The fat friend, the overweight one, the cuddly one, the larger than life one – all things previously used to describe me, and they hurt. I had a knee injury from an accident, an anxiety diagnosis and no motivation, so the weight piled on and on.

In November 2018, I saw an advertisement for an outdoor fitness company running a 10-week Body Transformation challenge and I signed up, thinking it was only money I would lose as there was no way it would stick.

In January 2019, I arrived for the launch night, I was asked by a beardy bloke (now I know as PD) if I was ok, “Utterly petrified” was my response. I hadn’t exercised properly in many years, I hate the gym, I’m unfit, I have bad knee, I hate the feeling of sweat and I would be purple faced from being out of breath. But I decided to go to Burn It, and I felt inspired to keep going. There are no posers, no one cares if you are fast or last, wear what you are comfortable in, doesn’t have to be expensive or branded. I met so many amazing people, my Burn It family and over the weeks I started to hate exercise less and I have to admit, enjoy the classes. The 10 weeks ended, and Paul told me that I needed goals to keep me focused. And that’s what I have done, for me. Signing up as a member of Burn It was the easiest way to keep me on this journey of change.

Now I am almost a year into my journey – I am still a member of Burn It and go as often as I can, I get quite annoyed if I can’t make camps as its part of my weekly routine. its pleasantly surprising how quickly you adapt and make it part of your life. 

And goals, here’s what I have achieved:

I’ve run the Forth Road bridge in hailstones

Completed a 5 km race for life

Pushed myself through 2 Burn It gauntlets

Completed Super Burn It

Ran a timed 10 km – raising around £280 for charity

Survived Preston Road twice

I’ve also lost over 7 cm off my waist alone, I’ve gained confidence and best of all I’ve gained a dysfunctional but amazing new family. Most days I don’t see the physical changes in my appearance – everyone else does and that’s ok because measurements don’t lie. Besides I know my fitness has improved as I push myself harder to get as sweaty and out of breath.

Burn It has totally changed my attitude towards fitness – it’s not all or nothing – its pick your own pace and you’ll achieve your goals. You need support, it’s given. You need dietary advice, it’s there. You need a pep talk; PD is more than happy to give a Sermon for motivation. You need recovery advice, it’s given. You need alternative exercises, there are plenty.  Nothing is too much hassle.

“You pick the pace” are the words to live by – if you want an inclusive, insane yet fun, outdoor, all ages and fitness levels together, supportive, funny, chatty, caring group of people to exercise with, join Burn It. Trust me when I say its one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.