However, none of the women who participated in the 2009 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival Lindauer Fitness and Fashion Challenge has looked back.
And now, 12 more women have the chance to change their lives.
Festival director Simon Green said applications were now open for the 2010 event, which begins on April 6.
Open to women of all shapes, sizes and ages, the event seeks 12 applicants to take part in a 12-week fitness training, nutrition and choreography programme, culminating in the Lindauer Ladies' Fashion Afternoon on June 28.
Over 12 weeks, participants will be professionally coached towards a common goal of walking the catwalk with style and confidence, in front of a large audience.
The Lindauer Ladies will be trained by the Funktional Fitness team at Alpine Health & Fitness Centre, Frankton, and local fashion house Decode will outfit them for the catwalk show.
Lindauer has sponsored the event providing a 50% subsidy for successful applicants who will pay $575 (Alpine Health & Fitness members) or $750 (non-members).
Mr Green said he was delighted to see the event back on the festival calendar.
"The Challenge was a life-changing experience for the women who took part last year and we're thrilled to offer that chance again this year."
Mr Green said he would encourage anyone to become involved, regardless of their age or fitness ability.
However, the challenge was not for the faint-hearted, he said.
Training included 24 one-on-one sessions, four group sessions, three weigh and measure consultations, nutrition advice with food diaries and healthy recipes, weekly exercise plans, photographs, interviews, choreography tips and "possibly a TV appearance".
Anyone wanting to apply was asked to state in about 100 words why they should be chosen to participate.
Applications are due by noon on March 25 and can be emailed to info@festival.co.nz; posted to American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, PO Box 1975, Queenstown; or delivered to Level 1, Chester Suites, corner Camp and Shotover Sts.
The successful applicants will be chosen by Funktional Fitness, Alpine Health & Fitness, Decode and the Winter Festival and notified.
For the 12 women chosen to participate in the 2009 Lindauer Fitness and Fashion Challenge, the experience was a life-changing one.
Keep an eye on the Queenstown Times over the coming days as we talk to some of those women and see what a difference 12 months can make.
