Shelley Lay

Sitting on the beach on our yearly holiday I was feeling extremely self-conscience. That saying "40 fit and fabulous" had always played over in my head. But here I was having not long before turned 40 feeling anything but "fit and fabulous".

Flicking through a magazine that night I came across an advert for Ideal Bodies Online. The woman looked fantastic and she had achieved her results in 12 short weeks. I had a look online only to find more amazing before and after photos, so I signed up for the 6 week tailored program initially. To be honest I was slightly sceptical because I have tried every diet known to man, you name it I've done it, only ever to lose weight to begin with then fall off track because it was too hard or I was starving and in the end I’d be heavier than when I started.

I've also invested so much money into exercise equipment, you know the ones advertised late at night that promise extraordinary results - ab doers, thigh masters, Pilate machines, my garage is overflowing with them!! They sit and collect dust because once the excitement wears off I’d always loose the motivation.

I have since learnt you can't spot reduce like most of these pieces of equipment promise.

I wasn't largely overweight, only about 5kg but at 5ft 2in, 5 kgs can add a lot of bulk. I decided to set my goal weight at 50kgs. I wasn't sure if it was possible to get to that, the lightest I've ever been is 53kg but I really wanted to try, though at the back of my mind I wondered how long I'd last until I'd once again fall off track and cave in to those dreaded afternoon sugar cravings.

I was excited when my plan came through and looked forward to starting. I was given a good combination of strength training, cardio and clean eating.

Sharna (my feedback coach) was so encouraging and inspirational. At first I found it hard to eat so much food, but Sharna taught me the importance of fuelling my body and in no time my sugar cravings were gone and I started to have so much more energy. I have learnt to prepare for outings by always taking my own healthy snack or if not, learning how to make a healthy choice.

At the end of my 6 weeks I was 1.5kg off my goal, so I joined up for another 6 week program. If I had known how great this was going to be I would have joined for 12 weeks from the start!

I have completed my 12 weeks of exercise training all from the comfort of my own home

I know this isn't for everyone but I simply just didn't have the time to get myself to a gym train for an hour plus the hour travel there and back. I've trained with my bench, barbell and dumbbells. For me this has been so convenient, I've never lost motivation, each week I see little changes in my body that keeps me going and the forum has been really helpful with advice and tips.

Part of my cardio was to learn to jog (I've always enjoyed strength training but despised cardio). At first I found it difficult but week by week I noticed little improvements, so much so that this week I compete in my first marathon!

At the end of my 12 weeks I have lost a total of 6.8 kgs, I surpassed my goal of 50kg and my current weight is 49 kg. I've lost a total of 54cm and my body fat % has dropped from 28% down to 11%.

I feel better now at 40 than I did in my 20's

I have so much energy, I'm healthy and fit and simply loving life. IBO has taught me what and when to eat; it has truly become second nature. I have developed healthy eating habits that will stay with me for life.

I cannot thank Sue, Kristin and Sharna enough for their expertise and advice. I will recommend IBO to everyone!