character of something or someone, so that person or thing is improved.

Transformation is a journey. It requires commitment and a willingness to change. It can be difficult and at times challenging but it can also change your life.

I used to describe myself as a work study single mummy. I have a ten year old daughter who is the apple of my eye. Not by choice I found myself suddenly single, but I made my situation my inspiration and studied postgraduate law.

I worked hard for 6 years to be admitted to practise as a Solicitor. During those 6 years I grew my brain but in the process let my health and fitness slip. I was no longer the fit mum who ran half marathons.

So this is my story. It is unique only to me but it has the potential to inspire so many. I think when you hear someone’s story it personalises the journey. Often you can relate to the high’s and low’s because you’ve walked the very same road.

You realise that by being honest with your journey you can not only help yourself to grow further but you also help others. They say it takes a village to raise a child – well the same can be said for transformation. I want to inspire others. When I talk, I want people to listen.

Focusing too hard on something sometimes sets you up to fail. I was motivated to begin but I overthought the task and panicked. I have since learnt that less is more. Start something and chip away at it a little bit each day. Don’t give up when it gets tough.

I began to understand that I needed to adapt a new lifestyle which meant changing my habits. I learnt that food prep is key to staying on track. Having ‘Grab and Go’ pre-portioned food made me feel organised, saved me money and saved me time as well.

I also learnt to change my mindset. I learnt that I was a procrastinator. I put things off telling myself that I’ll do it tomorrow. Tomorrow never came. Don’t wait if you can do something today.

Use social media to keep you accountable. Checking into Imani Fitness 4 days a week kept me on track. The watchers on your socials are so keen to see you fail, so be true to yourself and prove the watchers wrong.

The most important lesson I learnt, was as a mother. I needed to set a good example for my daughter. She was also on this journey with me. She came to training, selected our weekly food from the cook bible. Seeing her smile as I celebrated each win was magic but hearing the words “Mummy I’m so proud of you” at the photoshoot was the validation I needed. My daughter was seeing me sparkle.