Ami Fullalove
Sep 8, 2018 · 5 min read

The end of the beginning

I didn’t want to write this last blog until I had seen the results with my own eyes.
My trainer kept telling me she could see a difference in my body and I have had family and friends notice it now, but when looking back at pictures I just couldn’t see a difference.

The last few weeks have been as tough as the first, it doesn't get easier as you have to constantly push yourself. I have increased my gym sessions to 5 times a week. I have taken on a vegan diet and I have upped the weights I am lifting. All of this while still managing an ankle injury. Not being able to do any compound exercises or proper cardio has been very frustrating. These are some of my favourite exercises to do. Plus they work many muscles at once getting a more all over body workout. Quicker results. So I feel like I have had to work harder due to not being able to do these movements. My trainer has been utterly amazing, she could have given up on me and said rest up until you're better. But no, she re wrote my plan and worked so hard with me to adjust all my exercises so I could still work these muscles without weight bearing on my injury.

The diet has been surprisingly easy. Many people have asked me through the last 12 weeks, how do you feel? And it's not until I became vegan that I can say I have felt better in myself. More energy and feeling healthier, lighter and I just feel clean! I know that sounds silly but my skin feels fresh and glowing.

As I hadn't been able to run or walk I have also had to stop going to the bounce classes which is where this journey started. I decided to attend a class this week just to see how I got on. (Don't tell my Physiotherapist) Yes it did hurt the ankle a bit but only a reminder that I'm not quite healed yet. However I didn't stop smiling throughout that class. Because I could do things I struggled to do before. My tummy wasn't in the way so much and I had so much more stamina. Everytime I found something I could do better or for longer than before my confidence grew that little bit more. I can't wait to return to that class again.
It's the little things that have made me grin from ear to ear and give me that urge to keep going. I can't remember the last time I sat on the sofa and lifted my knees up like a little child without having to hold my arms around my legs to hold them there. This time my belly wasn't in the way I didn't have to hold my legs in place. A position most women would take for granted and wonder what I'm going on about but like I said it's the little things I'm noticing that make me realise my body has changed.


My family have been a tremendous support. I know they thought I would have given up ages ago and so did I to be honest. But through caluses, sweat (a lot of that) and tears (quite a lot of that too) I have made it through the 12 weeks. I couldn't have done it without them. Cheering me on. My husband telling me to get my ass to the gym when I really didn't want to go. Him giving me that look of disappointment when I was caught with a biscuit. My 4 year old telling me I didn't have a fat belly anymore. (That was amazing as kids tell the truth) I know I still have a long way to go but I am not giving up now.

The gym I joined is Evolve in Torquay. This is a friendly warm inviting gym with brilliant clean and fully working equipment. I almost don’t want to tell people about it as I don’t want everyone joining (it’s my gym) but honestly if you have fears and issues with gyms this is the place to go. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and so willing to help anyon.

My trainer is the person I want to thank the most. (Sounding like my Oscar speech) Rebecca Shannon you literally have changed my life. I know this sounds cheesy (vegan of course) but I don’t think I would have ever seen the changes I could make to my body without you guiding me through it. If you had given me a diet plan and a fitness plan at the start, yes I would have lost a few lbs but you were with me every limp of the way. Pulling me out of the black hole of biscuit land and leading me to the world of fake meat and plant power.
Thank you. Here’s to the next 12 weeks of my journey and I can’t wait to share the results with you.


So for those of you that care. Here are my before and after pictures that I dreamed of having at the beginning of this challenge. I'm not thrilled about flashing my body on the internet but I'm super proud of my results and have a new found 'I don't care what you think' attitude.
NEARLY 2 stone' lighter (thanks to mother nature making an appearance on final weigh day... Bitch!)
13 inches lost (and gained in muscle) from bicep, waist, hips and thighs.
Thank you for following my journey and for your words of encouragement along the way. Let's see what happens in the next 3 months.

Ami Fullalove

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