Most of my life I had struggled with my weight, but when I moved from Brisbane to Sydney 11 years ago it spiralled out of control. I reached a massive weight of 160kg and although the doctors told me I was 'morbidly obese' I never really saw myself as that, yes I knew I was very overweight but morbidly obese?! Doesn't that mean you are going to die from being too fat?! That conversation with the doctor did have enough of an impact to get me started but I was too embarrassed to go to a gym or be around others that were exercising so I would go for my walks in the wee hours of the morning under the cover of darkness, and tried to watch what I ate, yes I did lose some weight however not enough.

Then I heard about Step into Life and went to try it out. I loved it right from the start. It was exactly what I was looking for, everyone was friendly, it was a lot more fun than just walking the streets on my own and in a beautiful outdoor location with lots of encouragement and no mirrors! I took the plunge and signed up I have not looked back. It really has been the BEST thing I have ever done for my health/fitness.

It is amazing what being told 'you can do it', 'look at you go' or 'gosh you're good' can do for someone. People had never said that type of thing to me before, I had always been told, crikey you can't do that, your too big, you'll break that. All of a sudden I had a trainer, someone who cared about me and my fitness, someone that encouraged me all the way and took the time to work out changes in my exercise routine and eating plans/education. Jan was always there, phone calls, talking at the end or beginning of sessions and endless emails all of which encouraged me to keep on going. But its not just Jan it's the whole deal, the other members, being around positive people brought out a positive 'can do' attitude in me rather than, oh well I'm a big girl, I'll just have another cream puff and watch others have a go.

The weight has come off, and as that weight came off my confidence grew, I have attended too many 'fun runs' to count and in 2009 achieved a long term goal of a half marathon.

So life is good, as you can see from the before and after shots I am NOT the same person. I have come from morbidly obese to grossly obese to obese, to overweight to inside the NORMAL healthy weight range and now I am bang on my goal weight of 62kgs. It has taken 5 years, it has been a roller coaster ride, it has not been easy and I have had help, but I have never given up. Step into Life helped me be the best I can be I look forward to many more years of following the Step into Life programs and leading Healthy Active Life!

Sonia's Story· From her Personal Trainers point of view, Jan Frapiccini, Step into Life Sans Souci

First and foremost Sonia made the very important decision to take control, to make positive changes in her behaviour in both eating and exercise.

Secondly Sonia found a FANTASTIC support group through the Step into Life Group Outdoor Training System.

Sonia has been an inspirational member of Step into Life Sans Souci for 5 years. She is the first to admit that without the support of not just her trainer, but the power of the support from her peers at training she would never have been as successful as she has been in achieving and maintaining these dramatic changes.

There is a vast difference between Step into Life and 1 on 1 training. With Step into Life there is an energy, a buzz, a vibe. There is a camaraderie that comes to life, a natural competitiveness and also natural encouragement that comes out in people. These aspects, without exception, raises the energy levels at each session. Members feed off each others energy, encourage each other when the going gets tough and it lifts the bar without fail each time.

Step into Life has the winning formula of making exercise fun, packages it in a friendly social outdoor environment with loads of variety provided by qualified Personal Trainers and makes it AFFORDABLE - why wouldn't you exercise!

Step into Life is Australia's Largest Group Outdoor Personal Training franchise with over 135 franchises Australia Wide. For more information on training with a Step into Life group near you or to find out how you could be changing lives as a Step into Life Personal Trainer contact us on 1300 134 136 or visit www.stepintolife.com