Five times a week, at Starplex, a truly inspirational woman, Ann Powell, sits in the café, sipping a well-deserved coffee after four hours of challenging herself.

The Gawler River grandmother rides a 30 kilometre round trip from her home to Starplex and then attends fitness classes.

However, when you meet Ann, you would never know that eight years ago she weighed down the scales at 100kg.

She was also weighed down with low self-esteem levels, low energy levels, a bad back, a bad-eating regime and hormonal problems.

Today, she tips the scales at a healthy 60kg.

Ann said: “The extra kilograms were ridiculous. I couldn’t keep going on”.

She made the decision to lose the weight from the advice of her physiotherapist.

Ann started in the pool, as it was easier on her back.

She purchased a pair of size 24 bathers and was warmly welcomed to aqua classes.

It was Belinda, the gym manager and her friend Elaine who encouraged her to attend the weights and gym classes.

“At first it was a bit intimidating, with all the equipment, but I was shown what was what,” Ann said.

Later she was eager to try the rowing machine.

“I loved the fitness level it gave me, I literally wore the machine out,” Ann explained.

“As I added the variety of fitness into my program, my body shape changed and I was steadily losing weight.”

She later tried the revs per minute class, which Ann said was love at first try.

In addition, she now cycles each Sunday with her friend Vicki. Also, she has been involved in sporting events: such as the 70km long distance rides with Bike SA; the Community Challenge Tour Down Under full distance rides and the Masters Games.

Ann discovered her improved fitness levels helped her succeed in the Masters Games in 2005 and 2007. She gained three gold medals and one silver.

“I look forward very much to the future and where it will take me.”