Super-slimmer in a class of her own

A super slimmer who shed almost six stones and dropped four dress sizes in 18 months has landed her dream job as a fitness instructor.

Mother-of-one Romina Redfern used to tip the scales at 16-stones before embarking on her “life-changing” regime after giving birth to daughter Ellie-May. Now the 29-year-old wants to help others beat the bulge with fitness classes at Dudley Leisure Centre.

Romina, of Hillside Road, Dudley, revealed her ambition to become a fitness instructor after scooping a slimming award earlier this year. She was named a regional slimmer of the year by Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness magazine after getting down to 10st 10lbs and is hoping her feat will inspire people at her aerobics and toning classes.

She said: “Now I have lost the weight it’s a real confidence boost and I am delighted to be in a profession where I can help other people do the same.”

She will hold 10 different fitness sessions, open to all ages and abilities, at the Dudley Council facility from Monday to Thursday each week.

She said: “When I first joined the class I was out of breath and found the exercises really difficult to do. I looked like a whale. I used to want to hide away and not go out. I’m not like that anymore.”

Romina keeps a food diary and eats plenty of pasta and salads while avoiding deep-fried foods and crisps.

Her classes start from £2. More information is available from Dudley Leisure Centre on 01384 812815 or www.dudley.gov.uk