Women looking to shed the pounds and regain their self-confidence attended a Fulham fitness fair yesterday in a bid to kickstart their weightloss journey.
London Sports partnered with Full Figured Fitness to host the exercise and healthy eating taster sessions at Fulham Library to mark International Women’s Day.
Business Support Officer for London Sports Amy Hewick explained that the fear of being judged is one of the biggest barriers to women getting their sweat on.
She said: “One woman I spoke to would only go out running at night so she could avoid being seen by other people.”
Full Figured Fitness is the brainchild of Lauretta Johnnie and was established to help those who may fear being judged while exercising or have had previous negative experiences.
Lauretta revealed that she had worked hard over the last ten years to develop a programme that appeals to anyone determined to shift the pounds.
“We have a health crisis in the UK – more than 62% of the population is obese or overweight,” she explained.
“Some people are really conscious of their body and how people will perceive them – we need to take back control of our body’s health and lifestyles.”
One member, who wished to remain anonymous, praised Lauretta’s approach to running the group.
She said: “You are such an inspiration and such a brilliant antithesis to all the ignorance, cruelty and prejudice that is levelled against larger-sized people.
“Thanks you for standing up for larger people it is nice to see someone show that we are not all lazy couch potatoes.”
