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From lockdown overeating to dropping three dress sizes – how these Inverness women changed their lives

Inverness friends Jenny Miller (left) and Ruth Foy have had an "amazing" time getting their health back during their weight loss.
Inverness friends Jenny Miller (left) and Ruth Foy have had an "amazing" time getting their health back during their weight loss.

Neighbours Jenny Miller and Ruth Foy put on weight during lockdown and knew they needed to do something about it.

“I comforted myself with high carb foods, and binge-watching TV,” Ruth, of Inverness says. “Then the second one came around, and by that time I was at a pretty low ebb.”

Ruth knew the weight was creeping on because she was eating unhealthy foods and not exercising enough.

And all the extra weight was contributing to the “constant” pain from osteoarthritis in her lower spine and knees.

“Something needed to change,” she says. “I was getting older and my future was looking pretty grim.”

How did they lose weight?

Ruth and Jenny were former members of Curves and contacted their local fitness centre in Inverness to ask about joining up again.

Since June last year Jenny, 72, has been taking part in special sessions designed for women with health issues and attends three times a week.

She’s now lost three stones – and has dropped from a dress size 20 to a size 14.

“After being back for a month I started a healthy eating plan,” June said.

“I cut out bread, potatoes, white pasta and I eat a lot of vegetables. Eating more protein also keeps you feeling satisfied for longer.”

Jenny eats lots of vegetables.
Jenny eats lots of vegetables.

Jenny said the monthly weight and body measure checks at the fitness centre helped to keep her motivated.

“Curves has a totally ‘no blame no shame’ culture focusing on encouragement, support, and friendship,” she added.

“Goals are set at every weigh-in with the coach, and are kept achievable.

“My mental and physical health and well-being have improved tremendously.”

‘If I go out for lunch I have everything’

Batch cooking also helped keep her on track because her meals were always ready to take out the freezer when needed.

Changing her portion sizes also worked. She no longer piles on cous cous, rice or bulgar wheat on her plate.

Weight loss helped Inverness friends Jenny and Ruth change their lives.
Losing weight has helped Jenny and her friend Ruth improve their health.

“If it’s a day that I go out for lunch I go out and have everything,” she says, adding: “My attitude to food has changed, I choose healthier options.”

Working out with her friend and neighbour Ruth has also kept her motivated, as well as meeting new friends during classes.

“We laugh,” Jenny says. “Everyone has their story to tell – or we’ll be discussing what Boris has been up to.

“We really have supported each other through it.”

Inverness weight loss: How did losing weight change their lives?

Curves workouts combine strength training and cardio plus stretching to strengthen your whole body in just 30 minutes.

Women of all ages go to the Inverness classes and are enjoying the benefits of healthy eating, weight loss and exercise. For Jenny, she’s now not struggling so much with arthritis.

“There is a real sense of community amongst the Curves ladies. There is laughter and support every session,” Jenny adds.

“It’s all ladies, which is good – you don’t have to have your make-up on to go!”

And Ruth says she’s also lost a “significant” amount of weight since going back to classes in August last year.

Mixed group circuit training.
Curves centres on circuit training.

“After my first few sessions, I began to feel stronger, fitter and with a more optimistic outlook,” she says.” “Within a few months I was less aware of my back pain.

“My knees no longer ached so much and I soon realised that what l had hoped to gain from Curves was happening.

“I can only say I have been on the most amazing journey.”

Curves has opened up in more than 3,500 locations across the world since it launched its first fitness centre over 25 years ago.

To find out more about the exercise programmes available in class or at home visit here.

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