I was considered morbidly obese. I was in my twenties and should have been in the prime of my life. Instead I was experiencing difficulties managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and fertility issues, amongst symptoms ranging from adult acne to insulin resistance. My self esteem was really low and I was experiencing depression and embarrassment, which made the issue worse, as I turned to food for comfort (and comfort usually tasted like chocolate!)

It took harsh words from strangers to flip the light switch in my mind that said “LET’S GO!” – being insulted, shamed and mocked gave me the drive and determination I needed to prove wrong them – and everyone who ever made me feel bad about myself – including me. I stepped on the scale and was shocked at the number I saw – I was over 18 stone. That’s the day I started my journey, not with a fanfare, but a single step – I decided to cut out fast food.

Back then, I had takeaways most nights and ate what I wanted, when I wanted it, without any thought of the consequences. Removing takeaways from my daily diet and replacing them with home cooked meals made a significant impact, and quickly. The weight started dropping off – 4lb on a good week – often more – but sometimes less. I started cooking more, learning about calories and macros – I cleaned up my diet. It was far from perfect and I still enjoyed cake, pizza and chocolate, but I learnt how to moderate and enjoy those foods as a treat, instead of a staple.

Eventually, dietary changes alone saw me reach a plateau and that’s when I first joined Puregym Luton and Dunstable! I would sit on the exercise bike and pedal as I watched the girls in the gym strut around with confidence and lovely figures. I envied them and wanted to be like them, not just in how they looked but how they carried themselves. I never imagined one day I would be teaching those same girls Spin and Legs, Bums and Tums classes! I never felt like people were staring at me or judging me in the gym, I just felt invisible. When I started gaining confidence I began joining classes and realised how lovely and supportive other women in the gym were. They gave me motivation, encouragement and compliments that kept me pushing to achieve more every visit.

That’s 57kg – half my bodyweight – or an entire person! I got into a pair size 8 jeans (from a size 24) and cried in the changing rooms from joy. Around that time I also got into running and completed 2 half marathons in 2015, as well as numerous other charity races (I loved getting medals!) I was achieving physical and fitness goals I thought I would never accomplish, I was doing things “fat Nicola” never even dreamed possible. Something was still not quite ‘there’ for me though – I didn’t look like the other fit girls in the gym, I was very skinny and had no muscle; I didn’t look ‘fit’. That’s how I got into weight lifting. I have tried so many other styles of training, from CrossFit to HIIT over the years but traditional weight lifting will always be my go-to!

My friend Samantha (I always give her credit!) said I inspired and motivated her – she planted the seed of me becoming a personal trainer for women. She said I should find a way to share all the weight loss tips, tricks, secrets and formulas to success I had learnt over the years. So, I went away and signed up for a Personal Training course. When I qualified in July 2017, there was only one place I wanted to work – Puregym Luton & Dunstable. This gym saw every drop of sweat and every single tear as I worked my way to a healthy body. In November 2017 I started working as a Puregym Luton personal trainer and I have never looked back.

I’m still training my clients – and myself! I have never been fitter, healthier or happier. I’ve already had the most amazing career and learnt as much from my clients – “my girls” – over the years as they have from me! We have laughed, cried and become lifelong friends. I invest in my clients: your goals are my goals and when we succeed we do it together. I don’t do ‘one size fits all’ training. Every body is different, every person is unique and I respect that, which is evident in my approach to training. I would love to be able to take you through the same amazing transformation I have had the privilege to tell you about here and give you all my secrets to success along the way.

If you would like to learn more about training or my story, please reach out. Better yet – book a free PT session and experience it for yourself!