Well, what a year it’s been. It’d be crazy to assume that for people on a weight loss and health and fitness journey, the events of 2020 made it any easier to commit to their transformations. For a lot of people, 2020 indeed made it significantly more difficult. To prioritise workouts, early mornings, meal prepping, kitchen cooking, and mindset lessons while juggling everything else.
See, the thing a lot of weight loss programs don’t tell you is this;
It’s going to take longer than you think
It’s going to be harder than you want
You will make mistakes
You will slip up
There will be times when you feel like it’s not working
There will be times when you feel like giving up
And this is on a usual day, in a usual year. And while 2020 was anything but usual, the people spotlighted below PROVE that transformations are always possible. That hard work, persistence, dedication and consistency pays off. They all experienced each of the things above and lived through the difficulties brought upon by the Covid pandemic. But they didn’t quit. And so they were a success!
Interested in beginning your own success story? This is a great place to start. For that long sought after inspiration, motivation and determination to commit to this journey no matter what.
January End of Round Transformation Winners
Sue,
“I’m very proud of my weight loss. I’m a lot fitter and my running has gotten faster. I’m better focussed and my willpower has improved. Previously, my exercise was okay but I never got any results because I always over ate and ate the wrong foods. “You can never out-train a bad diet”. I was never able to say “NO” to a donut or a piece of cake but now I can because I’m mentally tougher. I used to turn to comfort eating, however I’ve managed to avoid comfort eating, even with the challenging times we are all facing with Covid-19. If I can do it you can do it!”
Anne,
“I’m very happy with my weight loss progress so far, and I’m planning another 8kg loss in the April Round! I feel healthier and happier with myself than I have in a long time. I’m also more relaxed and now have the lowest blood pressure reading I have had in years. I feel focused on achieving the health goals I have set.”
Emily,
“I am so proud of myself for losing weight! This has been such a dominating factor in my life for so many years! I actually started to believe I couldn’t lose weight and put it down to age or a potential medical condition. I was constantly making excuses: I’m too busy, too tired, it’s too hot and so on.. Now, what I tell myself when I go to the gym is: get in, get it done, get out! I feel I have worked so hard on my fitness and I am constantly challenging myself. Can I do this exercise longer and faster? Yes!!! I can do anything!!! Thank you for giving me the tools to turn my life around. I avoided social settings and just general things that should have been enjoyed. I now have the self-confidence and feel I can do anything!”
February End of Round Transformation Winners
Karen,
“I am proud of myself getting through the past 12 weeks, with NZ being totally shut down for 4 weeks due to Covid-19. I have lost 5kgs along with having 30cm vanish off me. My fitness level has gone from 55 to 90, which I am really happy with. One of my goals was to be able to run 10kms again, I have done this 3 weeks in a row. My husband has been so encouraging towards the whole program – he loves the recipes and he is becoming quite the master chef (he was pretty good before this :)) We have both been exercising so much more and we’re really enjoying our new found fitness. I will be 50 next year in March so I wanted to make sure that I am feeling great before I hit that age. Thank you Michelle and team for all that you do for us, I am looking forward to the next round!”
Nicole,
“As a mum of 5 (ranging from 13-1) and a nurse with a 12hr shift working husband, I LOVE 12WBT and the routine and regularity it brings to not just me but our whole family. My kids know that the week’s menu is set out on the fridge so they know what to expect for dinner and even better what they can be involved in/prep/help to cook!! I think one of the biggest changes for me has been looking at the WHOLE picture – not just the number on scales!!! I have started to recognize and appreciate those non-scale victories. My jeans fit (and look) better, I can run for longer and faster without stopping, even after a really stressful day I’m not on autopilot and looking for that 3pm sugar fix. I am wanting to learn new things that I never even dreamed of before- one day I will master the handstand just you wait!”
April End of Round Transformation Winners
Petra,
“During the 12 weeks, I lost 5.7 kilos and built up to running 10 ks non-stop. Before, I would worry myself sick about doing something, put it off until it was too late and then be anxious about the guilt surrounding that. I now have less anxiety and more serenity when it comes to doing any workouts or runs. Doing something even unenthusiastically is better than doing nothing. Have a go at an exercise even though it might seem impossible. I had never attempted things like reverse planking or skipping in any of the rounds I have done before. This time I had a go at everything and have ended up doing better than I ever imagined I could, I have also been able to tap into a wonderful network of people all across Australia. I think the encouragement given to meet and interact with other members is one of the things that makes the program so special. Thank you!”
