I literally bent over backwards to lose the weight

Name: Ali Haines
Age: 23
Weight Lost: lost 2 st through Yoga

Ali is a student teacher from the University of Brighton. She lost an impressive 2 stone in 7 months and we aim to find out just how she did it. We met up with her for coffee whilst musing over just what motivated her to get into shape.

So tell us your secret Ali- 2st in 7 months!

It might seem like a short time but believe me it was a long time coming. I have been conscious about my weight for years and have to be honest and say that I spent a lot of time wallowing about it, particularly throughout my early teens. I had quite a negative relationship with food and would often skip meals in the hope it help me shed the pounds. Needless to say it didn’t work and I was on the verge of developing a problem. However, half way through University I joined a yoga class after seeing an ad on campus. It really helped and although people tend to think it’s a waste of time it really did tone my muscles, and I definitely got fitter.

You mention yoga classes but would you recommend this to others?

Yes, without a doubt! I lost a lot of weight through the gym but yoga allowed me to tone and tighten my bottom, thighs and tummy. It’s really good for you as well. The variety of exercises allows you to tone muscles you didn’t even know you had and although I don’t subscribe to the whole celeb image thing, many of them are doing it these days too.

You mentioned celebs and there is a lot of debate about size zero at the minute, are you at all influenced by celebrity bodies?

No. Size zero girls disgust me. That may sound harsh but I just don’t know why they do it to themselves.

I did it for me. Don’t get me wrong I’ll always have a flick through the glossies and discuss how skinny, or how good they are looking when I’m with my friends, but to be honest, I couldn’t care less. I just started to watch what I ate and took regular exercise. I joined my university gym and of course went to yoga class 3 times a week.

What motivated you to lose the weight then?

I just wanted to fit into my favourite jeans. I was a size 14 at my biggest and I wanted to be around a 12. My best mate is also due to get married in September and I aim to lose a further ½ stone before that.

Any other tips for us?

Just be realistic about your goals. Don’t just say ‘right I need to lose 4st by Christmas because you are just setting yourself up for a fall and it’s a downhill spiral. I said I would lose a stone and was very surprised to have lost double that, but I wouldn’t have beaten myself up if I hadn’t. I always recommend drinking lots of water- it worked for me. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly but don’t let it become an obsession.

Ali told us she’s got her eye on the Warrior Plus Yoga Mat- you have good taste Ali!