Huge weight loss leads to new confidence for Wheatley Hills' Kayleigh

Kayleigh Read, from Wheatley, celebrates nine stone weight loss as she swaps yo-yo diets for fitness

Weighing in at 21 stone and 13lbs in January 2016 Kayleigh Read began her weight loss journey and the determined exerciser has, to date, shed more than nine stone.

After deciding that enough was enough early in 2016 Kayleigh started to steadily lose weight by making better food choices.

She said: “While I was making better food choices, I still didn’t really understand the fundamentals of weight management and a calorie controlled diet, but I persevered and just over a year later I was down to 18 stone 8lb and then to my horror, my weight loss came to a standstill.

“I was at an all-time low, I had no self-confidence or self-belief, I didn’t know where to turn, and I decided to join my local gym, I was terrified and wasn’t sure what to expect.”

Kayleigh joined Doncaster Culture and Leisure (DCLT) run Armthorpe gym and became a regular exerciser.

“All the staff made me feel welcome and at ease, the other members were very friendly and always wanting to help and assist.

“Not long after going the gym I was in a car accident and had to take six weeks away from exercise. When I finally felt able to go back I walked in to the same friendly faces and the same welcome as all the other times I had been.

“As my confidence started to grow I started to work with a personal trainer, Josh Head, from Yours Personal Training, who are partners with DCLT. As I started to train with him I began to see exercise in a whole new light. I never thought I’d be capable of the things I was achieving.

“While training with Josh I moved to another DCLT gym based at the Keepmoat Stadium, I was a little nervous of the change, but again I stepped out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, as soon as I walked into Keepmoat gym I was made to feel very welcome. Staff are encouraging and engaging. At this point I started to really educate myself (with the help of Josh) about the importance of a high protein diet whilst resistance training and losing weight. The confidence gained from going to the gym, working hard, educating myself, speaking to members of staff and to Josh has simply changed my life.”