A woman who struggled with her weight for much of her life is hoping to inspire other women as she opens a gym in a city suburb.  

Nadine Weeks came into fitness in her late 30s after attending a gym with some friends from work as a way to socialise.  

She said: “Before attending with the girls from work I absolutely hated exercise, and I wasn’t pleased that they went at 6am before work!

Norwich Evening News: Fitter Body Ladies will open in Bowthorpe on September 3 Fitter Body Ladies will open in Bowthorpe on September 3 (Image: Fitter Body Ladies)

READ MORE: Taverham Mill nature reserve launches new experience on 'beautiful' stretch of water

“But I thought, if they can do it, then I can do it.  

“When I started to see and feel the changes I invested in a good personal trainer and lost six stone – which I have now been able to keep off for six years.” 

Nadine had tried fad diets before but learned that the only thing that would work was a lifestyle change.  

Norwich Evening News: All sessions will be led by Nadine and focus on a lifestyle change All sessions will be led by Nadine and focus on a lifestyle change (Image: Fitter Body Ladies)

READ MORE: Pupils campaign to fix their decaying theatre and bring back school musicals

She has been inspired and has since changed careers from an award-winning florist to a personal trainer, nutritionist and menopause wellness practitioner.  

The 43-year-old now plans to open a gym specifically for women over 30. 

She said: “I am perimenopausal and I am in the same age group as lots of my clients, so I know that having a female-only gym encourages more people to get involved.  

Norwich Evening News: Nadine lost six stone doing the same programme and has been able to keep it off for six years Nadine lost six stone doing the same programme and has been able to keep it off for six years (Image: Fitter Body Ladies)

READ MORE: 'My daughter has a rare disease that has left her trapped in her body'

“It feels more like a safe place.” 

Her gym, in Morgan Way in Bowthorpe, will run a 28-day transformation programme for new clients which will focus on food, fitness and behaviours, and then clients can move forward into sessions from there.  

Norwich Evening News: The gym will cater for women over 30 years old The gym will cater for women over 30 years old (Image: Fitter Body Ladies)

Nadine hopes to put emphasis on socialising and ensuring people aren’t lonely or nervous in her gym.  

The grand opening will be on Sunday, September 3 and folk interested should search for Fitter Body Ladies Norwich on Facebook or email norwich@fitterbodyladies.com.

Norwich Evening News: The exercises will be specially crafted for each body The exercises will be specially crafted for each body (Image: Fitter Body Ladies)