“I finally feel like myself again.” – Clara’s story

Clara had always enjoyed exercise, but complex health issues and her relationship with fitness and nutrition made it difficult for her to establish a routine she could stick with.

That’s when she decided to sign up for the Transformation Challenge and traded restriction for structure and consistency. And what she discovered was a sense of inner strength and confidence she hadn’t expected – that went far beyond any number a scale could show. Here’s her story:

“I was very active as a kid, but around age 8, I developed several complicated health issues, so I had to stop all sports for about 10 years. Since I was 21, I’ve also struggled with rheumatism, which still affects me sometimes. My relationship with fitness always came in phases – sometimes I was very active, other times I did nothing at all.

I really enjoy exercise like sports, hiking, swimming, and everything that goes with it; I just find it hard to stick to it and build a healthy routine.

My goal in joining the Transformation Challenge was to lose the 12 kilos I had gained over the last 1.5 years and to enjoy exercise again. Beyond that, I wanted to rebuild a healthy relationship with food and my body and to treat myself well.

I was looking forward to going beyond my limits and feeling more like myself again.”

“I was a bit scared at the beginning, because starting the Transformation Challenge forced me to deal with the fact that I had neglected myself and my body so much over the last few years. That realization made me feel sad and ashamed, which made the first video shoot really hard for me.

At the same time, I felt a lot of joy because I already knew how great it feels after just 2 weeks. I was really proud of myself for deciding to do it.”

“At the beginning of the Challenge, I often felt frustrated with my body when I wasn’t as fit or as “good” at the workouts as the other participants. But that completely shifted – I started to take my time and listen to my body.

After a couple of weeks, it actually got easier because it just became part of my new routine. My partner, Sam, who also joined, helped me a lot by sharing tips and recipes with other participants in the group chat, which made a big difference too.

I involved the people around me from the beginning, so no one questioned it when I said I wouldn’t drink or that I’d bring my own food. There was one moment in a beer garden when I felt weak and tempted to have just one beer.

But then I caught myself and thought, ‘Why not just have a non-alcoholic one? It’ll satisfy the craving.’ And it did.

For me, finding better alternatives in those “weaker” moments was often the key.”

“By the end of the Transformation Challenge, I had lost nearly 16 kilograms, and so much has changed. Not only in how other people see me, but also in how I see myself.

I feel more confident, but it’s not only about the amount I lost – a lot has changed mentally. I see food and movement very differently now. I came from a place where my relationship with food wasn’t always easy, with fear foods and a lot of restrictions.

Now I’ve learned that everything is okay in balance and moderation. I no longer walk through the supermarket labeling things as “good” or “bad” – my thinking is much less black-and-white.

And most importantly, I finally feel like myself again.

The most unexpected benefit has been how much stronger I’ve become mentally. I recently walked my first Camino from Portugal to Spain, covering 310 kilometers. That wouldn’t have been possible before this Challenge.

Now my mindset is: if I have an idea, I go for it. I’ll find a way.”

“I definitely want to keep going. Regular exercise will remain a big part of my life, and I’d also like to try something new – maybe even a completely different sport.

I’ve realized that an 80/20 balance works best for me. Making healthy choices in my daily life that feel good for both my body and mind is important to me – but allowing for some flexibility, without strict rules or restrictions.”

“Figure out what works for your body. Set realistic goals and don’t forget to enjoy the process. We’re alive and healthy – we get to move our bodies. Let go of your preconceptions and just try things out. And remember: small steps will take you far in a sustainable way.”