With her recent weight loss success sweeping the internet, local Northamptonshire girl, Sian Ryan, certainly has turned heads with her impressive transformation. We caught up with Sian to find out all about her journey so far, and what she has planned for the future… [caption id="attachment_1907" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Sian before her health & fitness journey began[/caption] What inspired you to make a change?  All through 2015 I was trying to lose weight. I was unhappy with how I looked and felt, but I only knew of cardio and I lost (and also put back on) 30lbs that year. The turning point for me was actually getting dumped. When my relationship ended I was so heartbroken I just threw myself into the gym, just as a way of escaping the house and dealing with all the emotions. What were your original goals when you started? When I first started my weight loss journey, I never ever thought I would get to a healthy weight. I just wanted to see if could lose any weight, as even that goal to me was unreachable. Can you describe your old self before your transformation? My old self was lazy and unhappy. My anxiety and depression was at an all-time high and I was constantly partying and eating to try and make myself happy. I never even walked to the local shop, let alone enter a gym, and I would never cook myself healthy food. I was young and naive, thinking I could eat and drink as I pleased and suffer no consequences. How did you go about your transformation? It’s been a slow journey. I first started just going to the gym and doing cardio, and then as I grew more interested in the gym, I did more research and started using the fixed weight machines. After using those for a while, I then started looking into weight lifting as a whole and fell into the process. I love the feeling of being strong. Once I noticed results, I read more about feeding my body for workouts and have focused on being healthier as a whole – and not dieting. Did you seek advice from anyone or anywhere? I did loads of research online and found lots of amazing fitness communities that offered support. I never really got advice from personal trainers. I followed programs from bodybuilding.com and started using MyFitnessPal. How has your fitness regime changed over time? In the beginning all I knew was cardio, so that’s all I focused on. Now all I do is lift weights, with very minimal cardio involved at all. I love the feeling of getting stronger and the confidence that has come with it! Have you participated in any sporting/fitness events? I haven’t yet, one day I would love to compete in powerlifting though! What has been the biggest highlight of your journey so far? I think gaining recognition on social media has been a big highlight for me. It sounds silly but I’ve put in so much hard work in the past year and a half, just for me, so when I started getting support online it was super strange but incredible. Seeing all the kind words and comments from people made me push myself more, as I knew then that others believed in me too! What has been the hardest part of your journey so far? The hardest part of the journey is definitely the one with myself, daily. I have to constantly fight to stay positive and focused and not get disheartened when I don’t see results instantly. It’s definitely a lifestyle change now but it can be easy to slip into old habits, but I am much happier where I am now than where I was. What’s the one thing you couldn’t train without? I live for pre-workout! I love the buzz and focus I get from it, and it always makes the workout extra kickass! How do you eat to fuel your body for training? I now try to fuel my body and not starve it. I eat a high protein diet, aiming for 80% to be ‘clean’ foods such as meat, veg, nuts, etc., but I still let myself indulge in my favourite things like pizza and chocolate! Where do you get your motivation from?  I am constantly motivated by all the other amazing people trying to make changes to themselves and on their fitness journey. Seeing how consistent people are, and how positive and focused they are really motivates me, which is amazing. What’s next for you?  This year I am aiming to lose another 15lbs, then I plan on bulking up and getting super strong. I have so many goals that are strength orientated. I'm excited to get started! [caption id="attachment_1908" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Sian after losing over six stone[/caption] You can follow Sian via Instagram, Twitter and her blog. Do you have a success story you’d like to see on our blog? Get in touch via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram – or visit our contact page.