March's Member of the Month...
Mal Samra from Wolverhampton

Posted 24 February 2010

Since joining Fitbug last July, Mal's lost around a stone in weight - and has learnt how to resist office treats!

How did you find out about Fitbug?

I spotted the scheme on our staff website at work and asked to be referred by occupational health. I felt I needed a push.

What was your motivation for joining?

To get healthier. I'd started putting on a lot of weight and I wasn't being as active. I was going to work, sitting on a chair, coming home, watching TV and going to bed. I wasn't moving very much at all.

Also my daughter, Minnie, is getting married this August so I wanted to lose a few pounds for that.

How have you found the scheme so far?

Brilliant. It's really got me going. It's just made me realise how little I was walking.

I'm a PA and I work on the first floor. Accounts is up on the third. Before I always used the lift to get up there, but having the bug makes you think twice. I haven't used the lift since joining. Even if I have a trolley for a meeting upstairs, I put the trolley in the lift and use the stairs myself.

It's definitely improved my stamina. It's just like my little friend attached to my waist.

Have you found it easy to stick to?

I have. Just before Christmas I started having problems with my knee so I did slacken. I put my bug to one side and didn't use it as much. Unfortunately that meant I then lost it...without it, I felt I couldn't keep track of my steps.

Thankfully I've now got a replacement bug so I'm back on track. It's a great little gadget. It's like an extension of me at the moment. It goes wherever I go.

Do you tend to walk alone?

My youngest son, Hardeep, who's 28, has been brilliant. He often comes out with me.

You know when you've had a hard day at work, you come home and head straight into the kitchen. You don't really want to go out again.

Hardeep's like: 'Mum, aren't we going out for a walk today?'

He's pushed me at times when I haven't felt like going out.

When we took my other kids out they couldn't believe how quickly he and I walked. They couldn't keep up with us!

How has life changed since Fitbug?

It's made me more conscious of my activity and of what I eat, more aware of myself really.

There are so many things. For example, at work it was always someone's birthday so there were always sweets or cakes. I've stopped giving into temptation because I think of the long term effects, rather than the need at that moment.

Have family and friend noticed a difference in you?

Oh yes. Everywhere I go, people say: "Oh, you've lost weight." It really gives me a buzz.

How much have you lost?

It's just under a stone I think. Its come off gradually rather than in a big chunk all of a sudden, so I'm hoping it's going to stay off.

My aim is to go down a bit more. I'm a comfortable size 14 at the moment but I'd love to be a size 12.

Do you use the website much?

I do. To see how I'm doing or print of the recipes or exercises you can do in front of the telly. I've got an exercise ball at home so I use that as well.

What are you most proud of?

Giving up chocolate. Even the chocolate boxes at work just sit there nowadays. I don't even get the craving for the taste any more.

Any tips for other members?

Don't expect overnight results because the weight didn't come on overnight! And persevere. Because if you're consistent with your walking it's amazing what you can do.

Be persistent and consistent I would say and you'll get where you want to be.

Mal before she started with Fitbug

As this month's star member Anne receives a fantastic Molton Brown gift set. If you'd like to feature as our member of the month - or if you know someone that deserves to -

send us your story!