When Emma Baldwin and her friend decided to challenge each other to lose weight, no-one would have expected how much of a life changing decision this would be.

At 23 stone, and after a trip to her GP, Emma knew that she needed to lose weight and get fit. After discussing a number of options, Emma’s GP suggested that she tried to lose the weight by starting a healthy balanced diet and exercise regime.

So in July 2009, after joining Beaumonts Health Club at Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Emma booked into her first fitness class. This class, led by Personal Trainer Kevin Lyle was a Boxafit class and Emma vividly remembers walking into the Dance Studio and seeing just 3 people, all fit, toned instructors themselves. Tempted to walk straight out, Kevin convinced her to stay and partnered her throughout the class. He recalls Emma being very self conscious and apprehensive and after the class had a chat with Emma about her goals.

Her goal in fact was to lose 7 stone in a year and it was that first class which saw the start of a love of fitness and in particular a love for boxing. Emma found that being part of a group was extremely motivational as she didn’t have the same willpower when working out alone.

Emma lost a stone in her first month, attending Boxafit, Pedal X and Body Pump classes often in the morning and evening. This routine, combined with a healthy eating plan spurred Emma on and she has so far lost a staggering 6 stone in 2 years.

And it’s not just the scales where Emma is seeing a change, her confidence and social life have rocketed and where Emma used to nap in the day, she now has bags of energy and can’t wait to get to her next fitness class. This new confidence has also resulted in a successful promotion at work where she is a train conductor for the London Overground.

Emma’s determination to keep going when her weight loss has levelled out has been supported by staff and customers at Bushey Grove. She explains that the customers in the Saturday morning Fitball class have showed so much support and even small details like reception staff recognising her and knowing her membership number all help to keep her driven and wanting to continue.

Despite the clearly visible weight loss, Emma is keen to continue to lose weight and would like to lose another 3 ½ stone to get her to a healthy BMI.

Kevin describes Emma as an inspiration to us all by becoming a better person from the inside out. He adds “Emma’s hard work, determination and discipline proves that peoples lives can change dramatically through health and fitness. Emma is now one of my most confident, influential clients, who takes pride in helping others during classes, passing down her knowledge and understanding to others who are new to group exercise. PMA is the way, (positive mental approach). Keep up the good work Miss Baldwin”

Bushey Grove has awarded Emma our Member of the Month for June so will receive one month FREE Beaumonts Membership.

Congratulations Emma and keep up the hard work!