So embrace the challenge of triathlon

While, of course, training for a triathlon should see you develop your fitness, leaving you slimmer and healthier, there are also undoubted mental benefits. The discipline you will need to maintain the training required, and the nutrition which supports this training, will help you as you tackle everyday life. It is generally acknowledged that exercise helps defuse stress, but the triathlon takes this one step further: cheap lingerie making the transition between swimming and cycling, then on to running, requires real concentration. Getting the transitions right is one of the arts of the triathlon, and it is this extra element which provides one of triathlon's big challenges. It is no good completing one leg perfectly, only to find that a disastrous transition or a rule infringement (step forward, Jonny Brownlee) leaves you trailing your competitors.

So embrace the challenge of triathlon - it's a whole new world of competition, whatever your level. Its proponents are a select band who are attracted to its singular challenge, and this very singularity means that once you are hooked, you won't regret it. A word of warning: once you've done one triathlon, you'll probably sign up for another... so plan carefully. Get the advice of a trainer, go to the gym regularly to keep up with your training plan, and scour second-hand websites so that you invest wisely in the requisite equipment (for the uninitiated, this comprises a bike, a wetsuit, and decent trainers - for ladies, adequate sports bras). Above all, enjoy it - there's nothing like the thrill of your first triathlon, and nothing like the support of the triathlon community, who are always willing to welcome newcomers.

That decision is up to you. It is possible to be confident without being totally happy with your size. You can still want to fit into your old jeans or wear a party dress you can no longer fit into, whilst feeling confident and happy in yourself. In fact, a little more body confidence can help you to lose the extra weight, it will give you that spring in your step and confidence to know you can do anything you choose to do.

I believe that you can feel confident on your journey to being slimmer. If you have a certain body shape, it may be that regardless of size you will still have to come to terms with your hips being wide or your legs being short. They are not necessarily the same problem, so developing your body confidence is a separate issue although just as important.

Throughout her adult life Rachel Swann has battled with her weight going up and down as well as emotional eating. She has tried diet after diet, slimming pills, you name it. She even worked for a diet company as well! Finally discovering hypnotherapy she lost 2 dress sizes nearly 2 years ago and has kept it off without a diet or slimming pill in sight. Inspired by this success she qualified as a hypnotherapist and now supports others in their quest to find permanent weight loss.MORE:sexy lingerie store