Courtney,
“I’m proud that I have been able to increase my fitness test results, that I’ve lost centimetres, changed my body shape and completed my first 10km run in over 7years. I’ve changed from having an emotional dependence on unhealthy food to enjoying healthy meals and not feeling like I’m missing out. My self esteem has improved exponentially. I now get organised with my meal plan at the start of the week. I know the day ahead what I plan to do for training and I put on my training gear as soon as I get up. I’ve been eating all my meals from home and included more incidental exercise in my life. I did it and you can do it! Yes the path there won’t look perfect. There will be bumps and detours but the most important thing is that we keep getting back up and moving in the right direction.”
Helen,
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in the last 3 months. It certainly has been challenging with 3 kids under 7yo, a full-time job, Covid-19 restrictions & life in general. I’ve lost 5.5kg and 27.5cm, and I have dropped down two clothing sizes. Before the 12WBT, I had not attempted to run more than 1km. Now I can easily and confidently run more than 1km. I have more energy on a daily basis. I feel great! My kids have commented on the change they’ve seen in the food that I eat and the exercise I do. I’m so happy I could do this for myself, but on top of that I can be a good example for my kids. I hope I can continue these healthy habits for life!”
May End of Round Transformation Winners
Amy,
“I’m proud of ignoring the number on the scales. This round I wanted to use clothing to track my progress. At the start of May, I could not even stretch my jacket’s top button over to its button hole. By the end of the 12 weeks, I could do up both buttons! The principles of 12WBT have given me the confidence to try new things and meet new people. I love the 12WBT recipes and I have become a proud advocate for cooking up large batches and freezing portions to use later. A fire has really been lit and this round I’ve got my eye fixed stoically on some very high goals. August round is going to be my round! I just know it!! Immeasurable gratitude to 12WBT and the staff that pour their hearts and souls into supporting its participants.”
Emma,
“I would have to say my biggest transformation over the past 12 weeks has been my mental health. I lost my husband to cancer in February 2020 so life has been pretty hard. Healthy eating and exercise has helped me manage my grief. I’m so ready for August round. I signed up to Lifestyle a couple of days ago. I’ve made a commitment to myself. I need this. My kids need me to do this. My late husband would want me to do this.”
Shayna,
“Mentally, everything is different. Signing up for this round, I was in a pretty rocky place. I’d been in and out of depression. My anxiety was dangerously high…and as a result, I’d found myself barely leaving the house. In the first week…I dived in…really wanting to commit to shifting things. I went to the grocery store on my own for the first time in my life. I kept up my regular counselling but was also able to join the gym…which honestly, I’m so proud of. Everything is different. Physically, I’ve lost 15.1kg, 43cm…and improved my fitness score by 12. We’re meal prepping every Sunday, which with 2 little ones has been SUCH a blessing. We rarely eat food we don’t make ourselves…which our accountant is also loving. I knew I could do it because I’ve done it before…but life kept getting ontop of me. I would set my intentions…do well…fall behind…judge myself terribly and then quit. Now I realise I don’t have to be perfect every day for the rest of forever. I’m committed. And if I have a bad day, I don’t let it continue for weeks. I jump back in and just try harder.”
July End of Round Transformation Winners
Troy,
“I am most proud of the mental strength I have gained during lockdown in Melbourne to prioritise my health. There’s been a lot of things happening In the world that’s completely outside of our control but my health is one thing I can control and I am proud of taking the steps to prioritise.”
Meredith,
“It’s been the exercise that has helped me. I was amazed at the centimetres I lost. I didn’t follow the food as well as I should, being a chef it’s not easy for me. I have definitely changed habits though – when I eat and what I eat. I walk the dog at least 10km a week and swim 2km once a week. But having videos to watch and do was awesome, and is something I’ve never done. I’m feeling better in myself mentally and physically and find myself walking taller. My next job is to head back to the doctor to see what improvement I have there. My family have said the change in me has been amazing. They are as proud of me as I am myself.”
