When 45-year-old Sue French joined the Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre in Whangaparaoa three years ago she was 106kg and had an extremely high risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Tired of being controlled by her lifestyle of bad habits, Sue, in 2014, decided to turn her life around.
“I needed to do something about changing my life, as I was extremely overweight. I was a size 22-24 and could barely walk one flight of stairs without being out of breath,” she says.
Health and happiness transformed
Today, Sue has transformed her health and happiness with a healthy eating plan, regular exercise regime and sheer determination.
“I have lost 43kg and dropped to a size 10. I walk 11 flights of stairs every day, have completed the Tough Gal Challenge at Woodhill and am endurance training for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
“I feel strong and really proud of what I have achieved. With regular exercise, healthy eating and support from my family, friends and the leisure centre staff, I have changed a lifetime of bad habits into a healthy lifestyle that gives me control."
“Taking this step to improve my health has had a positive impact on the rest of my family, so we are all maintaining a healthy lifestyle together,” she says.
Sue's advice: keep moving
Sue’s advice to others is to keep moving and surround yourself with people who are supportive and encouraging.
“Think of getting healthy as a lifestyle, not a chore. Find people at the gym who inspire you, as it keeps you motivated and maybe one day someone will look at you and be inspired.
“Ultimately, the trick is to just keep moving, even when it feels like there is nothing more to give.”
Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre Fitness Team Leader, Charlotte Cuffe, says Sue’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle is inspiring.
“Everyone has a story behind their fitness journey and Sue’s determination, focus and discipline shows what you can achieve when you actively decide to make a change for the better,” she says.
Charlotte’s tips for starting a life-changing fitness journey
- Share your goal with friends and family for support.
- Understand it might take some time to get to your ultimate goal, so set smaller milestones along the way and celebrate them as you go.
- Get the advice and support of a REPS, registered fitness professional.
To find out more about Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre and the other council-run leisure centres across Auckland visit the Auckland Council Pools and Leisure website.
