Years of an unhealthy diet, poorly managed diabetes, numerous heart attacks and mini strokes, combined with his substance addiction were taking a toll on Kelly’s body and he was well on his way to an early grave.

His inspirational story started with his return to Kaitaia after the tragic loss of his partner, mother to his second daughter. The grief caused Kelly’s life to spiral out of control.  If it were not for the constant support of his whānau, there could have been a different ending to his story.

Then he received a wakeup call……that something, his “why” was his daughters.  They gave him the reason to get out of the toxic world he was spiralling into.  He knew “If I wanted to play any part in their lives, I had to get my s**t together” and he knew how hard that was going to be.  To be able to provide stability for his girls, he needed to reach out and seek support.

Attending counselling for grief, addictions and anger, support of whānau and gaining his current employment, have all played an integral part of his journey. Stepping into Kaitaia Strength & Fitness Gym, and meeting his Support Worker, has helped him not only with his fitness but also his self-esteem and self-confidence.  “The gym has been the making of me” confessed Kelly “They knew my past record yet have never been judgemental”. 

Kelly has made physical activity a priority and now trains regularly at Kaitaia Strength & Fitness. His hour-long workouts are a combination of cardio, strength building, core fitness and stretching.

One of the benefits of increasing his activity levels and improving his nutrition, has been a 20kg weight loss. Kelly has been surprised by the health benefits his lifestyle changes have had on his medical conditions.  His diabetes and asthma are now under control and he is having less arthritis pain due to the regular movement and less weight on his joints.

Kelly credits changing his social group, being more focused on his whānau, getting more active, eating better, and breathing clean air, as the things helping him beat his substance addiction.  He has more natural energy, less paranoia and feels more focused.  “I’m in a good place” he said.

One of the biggest challenges he has found is eating well.  “No matter how much you train – it’s all about the nutrition, what you eat and getting rest makes the difference” says Kelly. 

“Get the nutrition right and you have the balance right”.

Kelly now eats good food; lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean meat.  He does not keep fizzy drinks in the house anymore and avoids going near takeaway shops as he feels “the smells trigger memories of what it tastes like”. He adds, “I was not eating well, I feel I got the food right now, and the sleep.  I sleep better now”

Looking ahead long term, Kelly feels having a positive and supportive network around him, his trainers support, having variety in his workouts, having a positive working and living environment, and remembering his why - will help him achieve his lifestyle goals.

When asked what he would say to someone considering becoming more active.  Kelly’s response is “have a plan, set achievable goals, no matter how small, break down your own personal barriers and find a supportive gym like Kaitaia Strength & Fitness.  I always leave feeling positive.  It may be hard at first, but it is doable”.

Pictured are Ric and Taz, owners of Kaitaia Strength & Fitness.