Yes, blokes from Bulwell do Slimming World too
I first walked through the doors of Slimming World in mid-February weighing 15st 4lb, fed up and at a real low point.
I’d lost my confidence, my energy was non-existent, and I had no motivation to do anything about it. Exercise and looking after myself had never really been my thing, and my eating habits had become pretty destructive.
It actually took a mate giving me a much needed kick up the bum to make me realise I was heading for trouble. Even then, I nearly didn’t go.
Like a lot of blokes, I told myself it would be “all women”, that I’d feel out of place, and that it just wasn’t my thing. I’m usually confident, but walking into that room felt far more daunting than it should have.
I needn’t have worried.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by Tracy, warm, positive and completely confident she could help me.
There was no judgement, no pressure and no lectures. Just practical support, encouragement and straight-talking advice when I needed it.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that Slimming World never tells you what your target weight has to be.
There’s no fixed number you’re forced to reach. Your target is your choice, about finding a weight you feel comfortable, healthy and confident at, not chasing someone else’s idea of perfection.
What really surprised me was how much thought and experience sits behind Slimming World.
With over 55 years of expertise in food, physical activity, and the psychology of mindset and behaviour change, it’s not about quick fixes or restriction. It’s about understanding how real people live, eat and think and making changes that actually last.
Fast forward 11 months and I was voted Slimming World Icon for my group, which still feels surreal.
I’ll be honest, December was tough mainly due to poor health. But this journey has taught me that life happens, and progress isn’t undone by a temporary setback.
As Tracy always says, there is no perfect slimmer. If your week doesn’t go to plan, you don’t get told off or made to feel like you’ve failed.
You just show up, face it, learn from it and move forward into a new week full of opportunities. That mindset alone has been a game changer for me.
The group is full of some of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. People I now rely on and proudly call friends.
I’ve laughed (yes we have fun), cried, smiled and shared more in that room than I ever expected to and ever have with some of my closest friends and family. Fridays are now something I genuinely look forward to.
I feel comfortable in myself again. I’m fitter, healthier and, just as importantly, in a far better place mentally.
I’m not someone who’s big on planning or prepping, but Slimming World makes it simple. I can still eat the foods I enjoy just in moderation. I can still have my JD (also in moderation!) and enjoy a proper full English breakfast with a few small tweaks.
The group has some real characters and that’s what makes it work. Everyone just gets it. Everyone has a story, nothing feels off-limits, and everyone wants each other to succeed.
These days I love walking and I’m even trying to get into running (very much a work in progress!).
I now walk the 5.5 mile round trip to work every day. That time has become my chance to clear my head, reflect on how far I’ve come and remind myself how glad I am that I walked through that door.
Losing a quarter of my body weight and now having a BMI between 23 and 24 still absolutely blows my mind. I’m not often proud of myself, but this, this I really am.
If you would love to find out more come along to group on Friday mornings with Tracy at Ravensworth Road Methodist Church, Bulwell. 7.30am or 9am and make 2026 your year!