By LIA SPENCER
AN INSPIRING weight loss story has prompted a group to hit the gym and shed the kilos – sparking a new found passion for fitness.
Ten plus sized Pakenham residents who avoided the sweaty, weight-lifting, cardio-loving gym goers had a change of heart after reading the weight loss story of Voyage Fitness member Mark Pratt in the Pakenham Gazette recently.
Mark lost weight thanks to encouragement from his boss and the help of Darren Powell from Voyage Fitness.
Mr Powell said Mark’s story inspired a “fitness craze” with some plus-sized people who otherwise would have avoided going to the gym.
“After the story went to print, we set out a search for 10 plus-sized people around the Pakenham area.
“We offered these 10 big lads or ladies a one year free membership plus-sized group fitness sessions, a state-of-the-art Myzone activity heart rate belt that can monitor and track their work, guidance and motivation of all our fitness staff and nutritional advice from Katrina Wright from Cardinia Naturopathic Centre.”
Mr Powell said the 10 contestants were all in the triple figures – with the heaviest weighing in at 175kg.
“The 10 people who we chose are all superstars. They all give 110 per cent and genuinely want to turn their lives around,” he said.
“They have been giving it their all for nearly three months and they are still going strong.
“It is a 12 month process so, hopefully, after the 12 months is over it becomes a lifestyle change for them and they will exercise and eat healthy on their own accord.”
Mr Powell said the contestants do a range of activities including individual and group challenges, nutritional seminars and outdoor session.
He said he had seen a difference in not only their physical shape but their attitudes as well.
“They are all starting to really come out of their shell. You can tell that they are generally happy,” he said.
Mr Powell said Voyage Fitness will be running more challenges in the future.
“If we can turn 10 lives around, it was well worth all the time and effort,” he said.
