MANILA, Philippines – It all starts with a desire to change.

Charm Valenzuela, a physician who lost 95 pounds from 233 pounds within a year and nine months of working out, is this year’s overall winner of the recently held Fitness First New You Achievement Awards (NYAA).

“I was a doctor, who, ironically, was living without regard for my health. I was hypertensive, a smoker and an emotional eater,” said Valenzuela who was also the Shape category winner.

Valenzuela, who was at her heaviest then, decided to join Fitness First Platinum Trinoma “as a gift” to herself after passing the medical licensure exams.

“I’ve discovered a deeper appreciation for physical activity and wellness. Through my daily workouts, I’ve developed enough endurance to enjoy a 5 to 10-kilometer run six times a week. In the process, I’ve lost 95 pounds over a year and nine months…improved my blood pressure without medication and developed enough willpower to finally quit smoking and resist seeking comfort in food,” said Valenzuela.

It has been a road for self-discovery for the physician. “Gradually embracing exercise and eating right made me become a better version of the old me. I am an example of just how much people can actually surprise themselves if they only make the decision to take better care of themselves,” Valenzuela added.

Valenzuela said she would like to “pay it forward” and extend the positive change to her patients who seek medical help.

Fifteen finalists vied for the Fitness First NYAA 2011 held at the Unilab Bayanihan Center. It was categorized into Health, Shape, Sport, Strength and Staff with an overall winner from the category winners. Now on its third year, the event recognizes the health and fitness achievements of Fitness First members.

Other winners were: Gerry Dakoykoy for Strength category, Alfred delos Reyes for Sports Category, Angelica Mercado for Health category and Abby Liquigan for Staff category.

Special awards were also given to Carmela Flores and Paul Garupa for the outstanding results they achieved under the Fitness First exclusive weight loss programs Lose Big and Lose It, respectively. The programs were designed by Dave Nuku, The Biggest Loser Asia Blue Trainer and Fitness First’s Regional Fitness Manager.

The panel of judges included acclaimed fashion designer Frederick Peralta, film director Joey Reyes, NYAA 2010 overall winner Ivan Camasura, Fitness First training manager Joann Santos and Fitness First head nutritionist Rency-Caga-anan.

The overall winner received over P80,000 worth of prizes: A one year membership of Fitness First, HTC Wildfire android phone, Marks and Spencer gift certificates, overnight accommodation in Tagaytay for four, Fruit Magic gift certificates and Nestle gift packs.

Meanwhile, other category winners received an accommodation at the Pearl of the Pacific in Boracay worth P20,000, Davidoff Champion perfume and Fitness First gift packs. Physical trainers of the winners also received the same prizes.

Fitness First is the largest privately owned health club in the world with over 540 clubs worldwide, reaching over 1.4 million members in 21 countries. In the Philippines, there are 18 Fitness First clubs with over 50,000 members.