Emma,
“I started the July round because I was driving around with my pants open because I was so uncomfortable. That was my moment! Today I am wearing the same pants but with a belt done up tight to hold them up!! I’m proud of achieving more than I thought I could. Every week I looked at the exercise plan and would say “I’ll just try my best and if I can get 3/4 done I’ll be happy” but I found myself cheering myself on to finish. The fact I ran (well jogged cos I’m not a great runner) a whole 1km. Doesn’t sound like much but it’s a huge achievement for me. This round I was so much kinder to myself. If I ate something I shouldn’t have, I acknowledged it, counted the calories then moved on. Just made sure my next meal was a good one and most importantly, I didn’t beat myself up about it. I feel this really helped me on my journey this time. And you know what: I had to carry 10kg of rice at work today and my first thought was “gee I was carrying nearly this much around on my body every day just 3 months ago”. I am feeling so much happier.”
Michelle,
“I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and how I’ve taken the step forward to a healthy and vibrant 50’s! The weight loss I aimed for originally is a bonus on top of how I actually feel. I’m full of energy, both physically and mentally. This plan has helped me stay focused and given me purpose during a really challenging time in lockdown and I’ve achieved so much in both my personal and work life in the past twelve weeks! My dreams are becoming bigger as I gain more confidence and really, the sky is the limit! I’m proud that I’ve set an example for my family and friends that shows being healthy doesn’t have to be boring and you can really make it whatever you want! Thank you 12WBT, can’t wait to see what the next round brings!”
Kerryn,
“I have lost 13cm off my waist! My clothes are loose and I need to do some shopping! Following the structure of 12wbt has supported me through COVID lockdown in Melbourne. Regular exercise has been essential to maintaining my mental health and the program gives my week a rhythm. Planning meals on a Thursday and doing a weekly online shop has seen my weekly grocery bill become both lower and more consistent enabling me to budget better. I am SO proud of what I have been able to achieve during what has been a difficult 3 months of lockdown working, studying, parenting, remote learning on my own as a single mum. I now think I could do anything!!! Words aren’t enough, but thank you!!”
Sam,
“I’m happy with my strength gains and body composition change throughout this round! My mindset also. Something clicked when the Lifestyle membership came up. Instead of doing a 12 week challenge then slipping into old ways, as I unfortunately have been doing for years now. I have finally found the right mindset for small achievable goals long term. Meal Planning and online food shop on a Sunday and snack-making with my toddler on Mondays are both part of my families new routine. My toddler even joins me for my weekly stretch session and I’m so happy he is picking up these habits young. Before the Lean and Strong program, I thought I wanted to be the skinny girl! What the number on the scales said or my size in clothes really did matter to me. Now I realise these measurements do not define me. I don’t want to be skinny! I want to be confident. I want to be strong ! I want to be the girl in the gym doing push ups or pull ups (this ones my goal for next round). I want do better. If we can achieve great things against all odds we can do anything.”
August End of Round Transformation Winners
Sarah,
“I am so proud that I lost 28cm & 10.6kg, which is 9.1% of my body weight. My goal was to lose 10kg this round & I did it! I’m also extremely proud of my fitness gains. I’m particularly excited by the improvement in my 1km time. I’m not, nor have I ever been, a runner – I wouldn’t even run for a bus, I’d just wait for the next one & be late! But by Week 12 I had taken 1min 2sec off my pre-season time which for me is astounding!
I’m most proud of my increased resilience and mental toughness. I’m better at resisting the negative voice in my head that tells me to stop pushing myself in a workout when I get a bit short of breath. Saying out loud “no I’m not going to quit, I can do this” is empowering for me. I had many years of people telling me I can’t do stuff & making me feel worthless because of my size. I didn’t fight back before & that feeling of helplessness contributed to where I was. So fighting back now has helped me to push through the tough moments, even if I am fighting against myself. I’m better at controlling my emotional eating, & I don’t treat a small slip up like the end of the world & throw in the towel now. I’ve stopped trying for that unattainable perfection & instead focus on being consistent & doing better than I did yesterday. I just feel better in my own skin than I have for a long time.”
Anita,
“I have a waist again! My shoulder, which had bursitis, is back to normal and I am able to do more upper-body work. My blood pressure has come down from high enough to need medication to completely normal. My self-esteem is improved with my body changes. After years of eating disorders, I have a better relationship with food already. I am now eating a more balanced diet (iron levels have come up) and have more energy. I am being a good example for my girls and their food has also improved because all the quick grab stuff is not there anymore. I am so glad that I finally did the 12WBT, I really learnt a lot about myself and about my habits. Plus the results are awesome! :)”
Brittany,
“I lost 9.1KG and 11.7% of my bodyweight but that wasn’t the biggest achievement of the 12WBT Challenge. My biggest transformation was my mental mindset flip. My approach to weight loss has completely changed. It’s no longer all or nothing. Its putting my best self out there, realising I am going to have cheat meals and bad days but picking myself up straight away. I want to eat healthy, I want to wake up early and go for my morning walk to get my blood pumping. Deep down I know that my weight is always something I will struggle with but now I have the right mindset and tools to deal with the challenges ahead. Thank you Mish! I’ve loved every minute!”
