Fit for the Future … Month Three

Three months into my fitness journey with personal trainer Chantelle Barraball, and I'm delighted to say the results continue to move in the right direction. Since starting, I have now lost six kilos and three inches from my waist. My clothes fit better, my stomach is noticeably flatter and, perhaps most importantly, I simply feel healthier, stronger and full of energy.

That said, the past month has probably been the most challenging so far. Summer in Southern Spain is wonderful, but it can also be a difficult time to stay focused. Long lunches, family gatherings, holidays, evenings with friends and days spent relaxing by the pool have all provided plenty of good food and perhaps a little too much alcohol. It's very easy for healthy routines to disappear altogether.

What I've learned, however, is that success isn't always about losing weight every single week.

After some particularly sociable weekends, I've stepped onto the scales hoping that I had at least maintained my weight rather than gained any. Surprisingly, this has become a victory in itself. Instead of allowing one indulgent weekend to become an excuse to abandon my routine, I simply get straight back into it. That change in mindset has probably been one of the biggest achievements of this journey.

Progress has inevitably slowed during the height of summer, but it hasn't stopped. I'm still training regularly, playing plenty of padel to keep my cardiovascular fitness up, getting to the gym whenever possible and continuing to hit my daily protein target and 10,000-step goal. Slow progress is still progress.

"Slow progress is still progress."

The school holidays have also made scheduling my weekly one-to-one training sessions with Chantelle a little more difficult. Like many parents, childcare commitments inevitably take priority during the summer months, so we haven't always managed to meet in person as often as we would have liked. Thankfully, that's where Chantelle's online coaching has really come into its own. Her regular messages, check-ins and encouragement have kept me motivated and accountable, even when life has got in the way.

Looking back over the past few months, I realise this journey has never really been about chasing a number on the scales. It's about creating a healthier lifestyle that I can genuinely enjoy and maintain. I still socialise, enjoy meals out, spend time with friends and make the most of everything a Mediterranean summer has to offer. The difference now is that I no longer feel guilty about it. I know how to enjoy myself, then simply get back on track the next day.

My one-to-one coaching with Chantelle will continue over the coming months as we work towards my long-term goal, and I'm excited to see what the next stage of the journey brings.

If you're looking to improve your own health and fitness, Chantelle offers several ways to get started. Her popular 8 Week Challenge provides the perfect introduction, combining expert coaching, nutritional advice, accountability and a supportive WhatsApp community of people all working towards similar goals. She also offers personalised online one-to-one coaching for those wanting a programme tailored specifically to them, as well as group fitness classes that are welcoming, motivating and suitable for a range of abilities.

What I admire most about Chantelle is her realistic approach. She understands that life doesn't stop because you're trying to get fitter. Holidays, birthdays, family commitments and evenings out are all part of life, and her coaching helps you learn how to enjoy them without losing sight of your goals.

I'll be back next month with another update on my progress. If you've been waiting for the right moment to begin your own fitness journey, perhaps this is it. Why not get in touch with Chantelle and discover just how achievable lasting change can be.