{"id":4361,"date":"2022-01-27T16:43:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T16:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slimmingworld.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=4361"},"modified":"2022-02-04T09:03:10","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T09:03:10","slug":"inspire-i-was-held-back-by-arthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/inspire-i-was-held-back-by-arthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cI was held back by arthritis… now there\u2019s no stopping me!\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The peak of the steep hill still seemed so far away as I cycled upwards in sunny\u00a0France. At just under 1,300ft,\u00a0this mountain\u00a0was my\u00a0Everest\u00a0and I was determined to conquer it \u2013 a feat that would have been\u00a0unthinkable for\u00a0me just weeks earlier. With a final,\u00a0mighty effort, I\u00a0pedaled\u00a0to the summit and\u00a0turned to my husband\u00a0and cycling partner,\u00a0Roger.\u00a0\u201cI did it!\u201d\u00a0I grinned.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That magic moment on holiday marked just how far I\u2019d come since joining Slimming World. I\u2019d always been very active and I loved hiking and cycling. So when I found myself hobbling after a short walk, I knew there was a problem. I was diagnosed with arthritis, and it was no surprise to me that the first thing the doctor advised was losing weight. At 14st 3\u00bdlbs, I didn\u2019t feel at my best. And as well as struggling to exercise I was also unable to enjoy playing active games with my grandchildren \u2013 which was devastating, because we\u2019d recently moved to be closer to them. It was time to make a change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Slimming<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I joined my local Slimming World group in February 2020. I\u2019ll be honest, I was really nervous as I walked into that hall full of people. And getting on those scales for the first time felt like a scary leap in the dark. My Consultant, Beth, and the other members in the group were so supportive, though, and I gradually gained more confidence. To anyone thinking about joining now, I\u2019d say that it\u2019s normal to be scared, but this might be one of the most important and life-changing decisions that you\u2019ll ever make. It\u2019s worth taking that risk and going for it \u2013 and you\u2019ll be supported and encouraged all the way!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Slimming<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I really like the simplicity of Slimming World\u2019s Food Optimising plan \u2013 it\u2019s so easy to follow and I don\u2019t have to count points or calories. As the weight came off, my arthritis improved and I was able to start being active again. Within 18 months of joining group, I\u2019d hit my target weight of 10st 4\u00bdlbs and was back on my beloved bike!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I\u2019m definitely feeling the benefits of my weight loss \u2013 I\u2019ve significantly increased my average cycle speed and I\u2019m tackling hills that I would have had to push my bike up before. I\u2019ve also rediscovered my love of yoga and Pilates, and I know that the balance and flexibility it\u2019s giving me will sustain me through a fit and healthy retirement. I\u2019ve gone from being unable to do a \u2018plank\u2019 position to holding one for more than three minutes. I\u2019m also doing headstands again for the first time in 25 years!   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Losing weight with Slimming World means that I can now continue to do the things that I love. Whether I\u2019m cycling up mountains or having fun with my three grandchildren, I feel fitter than I have in years. I\u2019m definitely on the up!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Slimming<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sheena\u2019s tips for getting active<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n