11:42am Tuesday 2nd March 2010
A new weight-loss group in Darlington is helping slimmers to achieve the seemingly impossible. Ruth Addicott talks to fitness instructor Emma Campbell-Critchley about its success.
WHERE do you go when you can’t stick to a diet, can’t face the treadmill and are on the verge of having a gastric band?
For one group of successful slimmers, the answer is Darlingtonbased weight loss club Arriba.
Run by qualified fitness instructor Emma Campbell-Critchley, the club takes an informal approach while helping people to improve their overall health and well-being. As well as losing weight, some members have also seen improvements with health conditions such as IBS and arthritis.
“Most people in the group have tried other groups, but they have put the weight back on afterwards,” says Emma. “They are looking for a longterm solution rather than a shortterm fix.”
The class meets every Tuesday night over 12 weeks and there are cash prizes for those who lose the most weight.
Members’ ages range from 23 to 72, and many have formed good friendships, encouraging each other to continue.
The group includes a married couple, several young mums and a bride-to-be. “No one feels out of place, it’s very informal and friendly,”
says Emma.
After getting to know each other in a game of “mingle bingo” in the first session, Emma has gradually nudged the class into a healthier lifestyle. She suggests tasty snack alternatives for them to try and gives practical hints on how to avoid food cravings. She also goes through basic recipes for dishes such as spaghetti bolognaise, showing healthier ways to cook them.
One of the most successful slimmers weighed 17st 6lb when she arrived and has since lost a stone – despite having to rely on microwave meals while she was getting her kitchen re-done.
“The lady had been a yo-yo dieter all her life and wanted to lose four stone,” says Emma. “She was on the verge of having a gastric band – this was her last chance. She is now losing weight consistently. Hearing messages about healthy nutrition and lifestyle each week has really helped her. She also enjoys the social aspect.”
Another member has also lost a stone after putting on weight by eating too many sweets. Changing her diet helped her IBS problem and she now goes to pensioner fitness classes at her local football ground.
“The biggest mistake people make is not getting the right balance of carbs and protein,” says Emma.
“With a lot of people, it’s also about self-esteem. It’s a vicious cycle.”
A lot of people get food cravings throughout the day because of what they eat at breakfast, according to Emma. Opting for toast and jam, a bowl of cornflakes sprinkled with sugar, or even a cup of coffee with sugar, are all big no-nos for those who want to lose weight.
“These are simple carbs which, when digested, immediately turn into sugar, not the vital nutrients and water the body is craving,” she says. “This raises blood sugar levels and as soon as they drop, you feel hungry, weak and start craving the next unhealthy snack, thereby starting the cycle again.”
“Having a balance of protein and slow-release carbs at breakfast will give you a healthy start to the day and sustain your energy much longer. Try scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast, yoghurt and fruit or a protein and fruit smoothie,” she says.
While unhealthy snacking is often the downfall of most well-intentioned dieters, Emma says a healthy snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon is crucial to keeping metabolism going. Her tip is to choose one that includes protein as well as slowrelease carbs, such as oatcakes with low-fat cream cheese and cherry tomatoes on top.
Emma has been a fitness instructor for 20 years, having previously worked as a personal trainer in health clubs in London. From Stockton originally, she moved back to the North last year to have a family and is now expecting her second baby.
As well as running the weekly class, she works on a one-to-one basis, helping members to develop an individual programme that will work for them and offering extra encouragement outside the class. “It’s important to listen and learn from the class members and give them the support they need,” she says.
■ Arriba Weight Loss Club is held at the Bondgate Methodist Church, Darlington, on Tuesdays, at 6.30pm. It costs £39 for 12 weeks. The next challenge starts on March 30. For further information, contact Emma on 01325-480429.
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