Slimmer Ann's got it all worked out! (From Swindon Advertiser)

Slimmer Ann's got it all worked out!

2:48pm Monday 5th February 2007 in News By Emily Walker

ANN Williams used to be a couch potato, but now she is a full-of-beans fitness fan who can work out and watch TV at the same time - thanks to a gym revamp at the Oasis.

The 44-year-old, from Pinehurst, has shed a whopping seven stone since joining the Swindon Council-run leisure centre, in North Star Avenue. And Ann is still losing weight, as she keeps pounding the treadmills, which have just been fitted with state-of-the-art TV screens.

She said: "The Oasis gym is my second home, so I'm thrilled with the new machines. The TV screens keep me entertained while I get burning those calories."

Ann's wake-up call came two years ago, when she went for a health check.

"The nurse measured my waist, which was 57inches. I didn't think I was that big and realised I had to do something quick," she said.

"I was morbidly obese and extremely unfit. Even walking up the stairs left me out of breath."

Initially, Ann was reluctant to join a gym because she felt self-conscious and lacked confidence.

But after a few trips to the Oasis gym, she soon got into the swing of things. "At first I was nervous and thought everyone was watching me. Then I started enjoying it and thought who cares?" she said.

"Fitness instructors showed me how to use the equipment and before long I was well away. It felt so good to be active again"

Ann was given an exercise programme suited to her individual needs and started power walking to the gym three times a week.

She said: "The staff were all so friendly and gave me plenty of advice and encouragement. From that point I knew there was no going back."

Ann's determination soon paid off and the pounds fell away. Since first joining, Ann, who stands at 5ft 8ins, has dropped seven dress sizes and gone from weighing 24 stone to 17 stone.

She said: "Friends stop me in the street and say they can barely recognise me. I used to be size 32 - now I'm an 18 and still slimming down. I'm not scared to look in the mirror and finally I can run."

Her husband Michael, 51, is equally thrilled with his wife's transformation.

She said: "He has been really supportive and now he's got a whole new woman - I'm full of energy and feel on top of the world."

Besides changing her exercise habits, Ann eats healthily.

"My diet was full of fat and sugar. I ate too many crisps, cakes and biscuits and not enough fruit and vegetables," she said.

"So I cut out the junk food and started eating smaller portions of proper food."

Ann was worried that over time the novelty of going to the gym might wear off and she would stop going. But thanks to its recent refurbishment, Ann has an extra incentive to attend.

The new gym boasts the first Technogym Excite machines in Swindon. Each treadmill, bike and cross trainer has its own TV screen with a choice of 10 television and five radio channels to keep people entertained while they trail.

The £150,000 refurbishment is part of the regeneration of the Oasis, which includes a giant new indoor waterslide and a rejuvenated café bar.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: "Ann is an inspiration to all of us. I am delighted that our staff are continuing to help people of all abilities and backgrounds, which is why usage of our leisure facilities is increasing.

"This, combined with the latest investment in technology, makes the Oasis gym the best in Swindon."