Transformed ...in 6 weeks

Three women, each urgently in need of a complete health overhaul. And how our remarkable experiment proved you CAN get fit far faster than you thought

EVERY January, there are piles of magazines promising to divulge the secrets to achieving a dream body in next to no time. But just how realistic are these intensive programmes, and are they any good for us? We challenged three out-of-shape women to see if they could slim down while improving their strength, cardiovascular fitness and overall health in just six weeks.

At the start and end of the experiment, we put them through an exhaustive battery of tests to see exactly how their bodies responded, both inside and out.

The results were remarkable – and prove that with a targeted plan and, yes, some degree of effort, there can be significant health gains in very little time.

However, as personal trainer Matt Roberts, The Mail on Sunday’s new fitness columnist, explains, although benefits can be rapid, it is important they aren’t seen as a short-term fix.

‘The New Year is a natural time for people to think about eating more healthily and doing more exercise following the excesses of Christmas, so seize the opportunity and get started,’ he says.

‘With the right plan, you can start to see a real difference in a short space of time. A fad diet alone won’t work, nor will a sudden burst of going to the gym every day for a month because you will soon lose interest and motivation.

‘Harness that initial high you get from losing weight or feeling fitter by thinking longterm and setting measurable goals not just for January, but for the whole year.

‘Ask for advice at your gym, or look for books or apps by a reputable expert to help plan your goals.’

Now read on to see how our participants fared...