If you need inspiration to lose weight, Becky Pengelly, from Newton Abbot, can provide it.Seven months ago, she weighed more than 17 stone but thanks to an exercise programme at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre and a change in diet she has lost seven-and-a-half stone.With a busy career, as a head of year at Keviccs, Totnes, and looking after her toddler Isabelle, fitness took a back seat and it was the last thing on Mrs pengelly's mind.Then in May last year, she decided to start losing weight – and has not looked back.'I was feeling lethargic and my young daughter said I was fat and it got me thinking about how others perceive me,' she said.'When I had my daughter, nearly five years ago, I was 18 stone 11lbs. I managed to lose a stone and a half but that was it.' In May last year she joined a slimming class and 'started a healthy lifestyle'.She said it had not been an easy ride.'I eased myself into exercise and the staff at the leisure centre were really supportive,' she said.'I started to push myself and most of the time I go every day. I focus on cardio and the weight started to drop off me. One week I lost 12lbs.'Her weight has now dropped to 10 stone 5lbs, she is feeling confident and enjoys her workouts'I don't think I ever took time out for myself before I started to lose weight,' Mrs Pengelly said.'By exercising, it gives me the chance to think about my day, relax and its a stress relief for me. I feel tired when I go, but when I come home after exercise I have lots more energy.'She now works out daily at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre.'Instructors have created two good gym programmes for me which I alternate and mix up.'I also take part in classes as well. I go to body combat and kickboxing for fitness and body mix to give me some diversity.'When the gym staff are inducting people who are quite big, they now point them in my direction.'Mrs Pengelly believed that having supportive friends and family helped her weight loss and fitness kick.'The biggest thing for me is work supporting me. It's been motivating that now other staff at the school are starting to lose weight and the fact we are a healthy school. It's been good to go into the canteen and get something healthy to eat. The staff in the canteen have been really helpful.'She said her husband Glen had also supported her.'He's been very encouraging and looked after Isabelle,' said Mrs Pengelly. 'We are trying to work out how I can do more exercise without having a detrimental impact on family life. It's about finding the balance. We are trying to do more active things as a family.'She thinks that anyone who has determination and commitment can lose weight if they try.'I am a lot fitter and healthier. Simple things like wearing high heels is great, as I was never able to wear heels when I was a lot bigger.Thanks to winning the Healthy Heroes award, Mrs Pengelly received a £20 voucher for Tony Pryce Sports.'As my work place has been so supportive and we are promoting a healthy lifestyle at school I am going to donate the voucher to the school and do a fitness and endeavour award for one of the pupils to win,' she said.