Trim.
Sally Haywood

At a size 28, weighing almost 20 stone, I was embarrassed how overweight I was and couldn't bear to go out. For 18 years I had suffered with terrible back and neck pain following a car accident and had very little mobility. Simple tasks like brushing or drying my hair with a hairdryer hurt so much and I couldn't always drive, dress myself fully or walk 10 minutes to the local shops. I had no confidence and was miserable and unhappy with the person I had become.

My GP made me realise I was heading for disaster with high blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI plus borderline diabetes. These were serious health issues that needed attention. I also needed some surgery to help improve the problem in my neck, but was told I was too overweight for surgery that would have limited success.

I followed the advice of my GP and after three months of eating healthily I felt able to go to LA fitness Sale to see if I could join. At first I was terrified. I could barely use any of the equipment due to my lack of mobility and back and neck injuries. However the staff were very helpful and friendly and also quite supportive and I got the impression they genuinely wanted to help me. They recommended I saw a Personal Trainer and they were right.

Having the session with a Personal Trainer changed my whole outlook on life. I saw my trainer twice a week right from the start and this was the best thing I could ever have done. He worked with me to improve so many problems but always made it fun and I couldn't wait for my next session. I had to work hard but he believed in me and this helped me.

I started to experience changes after 2 weeks, within 6 weeks my pain had gone and my weight was decreasing steadily.

I was so happy to be regaining my mobility after 18 agonising years that I felt very enthusiastic and looked forward to each visit to the gym. It was difficult making time to go to the gym regularly but always worth it. I decided to do whatever my trainer recommended and after a few months I was regularly going to the gym up to five times each week.

I still haven't reached my final goal but I am now a size 16 or even some size 14's fit me. I feel more content with my body shape. I have shed nearly five stone and managed to run the 5K "Race for Life" with my 15 year old daughter earlier this year. I ran it in 31 minutes and feel very proud of this achievement. We even raised £500 for Cancer Research.

My confidence and self-esteem has improved. I am alert, full of energy and the happiest I have been for years. I feel well and have no pain anymore. The change in me is unbelievable. I am indebted and so grateful to my Personal Trainer and the whole LA team at the gym for their friendly, caring and supportive attitude.

You need to give it lots of effort plus determination, and frequent visits to the gym will help you to achieve your goals, but the knowledge, support and motivation you can gain from a Personal Trainer will help you achieve results.