Jo loses 50kg...

Joanne Lambert, 42, a bakery assistant, lives with her husband Phil and children Jessica, 16, and Jefferson, 13.

"When I learned that Healthy Inspirations was opening in Maitland I was keen to join up. I booked an appointment to start on the opening day in November 2005 and haven't looked back.

Being grossly overweight I suffered from knee and ankle problems. At first I was a bit worried about how I would cope with exercise (I'll admit it, I was a couch potato). I would use every excuse not to exercise and it only made matters worse. I was depressed with how I looked and what I was becoming, then I realised it was up to me to change that. I am pleased to say I enjoy the exercise equipment and look forward to getting to the circuit to work out.

My motivation to succeed was for my 20th wedding anniversary in August 2007. Before I started the program I weighed 133kg and my goal seemed out of reach, but now I have reached my goal and lost 50kgs. My dress size was 24 to 26 and now it is 14 to 16.

I picked up a friend's 6-year-old who weighs 18kg and was amazed that is what I have been carrying around. My biggest thrill so far has been my two teenage children putting their arms around ALL of me to hug me.

My advice is to stick with the program, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, move more and keep motivated. Aim to do the circuit at least 3 to 4 times a week, don't give up and stay positive. I still have a long way to go, but I will succeed."