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Manchester mother loses four and a half stone* and finds new lease of life

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June 24, 2016

Manchester mother loses four and a half stone* and finds new lease of life

A few years ago, Manchester mother of four Clare Lyons was overweight, unhealthy and depressed. Following her son’s diagnosis with a brain tumour in 2007, Clare turned to food for comfort and was soon tipping the scales at 15 stone. Diagnosed with depression and fed up with her weight, Clare decided enough was enough. Embarking on a healthy eating plan, Clare also started running and attending BMF sessions in Heaton Park, Manchester. These days, with her son now in remission, Clare, 43, says she is in the best shape of her life, having lost an incredible four and a half stone, something she credits to BMF classes and her new healthy lifestyle.

Clare, who is from Middleton, Manchester, commented: “When my son Lewis was diagnosed with a brain tumour, it turned my world upside down. Food was one of the few things that gave me comfort and I was eating everything to help me feel better. Before I knew it I was 15 stone and felt so unhealthy and overweight. Enough was enough and I decided that it was time for me to live a more healthy lifestyle, both for me and for my children’s sake.

“I cut out all of the unhealthy food in my diet and started running a couple of times a week. It was then that I spotted a friend on Facebook who posted that she wanted to try out a British Military Fitness taster session at our local park. I thought it looked like fun so I messaged her and said I would go along with her. We went to our first session together and we haven’t looked back since!”

Claire now attends sessions at Heaton Park three or four times a week, and credits the group fitness classes with helping her keep off the weight, as well as boosting her mood.

She continued: “I have suffered from depression in the past, and during my son’s diagnosis it was especially hard. While Lewis is now in remission, I still suffer from low moods, but I find that BMF classes have been fantastic in improving my mental health. Training gives me time to myself and lets me release all the pent up emotions that build up during the day. The sociable atmosphere and seeing all the friends I have made at the classes also helps, and I always leave the class with a smile on my face.”

Clare has lost 24 pounds since starting the classes last July, and has seen huge improvements to her health and fitness. She continued: “I used to go to a gym but I wouldn’t go back now I have tried BMF! The encouragement you get from the instructors is so motivating, and they make sure you don’t want to give up. Last week I was struggling to run up a steep hill and Graham the instructor ran along beside me and encouraged me up the last stretch. It really is like a big family and everyone supports each other.”

“I would definitely recommend the classes to anyone who is looking to get fit in a friendly atmosphere. You get your first session for free and we always welcome and support all the beginners. I have a new outlook on life and am feeling so much better mentally and physically. It really has been a game changer for me.”

*Results may vary

 

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