Hope MacKinnon has made some amazing changes to improve her health and life! She shares her inspiring story with us in her own words…

When I was a few kilos shy of 100 kilograms I decided it was time to either do something about it or just embrace the fact that I would be overweight for the rest of my life. I am short so even being slightly overweight is visually noticeable.

My weight was the result of only drinking soft drinks and energy drinks. I also would eat huge portions of unhealthy foods. I never exercised.

I spoke to my doctor about Green Prescription and met with Tania at Sport Northland. I decided to trial attending Kensington Fitness. The day of my assessment at Kensington Fitness, I struggled to just walk up the stairs to make it to the gym.

When I made it up the stairs I was pleased that all the staff were kind, friendly and enthusiastic to support me with reaching my goals. I planned to start attending the gym three times a week and to alter my diet drastically.

The results were almost instant. Once I had seen results, after my first week of attending the gym, I was driven to carry on. However, it has not always been easy. I am a single mother who studies three different courses.

During the Christmas holidays I was struggling to attend the gym as my daughter was not at school. I reached out to family and friends about how important it was for me to be able to keep up with my fitness journey. I was amazed at the support I received, I managed to make it to the gym at least once every week of the holidays and I continued to lose weight.

I have completely changed what I eat and drink now and I exercise regularly. Since August 2018, I have lost 30 kilograms. My health has significantly improved. I suffer from asthma, and now this is almost non-existent. I also suffered from regular chest infections, pneumonia and reflux. I have not had any of these since changing my lifestyle.

The most rewarding thing from this journey for me is not waking up each day and feeling ashamed of the overweight reflection in my mirror. 

I am so grateful for the support of Kensington Fitness, Sport Northland, my family and my friends.

If I can do this, I think anyone can. There is no better day to start, than today.

“He waka eke noa” We are all in this together. – Hope MacKinnon