I decided to participate in the 2009 Southern Cross Fitness Challenge last July to help me "kickstart" my weight loss objective of 5 to 10 kg, and to improve my nutrition and fitness. I had been trying to do this by myself without success for some time. With a "big birthday" coming up I knew I had to do something concrete to look my best come 2010.

The weekly Fitness Challenge Seminars provided great practical tools and information and together with attending the gym and a weekly 30 minute session with a personal trainer, I have lost over 6 kg and have never been fitter and stronger, even as a younger person. Better still, I did not gain weight over the Xmas/New Year period by sticking to the strategies I learnt on the Challenge and continuing my exercise program.

The biggest revelation for me has been that you can eat three nutritious meals a day, and still lose weight - much more sensible and satisfying than crash and fad diets. Believe me, I have tried them all, and none of them worked long term. I am confident that I can continue to improve my fitness and lose more weight over the next months, and I intend to do the February Fitness Challenge to help keep me on track.