POSTING a photo of me at the gym to Instagram, I braced myself.
Sure enough, my phone started to ping with comments from strangers demanding to know how I dared to call myself a fitness expert.
I wouldn’t hide my wobbly bits, though. Rather than feel ashamed of my weight, I’ve never been prouder.
Growing up, I was always chubby. I attended slimming clubs in my teens and 20s, but always hovered around a size 22 on my 5ft 4in frame.
I never felt good about my body and suffered low self-confidence and poor mental health.
In 2018, I met my now-wife Bethan on Tinder and we married three years later.
I was a size 24 on our wedding day and I hated how I looked.
One day while out walking, it struck me just how much I hated exercise.
I was only 30, but because I weighed 24st, I began to worry about dying young.
Resolving to change, I decided to limit myself to 1,750 calories a day and began working out four times a week. It was hard, but I was determined.
By September 2023, I’d dropped down to 16st and a size 12-14.
On the inside, I was still the same person, but how people reacted to me was totally different.
They gave me compliments, were interested in me, and I felt visible for the first time in years.
However, when my personal trainer suggested working towards a new goal of 12st, rather than motivating me, it had the opposite effect.
I felt like the numbers on the scales were the only thing people cared about.
It was at that point I decided to step back from my new lifestyle.
‘INSPIRING OTHERS’
Easing up on diet and exercise meant the weight crept back on, which was hard to accept.
I decided to get back to fitness, minus the calorie counting, and in March 2024 returned to the gym.
I focused on moving my body, building confidence and improving my mental and cardiovascular health.
I was gaining weight, yes, but getting stronger, too, and weighing 18st, I decided to qualify as a PT.
I hoped the fact I didn’t look like a typical personal trainer might inspire others.
Even though my weight continued to increase, I felt so much better in myself, so in March this year, I began posting photos to share my journey.
Can you target fat loss to one area?
We all have those wobbly bits we’d like to change more than others.
Targeted fat loss, often referred to as “spot reduction,” is the idea that you can lose fat from a specific part of your body by focusing exercise to that area.
However, the scientific consensus is that spot reduction is largely a myth.
When you lose fat, it tends to come off in a genearl manner, spread over the body.
It is determined by genetics and hormonal factors rather than specific exercises.
However, you can focus exercise on a certain muscle which can help it to tone and grow.
This can contribute to a different look of that area, especially if you are lean (meaning there is not much fat there).
To lose fat:
- Reduce the calories you eat
- Have a balanced diet, making sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. These contain fibre which help you feel more full
- Do regular exercise more than you were before. This could be walking, gym classes or weights
- Stick to something long term. If your plan is too drastic, you’re more likely to give up
Now, my current weight is just over 20st.
There’s been no calorie counting or agonising on the scales every day.
I’m a size 20 and feel the happiest and fittest I’ve ever been.
I ignore the abuse I get online from people who are appalled to see a ‘fat’ person working as a PT.
I train four times a week, walk my dogs without getting out of breath and I am so much stronger than I was – in fact, I’ve just entered a Strongman competition.
Yes, I am technically classed as obese, but I prefer to focus on the benefits that come from my training and lifestyle, for my physical and mental health.
From a young age, women are taught that losing weight is the route to looking and feeling our best.
But gaining pounds, while also getting fit and strong, has brought me the confidence I’ve dreamed of having all my life.”
Visit Notsotypicalfitness.co.uk.
