Meet the mums and grandmas behind these incredible before and after photos

Meet the Toowoomba mothers and grandmothers who have taken their health into their own hands and turned their lives around, one kilogram at a time.

Tanya Perry, Jacque Armstrong, and Stephanie Wain share their weight loss journeys.

There are the stories of five Toowoomba wonder women who have transformed their lives through fitness and healthy habits.

Toowoomba and the Darling Downs is one of the centres of Queensland’s obesity epidemic with two-thirds of the population overweight, but these mothers and grandmothers are living proof that anyone can take their health and happiness into their own hands.

The Chronicle recently shared the inspiring story of Toowoomba mothers, Shayna Fernando and Jemma Preston who have both been on incredible weight loss journeys, shedding more dozens of kilos each and making long-term changes for the sake of their health and wellbeing.

Now here are four more inspiring examples of Toowoomba women choosing to drop the extra kilos and live their healthiest, happiest lives yet.

Tanya Perry, 47, is a bravemother of five and grandmother of two who made the decision to turn her life around after finding herself hospital bed bound with debilitating diverticulitis.

Since joining Toowoomba’s Goodlife gym in February, this super grandma has managed to lose more than 35 kilograms, crediting her weight loss to her new found fitness and faith families.

“Being a single mum, especially to two children with special needs, is never easy, and I unfortunately had been putting my health last for a number of years before I decided enough was enough,” she said.

“I was in and out of hospital with my digestive condition and my eating habits were all over the place, and as you start getting older all of these health problems just start creeping up on you until suddenly you feel like you’re no longer in control of your life.”

After making the move to go plant based and committing to regular gym sessions six months ago, Ms Perry started to see a major improvement in her overall wellbeing as well as her waistline.

“We recently made the move into Toowoomba from Allora for my children’s education, but it was difficult for me because our Presbyterian church community is out there, and I really missed being part of that lovely little small town and the connection that comes with it,” she said.

“But through finding new friendships and connections at Goodlife, I feel like I’ve managed to get some of that family connection back, and going to church in Allora every Sunday has also been a huge help and support throughout my weight loss journey.”

Jacque Armstrong has been a member of Toowoomba’s Fernwood Fitness for several years, but only made the decision to really commit to major change in January in the lead-up to her daughter’s April wedding.

“My daughter wanted me to walk her down the aisle, and I just had this horrible feeling I was going to let her down unless I gained some body confidence and lost a few kilos,” she said.

A few kilos quickly became an impressive 27 kilograms in just 13 weeks with Ms Armstrong hitting the gym five or six days a week for 17 sessions with a mix of workouts on her own, in group classes and with a personal trainer by her side.

“It has been hard work but the staff at Fernwood have made my journey so much easier … If not for my trainer Riss Harrison, along with my motivation to succeed, I would not be where I am today,” she said.

“Riss and the Fernwood ladies believed in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone at the right times.”

Now this incredible teacher and grandmother is down 46 kilograms and feeling the best she has in years.

“My journey started with me not wanting to embarrass my daughter on her big day, and now my goal just for me is to walk the full length of the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” she said.

“I’m no longer putting off until tomorrow what I can do today.”

Sandra Woodley, 52,has been afraid of the words kidney dialysis since she was first diagnosed with Lupis at just 16.

“I started to suffer renal failure when I was pregnant with my first child at 19,” she said.

“Twelve months ago my doctors told me it was time to start thinking about dialysis, but I wasn’t ready to accept this would be a major part of my day to day for the rest of my life.”

Determined to turn things around, Ms Woodley joined Fernwood Fitness just over a year ago and has since managed to lose 18 kilograms.

Now the part-time nurse is living her best life, free from the renal-failure related gout and osteoarthritis, prolonging the need to start dialysis at the amazement of her specialists.

Stephanie Wain, 39, is an incredible mum and carer to 13-year-old Chelsea, the only person in the world to be diagnosed with a particular chromosomal abnormality.

“Caring for a child with severe special needs like Chelsea’s can be so isolating at times, you start to feel like you’re all on your own,” Ms Wain said.

“I definitely started to slip into a very bad place mentally and I had steadily put on some weight over the years with my health and wellbeing taking a back seat to Chelsea’s.”

Since joining Fernwood Fitness in January 2019, this inspirational mum has lost 15 kilograms and managed to find a new sense of self and purpose within the Fernwood community.

“I originally gave myself six months when I first signed up to the gym, I didn’t think I’d hang around much longer than that because I’ve never really been one to regularly go to gym classes or work out on gym equipment,” she said.

“But it’s been incredible what this gym has been able to do for me. It’s completely changed my mindset and mental health.

“I’ve found a support network and a friendship group I didn’t even know I needed this badly until I started coming here … the weight loss has really just been an bonus.”

Ms Wain explained it can get a little tricky to juggle Chelsea’s special needs with gym sessions, particularly on the school holidays but Fernwood’s crèche has been a lifesaver.

“I think it took me a little while to understand that it’s not a bad thing to put yourself first sometimes,” she said.

“It’s just as important that we as carers are at our healthiest mentally and physically because we’re going to need to be around to care for them for as long as we can.

“Fernwood has given me the community and support network we as careers so desperately and has taught me that I’m not selfish for prioritising myself sometimes.

“Our mental health is just as important as the health and wellbeing as out kids and there’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first from time to time.”

Stephanie and Chelsea Wain both love going to Fernwood Fitness Toowoomba, where the team are supportive and understanding of Stephanie’s situation as a full-time carer and mother.