As a working mum of three, midwife Charlene Greensword admits she had become “stuck in a rut” and was edging towards depression when she finally took the decision to bring her health and fitness under control.
Like so many women trying to juggle the demands of a career with raising a family, Charlene readily admits to regularly opening a bottle of wine and indulging her sweet tooth in order to unwind after a busy or stressful day.
When she noticed her clothes didn’t fit as well as they used to, Charlene hated going out in public and felt terrible about her weight, even staying away from cameras at special occasions and family events.
But thanks to embarking on a journey with Tara Grimes Fitness Coach, Charlene not only lost an incredible 12 pounds in weight, but gained so much more in terms of her emotional wellbeing and self-confidence.
“It was just brilliant”, Charlene says of the programme.
“I lost 12 pounds and nine inches over ten weeks, but, to be honest, losing weight wasn’t my main reason for starting with Tara and her husband Damian.
“I had got stuck in a rut, having just had my baby, who is now 18 months, and was finding it hard mentally. I was sloping into a bit of depression and just generally feeling bad about myself.
“I was low in mood and energy, so it was the right time for me to start and do something about it all.”
Speaking of her amazing achievement, Charlene said: “The weight loss was a bonus, there is no question about that, but I found the classes were brilliant. I really enjoyed them.
“I have done lots of different exercise programmes and classes in the past, but I just loved Tara’s programme. There was a real progression with the exercises that I was able to do, and I felt a real sense of achievement.
“The classes were great craic and I got to know the rest of the people in the group. I found myself enjoying going out to the classes, and never once felt like I didn’t want to go.”
As for making healthier food choices, Charlene admits: “The eating regime is quite tough, but I am someone who has always been used to trying to eat healthily as I’ve struggled with my weight in the past.
“But I was able to change my way of thinking and I found I wasn’t sitting of an evening and opening a bottle of wine. I told myself I would wait and have a drink at special occasions, like my wedding anniversary, for instance, and I felt great.
“It will be an ongoing battle with my sweet tooth, I know that, but I definitely find myself thinking a lot more about what I am eating. I’m definitely trying to find a better balance.
“And even if I have a bad day and cave in and eat a chocolate bar, it’s definitely made me think about not ruining the rest of the day with just one bad choice.
“I’ve gone down from 10 stone three pounds to nine stone five pounds and I feel so much better about myself. I would recommend Tara’s programmes to anyone.”
If you would like to find out more about Tara’s online Six Weeks Better Bodies programme, click here http://bit.ly/2dvPluU