Lauren,
“I am now a runner and I love it! In week 1 I could only run for 3 mins without stopping and last night I ran for over an hour. I have worked off 13kg and 45cm, but more importantly, I am fitter, faster and stronger. In 12 weeks I ran my first ever 5k, dropped more than 3 mins from my 5km time and my longest run of 8km. I am regularly attending group PT and leading an active lifestyle. I now believe in myself and my ability to challenge my own limits. I exercise out of love for my body rather than to punish myself. I committed to tracking my food for the whole program and I did it! Not every day was perfect but I tracked it, accepted my choices and moved on. In the past, I gave up when I had a food blow out. I would stop tracking and give up on myself and the program. But this time I committed to myself and a new lifestyle. I love that I am setting a good example for my daughter to establish healthy habits. Bring on the 10km program!!!”
Stacey,
“I am proud that I was able to do exercise after breaking my back last year and being couch ridden for 10 months. I am so proud of my scale loss and my cm, that is an achievement all in itself. I feel like I have had a better mindset in knowing that I can do this and I can better my life and get on the track to loving myself again. It is a process but I will get there! Meal prep is my life saver! It saves me from those nights where I dont want to cook so a delivered pizza would work. But NO I have learnt to stick to my meals that I have already got waiting for me and boy has it been a game changer! I am so excited to love myself again and to be the happy girl I was before my accident!”
Rhianna,
“I am so proud of my weight loss and my increased physical fitness. I love that I can run on the treadmill now and that I am able to do intermediate and some advanced moves in the workout videos. Before I decided to do this program again I had been writing down the reasons why I wanted to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle. It had to be more than superficial and I needed to be able to find a way to move past the old ways that were holding me back. Figuring out that I’m not missing out on anything was huge and truly appreciating how healthy eating and exercise made me feel was just as important. Allowing it to all come together and acceptance have been key for me. I love feeling strong and healthy and clear of mind. Preparing my lunch and snacks for work and not falling back on convenience foods that had me feeling lethargic and exacerbating anxiety is also a keeper. I used to drink a fair bit of Coca Cola but now I don’t even miss it. I wanted to be able to feel like I could really and truly change my health and take it on permanently and I really feel like I have found that. Thank you so very much!”
Natalie,
“My weight loss is something I am hugely proud of. I had high blood pressure before I started which scared me a lot because I’m only 27. My fitness levels have been blowing me away each month, I can’t believe I can finally do push ups on my toes!!! I’m so thorough with my shopping lists, sticking to them and using up all my leftovers by going through my favourite 12WBT meals. I feel like such a boss when I plan my week out and smash every single meal and workout! As someone who was diagnosed with body dysmorphia disorder, I didn’t think I would ever get here in a healthy way. I can FINALLY see the beauty in my body and I don’t cry when I see myself naked anymore. I feel stronger mentally, I can overcome so much if I practice putting my mind to it. I wish I could articulate how grateful I am for this platform and how much my life has changed for the better because of 12WBT!”
Karryn,
“I have lost 53 cm! I have increased my muscle mass by over 1 kg, and seen weight loss of 14.9kgs. I have much better focus and more energy. I have done the program before. But this time, going through menopause, the 12WBT experts recommended 1500 cals. This means I don’t miss out and I have gradual weight loss on a sustainable program moving forward that will be my lifestyle.”
Cass,
“I’m proud of my fitness score. It represents an improvement to my health but also an increase in my mental resilience, which I believe is just as important as physical fitness. Before this challenge I felt demotivated, overwhelmed by how much I wanted to lose, disappointed in myself, frustrated, lacking energy, with poor posture, body aches, and lack of accountability to myself in what I ate. I was stressed and just stuck in bad habits of my own doing. Now, I’m proud that I have more self control allowing me to be consistent in my approach to food and exercise. I have higher energy, I’m thinking clearer, I’m healthier, more confident and happier in my own skin. I’m grateful for my body and what it is capable of. I’m thankful I have made a difference to my health and well being”
