Finally, we both found a way of exercising that works

In 2007, Linda and her husband John changed their lifestyle. Linda give up her job, and both of them moved closer to friends and family in Bath and decided to renovate a house at the same time - big changes! Over that time, they started to focus on their health, discussing their current activity and what they could look to do in the future. "I suppose we felt that such a change in our lives ought to be linked to a complete life change! John was approaching 65 and I had been very stressed in my job, smoking too much and in my early 50’s struggling with the menopause for a few years."

Linda and John were living with friends whilst their home was being completed and embarked on a very strict diet. "Over 14 weeks I went from my heaviest weight in my life at 13 stone 3 lbs to 11 and half stone at my lowest weight during that period. Exercise was not on the agenda nor alcohol and it is fair to say that the diet was not strictly adhered to in so much as I stuck to the strict two week programme for the whole of the 14 weeks because I was constantly losing weight. During that time I felt I looked much better carrying less weight but actually did not feel that much better and the diet was very restricting."

In April 2008 they moved into their beautiful new home but maintaining the regimented diet was not easy for Linda. In July 2008, feeling good about herself, she finally quit smoking. In November 2008, they went to New Zealand for 3 months and during their stay, Linda quickly put on a lot of weight and could not fit into many of her clothes, some of which she used to be able to wear at her highest weight. "I felt my body shape had changed and was feeling extremely bloated. It was so disappointing and once again the focus was back on losing weight but the thought of starting the same strict diet regime again was very daunting. Whilst I am very determined, I really couldn't face it, despite gradually putting more and more weight on. It was fair to say I was feeling pretty fed up."

In May 2009, Linda saw a feature in the Telegraph about me and the Walk off Weight Walking Spa Breaks I host at Champneys. She cut the article out of the paper and put it into her 'in –tray'. "It was only when once again my weight peaked to over 13 stone, I decided action was needed. In August I went to the Joanna Hall website to find out more information and was very interested in the concept, so much so I asked John to have a look. He too liked the sound of it so we booked for the September course."

John and Linda didn't know if the course would meet their hopes and expectations but decided that if all else failed, at least they could enjoy the spa and treat it as a little holiday. "We cannot begin to tell you how the course more than met our expectations. Everything made sense and more importantly we felt that we could incorporate everything into our daily life and that it would be sustainable. We are following the ‘carb curfew’ rule, the recipes and guiding principles in the Joanna Hall recipe book and the walking techniques. We were so impressed that we also booked onto the weekly walking group held in Bath to give us the added motivation after the initial kick-start of the course.

Already John and Linda have lost just over half a stone, are feeling good and confident about their new way of life and this is before that have been able to get into a daily walking regime. They both have added stamina and can walk at a good pace which is something Linda was not previously good at. "What we are sure of is that we will do this and cannot wait to see the results of doing it. We are both convinced that this is a sustainable fitness, health and diet regime and makes total sense. I personally do not like gyms and know that I would not maintain a regular attendance. We are still enjoying a drink with our evening meal and eating well but sensibly. It is therefore more likely to be a sustainable way of life and one that we will continue to enjoy. We're now looking forward to joining the Bath Walk Time Trials!"

Hooray! It's great that both John and Linda are benefitting from some of the principles that I recommend and that they are also benefitting from the results that they bring from weightloss to increased fitness and overall happiness! The courses in Bath are relatively new but are already becoming quite popular and it's great to see them both leading the way. I love the fact that they are both taking a sensible approach to eating and exercise and can understand why it works so much better - not just in terms of the results but also in being able to sustain it and make it work alongside our busy lives. Congratulations on the good work - keep it up! I'm delighted that you're enjoying it and that you're motivated and managing your weight. Well done!

© Joanna Hall 2010