She had taken to dining out regularly which would have been fine if her clothes had continued to fit.

She decided that if her lifestyle was to continue in this way, she had to do something about her fitness. A friend told her about Curves and she thought she would give it a go.

Amanda said: “I opened the door at Curves and was greeted by a friendly face.

“My first impression was how relaxed everyone was. On the circuit were ladies of different ages, shapes and sizes. With not a man or a mirror in sight, I felt very comfortable.

“At my first session, I was introduced to the machines. I was initially guided in the areas needed and, when ready, left to workout at my own pace - always with someone in the circuit ready to offer advice when necessary. I couldn't believe how easy it was to incorporate three or four workouts within my already busy week.”

Within a couple of weeks, Amanda started to feel much healthier. She could actually walk from Curves up Bath Street to the market place without gasping for breath.

At her first weigh and measure session, she had lost inches as well as weight.

She added: “I have continued working out at Curves and feel much happier and healthier for it. I can call in before or after work.

“Curves is a place where I can feel comfortable to come and go on my own or, on occasions, I meet a friend and we work out together. For someone with a busy life who cannot commit to exercising at a set time each day, the way Curves operates is excellent. I would recommend Curves to anyone wanting to start exercising.”

Try a Curves workout for yourself. The centre is located right in Ilkeston near plenty of parking and easily accessible by bus.

For more information, call Curves on 0115 944 4457, take a look at the website at www.curvesderby.com or pop in to Curves at 86 Bath Street in Ilkeston. As an extra incentive, if you join now with a friend, you can split the joining fee.