45-year-old Katarina was no stranger to exercise, but like so many others, the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic took its toll and trying to find a variety of ways to keep fit and maintain a balanced diet became increasingly difficult.

After joining our Autumn programme, Katarina immediately found that the support of others and the structure of the programme enough to restart her journey, and after successfully completing the 12-week programme with an incredible 8kg weight loss, is now focusing on taking on the Derby 10K in April 2022.

“I was kind of used to exercising already before I started Fit Fans, but I lost my focus little bit during the pandemic and my diet was not great. I would have “been good” for several days, but then would have days when I ate a lot more than I should. 

“The weight started to creep up gradually. Eating too much resulted in low energy and no motivation to exercise and it started to be a circle I could not easily get out of and every failure made it even harder to get back on track.

“The programme has really helped me to refocus, especially around the basic principles of healthy eating. Every week there was different topic to go through including portion size, Eatwell plate composition, alcohol and weight loss and many more, this has really helped me to plan and monitor what I’m putting into my body.

“Alongside the theory and discussion element each week we build up a fitness element and the coaches have been fantastic in building this up - we have always been given adaptations to make the exercise easier or harder so everyone could take a part. 

“I was quite amazed how that was possible and I know from speaking to others in the group that they feel the same. 

“Being able to do all of this with other people who have the same goal in mind was really helpful and enjoyable. The group was always there to support each other if needed or praise for however big or small success.

“Now the programme is over, I’m determined to carry on eating well with plenty of fruit and veg and keep active. If I am too busy to go to the gym I do exercise at home, I enjoy my exercise bike a lot! I am hoping to carry on with the classes available to us after finish of the programme. 

“I am really happy that I had a chance to take part in Fit Fans, it’s given me a lot. I found confidence in myself that I can do things if I put work into it and I feel better in myself and I can give more to my family and friends. 

“I am passionate about keeping active and support charities too. I set myself a goal to run Derby 10K in April 2022 and I am confident that I can do it and give little bit back to community.”

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