The Limerick based woman has turned her own weight loss journey into an inspirational career as she helps others achieve their own health and fitness goals – she shares her tips
Limerick woman Emma France
A Limerick woman has shared her tips after losing an impressive three stone.
Emma France decided 12 years ago that she wasn’t as fit as she could be nor happy in her own skin, and wanted to make a change.
After trying a number of diets and weight loss programmes, she found the one that worked for her and never looked back.
Speaking to RSVP Live, Emma said: “Back around 2013, 2014 my mother was sick at the time. She was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and because of that, she spent a lot of time upstairs. I found going out to help take care of her, that I was out of breath every time I reached the top of the stairs, and I decided I needed to do something about it.
“I had tried other things before, like everyone else until you find something that works and that you can stick with consistently, you kind of jump from plan to plan and different things. I had gotten a leaflet through my door a couple of months previous for Slimming World, and I kept it on my fridge. It must have been on my fridge for about six months before I ever went in the door of the local group.”
Slimming World was the plan that clicked with Emma, thanks to how simple it was.
“It’s just easy and manageable,” she explained. “It was real food and food that you could share with your family. It wasn’t having to change everything and count everything all the time; it wasn’t consuming, it was enjoyable.
After initially losing three stone, Emma struggled during lockdown and ending up gaining weight once more – however, she got back on the horse and is now down two stone as she works her way towards shedding another. The change in her health and her own mindset are like night and day since losing weight.
Emma before and after her weight loss journey
“The difference is phenomenal,” she gushed. “It’s your confidence, you’re able to get up and speak to people. It’s helped my confidence, my clothing, my health. Lots of things have happened since; back in May I had a hysterectomy and after my recovery I did couch to 5k.
“I did the Cook Medical 5k here in Limerick a couple of weeks ago, and then I did the Limerick Night Run Festival so that’s another 5k I took part in. I’d have never dreamt that I’d be able to participate in these beforehand. Your health is your wealth, and it’s not just about looking in the mirror, it’s about long term health benefits; the longevity of life, being able to be mobile, to be able to enjoy things.”
After falling in love with the plan, Emma decided to become a consultant herself and now uses her experience to help others achieve their goals.
“We all support each other,” she said. “I feel privileged to be in the situation I am, I love it and I love my members. It’s challenging to everyone but when I see them make those changes, I’m always trying to remind them how far they’ve come, no matter what’s going on – and to just keep pushing to where they want to be.”
Emma’s group runs in Garryowen Rugby Club Dooradoyle on Saturdays at 7.00am, 8.30am and 10.00am – check out her Instagram page here.