Debbie: Sally and I have been friends for 12 years and over that period of time, we had moaned about our weight, size & fitness and embarked on numerous “get skinny quick” and “lose a stone in a week” missions.  We tried all the usual fad diets which normally lasted for around a day and various different classes.  I had been to Burn It in the August 2016 for my free trial, but didn’t go back for reasons I can’t even remember.  When I seen the advert for 20% off Flexi Pass purchases at Christmas, I bought 12 passes and re-started the class around April.  Just around that time, Sally had joined Slimming World.  I seen the advert for the Body Transformation, which kicked off in June 2017.  A few weeks later, Sally was already falling off the SW wagon so I suggested we both join up to the transformation.  She came along for her trial class and the deal was done.  We were once again on another journey!!

When we went to get our stats done and get officially signed up, Paul asked the group what they wanted from the Transformation.  In true style, Sally and I both returned the same answer – we wanted to drop a dress size, get fit and learn about a better diet.  This is where Shirley came into the equation.  She wanted the same as us BUT actually wanted to join up for a better social life.  That was how she grabbed our attention! I suppose Sally and I were both shocked as we didn’t do stuff like this to socialise.  We just wanted to be skinny!!

The classes started on the Monday and we stuck together, we battled out the burpees, mountain climbers, squats and numerous laps of the dreaded car park loop opposite Livingston Centre.  We encouraged each other but not only that, there were others in the class who encouraged us and seemed genuinely interested in helping us.  It was quite enlightening to be part of a group who were there for fun and fitness.  There are people younger than us, older, bigger, smaller, fitter, less fit… but we’re all there for the same reason and nobody is judged.   Everybody is encouraged by the group and by the instructors.  No pressure, apart from getting pushed to do your best.  And the banter is the second to none! 

From then on, we were hooked.  Shirley’s biggest hate was the running part of it, yet now she can run no bother.  Doesn’t love it but she can do it!!

Shirley is the comedian of our trio.  Her responses and humour are unique.

Sally is the calm, level headed one.  She’s knows what to say and when, at the times when Shirley and I are struggling with everyday life.

I’m the positive one.  The 3 of us just “work” and we always know we are there for each other regardless of what life throws at us, whether it be good or bad.

Not only did we learn how to enjoy a workout, how to eat sensibly and have a different view of ourselves when we signed up, we also gained a friend for life and that is priceless!

So there you go – it’s a win, win. We have made new friends, have a Burn It family who support, encourage and chat to us on our weekly workouts, and on top of that, we have a new outlook about ourselves.  It’s not about being skinny – it’s about being fit and toned and loving the skin you’re in. 

Fun, Sociable, Sustainable fitness?  Absolutely!!