Initially I was at least 8 kilos (17.4 Lbs) overweight and I was very unhappy about this.I wanted to reduce my body measurements a little as well as lose some weight so that I could hopefully drop a dress size before my only daughter's wedding.

Before starting I wondered if I would be able to maintain a reduction in measurements as well as weight in the longer term.I changed my eating habits and consistently worked out in the gym.

Initially I lost weight and then reached a plateau for a little while.

I consistently focussed on Ed's nutrition advice which meant healthy eating became second nature. 

I also kept Ed's disciplined structured approach to different resistance exercises that he introduced. During this period I also lost a high percentage of body fat to move me from a body fat rating of small amounts excess fat to quite lean. This was important to me since it raised my self esteem and gave me the confidence to carry on.

I would highly recommend the principles of the Ed's lifestyle system to get results. It was not a short term fix. It has become a way of life. As regards someone starting in a similar position to me I would advise asking Ed for consistent help at the beginning but one also needs to be prepared to change ones mindset in the process.

I had imagined that a few simple exercises for a short period of time and I’d achieve my goals but then Ed started educating me. 80% NUTRITION - 20% EXERCISE!!!

Exercise was being overseen by Ed so that was not too much of a problem but nutrition - now that was different. I liked enjoying life and that involved copious amounts of food and wine (not white though) and how I loved crisps, chocolate and cake!!

Ed asked me to keep a food diary for him to assess my eating habits. Could I really disclose my lifestyle!

And so it began. Taking control of nutrition was difficult. Eating healthily rather than what I really felt like eating was tough. A bag of crisps or a bowl of olives - crisps every time!! I began to realise that no amount of exercise would solve my problems and I needed to heed Ed’s advice and work on eating the correct nutritional foods. I slowly trained myself to abstain from wine and eat healthily Monday to Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were still for wine, food and fun.

The ever challenging gym sessions continued. Nutrition was constantly being reviewed by Ed with the suggestion that 2 days of wine, food and fun would be preferable. Ed’s regular measuring sessions on the scales were showing good results and with my daughter’s wedding imminent motivation was high. I was much fitter and faster on the tennis court and that was an unexpected bonus. Ed’s strict regime of nutrition and exercise, backed up by his inspirational emails and ebook, have enabled me to achieve good results.

One year on and I have lost 18 pounds, dropped two dress sizes, feel the fittest I have ever been and I even have a waist! I am still working to improve both my muscle tone and posture. I’m pleased to say nutrition is becoming more manageable and these days I choose olives over crisps every time!Thanks Ed - you’re a genius - I couldn’t have achieved this without your help.

When I started I weighed over 15 stone (96 kg) and wore a size 20. I got out of breath walking up the stairs. I have lower back problems and was regularly in pain. I felt shocked at the realisation that I weighed about the same as a rugby player and embarrassed that I had allowed things to get so bad.

I wanted to lose weight and be and feel healthier. My target was (and I’m nearly there) to lose a third of my body weight.The goal was so large; I didn’t know where to start. I felt self conscious, thinking that everyone in the gym will be toned and beautiful and will be looking at the fat, sweaty girl who can't do very much.

I did the 12 week course and exercise sessions. I made changes to my diet, breakfast and dinner was more balanced. I started going to a Body Pump class as well as doing the lose and shape up exercise session. When the course was over I kept up a weekly PT session with Ed and I've also kept up the weekly body pump class.

I struggled with the eating programme initially; I am a comfort eater and I work from home so making sure there were no sugary snacks in the house worked well for me as if it isn’t there I can't eat it. I also struggled sometimes with getting to the PT session and classes; there's always something else you could be doing; but thinking about the goal and how good I will feel afterwards always gets me there. Plus it's only an hour....I have lost 4 stone in weight and have clothes in my wardrobe ranging from a size 10 to a size 16 (women's sizing is so inconsistent)! My back is in 'the best shape it has ever been' according to my osteopath. An unexpected result is that I have gone from getting migraines almost every 2 weeks to hardly ever. I have much more energy (I can now run up the stairs) and will happily take the dogs for long walks. I feel much better about myself, my posture is different and I feel more confident.

A close family member, around the same age as me, had just had a stroke and that was a huge wake up call for me about being healthier. They are, thankfully, fully recovered now. I knew I was obese and whilst my cholesterol levels and blood pressure were fine I was putting my body under pressure and that scared me. Plus I didn't like how I looked and wanted to change.If asked would I recommend the programme I would say Absolutely!!! It's not easy (it's getting easier each day) but it definitely works!

If I had advice for someone thinking about starting I would say: Do it! I am not a 'sporty' person and did not think I would ever be able to achieve what I have. I have an under active thyroid and thought that meant I'd always struggle with my weight. Make one change, then another, then another and before you know it you're on your way.(And no one is paying you any attention in the gym; they're focusing on their goals and what they want to do!!)