Superfit Jacqui wins national award

A 38 year old mother of four from Middlesborough has picked up a national award for the way she has transformed her life from an overweight, unfit person into a superfit marathon runner.

Jacqui Goodwin always had trouble with her weight but as winner of the fitness award in the Fitness First New You Achievements Award she is now the perfect role model for anyone looking to transform their life.

The Fitness Award honours Fitness First members who have made a difference to life and was a toughly fought category.

“Something just clicked inside me one day,’’ said Jacqui. “I had a real moment of clarity and knew that I had to do something about my fitness.’’

With a Fitness First near her office Jacqui was quickly convinced that the fitness chain held the key to her future. “I had been to lots of other gyms before but everyone was so friendly and helpful at Fitness First that I felt right at home.’’

Jacqui began on the Get Results programme and said that it was the challenge that motivated her to keep going – and that has continued to inspire her to run in a number of races including the Great North Run and the London Marathon.

She is rightly proud of her achievements and even carries her London Marathon medal around with her wherever she goes.

Working with personal trainer Jacky Kitchings – herself an expert runner – Jacqui built up from not being able to run for more than a few minutes to being able to run long distances. She is back out in action for the Great North Run next month and said she owes it all to Fitness First.

“Fitness First showed me the person I really am and brought out the motivation in me,’’ she said. “I have been taught things here that I will never forget and now just want more people to know that if I did it then so can they.”

Jacqui was one of 15 finalists in five categories in the Fitness First New You Achievement Awards and judges described her story as truly inspirational.

“She is exactly the kind of person these awards set out to recognise,’’ said Fitness First’s managing director John Gamble. “She took the decision to change her life for the better and is reaping the rewards every single day.’’

Log on to fitnessfirst.com for more information and to find a club.