We’ve all had the moment where we’ve seen a photo of ourselves or caught a glimpse of our reflection and thought — what happened? I interpreted this moment as an opportunity to make some serious changes, and not only to my body.

Having to exchange my size 38 skirt for a size 40 was my turning point. Having gym contracts, exercise machines, even exercise videos never helped my weight issue. I needed motivation, and badly, even a drill sergeant would do.

I began looking for an exercise group, knowing there would be other people expecting me to rock up, sounded like a good start. I joined Run/Walk for life in 2009 and I couldn’t even walk around the block without huffing and puffing.  Still I endured and soon began running further, I even entered a few races. After participating in 15 races and a few half marathons and with the help of a good eating plan the kilos began to melt away.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the RWFL branch closed down in the beginning of this year, and so I began to look for another exercise group before I ended up where I started.

I heard about Adventure Boot Camp from one of my friends, so I decided to join, and what a place to be!  Training outdoors with other women means you’re not alone and you get to socialise with likeminded ladies. I’m currently busy with my second camp and registered for the next three camps.

ABC is fantastic; the exercises work muscles I never knew I had. The ladies are so motivating that I always feel ready for the day ahead.

So far I have lost 16Kg’s; dropping from a size 40 to a size 34 makes the feel good factor explode! I am so proud of myself. With all the Adventure Boot Camp push-ups, sit-ups and planks, bikini beautiful here I come!

Keeping fit and being happy with my progress had made my relationships with loved ones so much better.  You have to love yourself before you can love someone else. I now believe my outlook on life and attitude towards life and others is just so much more positive.

Success comes from making a choice and sticking with it, and to do it for yourself and not anyone else. Joining a group like Adventure Boot Camp makes exercise so much easier, you need the stepping stones to get across the river, and sure you will get wet or even slip along the way, but in the end the other side is closer than you think. You might be surprised and even make a few friends along the way.