MTAN: Kim McLean
Meet Belmont’s latest More Than a Number, Kim!
Status
Semi-retired.
Have you always been involved in fitness or exercise?
Not for a long time apart from swimming, and I used to play netball, tennis and cricket.
Did you have a goal when you first joined Planet Fitness?
Yes, my main goal was to lose weight and be healthy. I was very overweight and found it very uncomfortable/hard to do daily things, like walking up and down stairs, getting out of a chair, or walking short distances. I wanted to lower my blood pressure and be fit enough to tour China.
Have you achieved what you originally set out to do?
I am still on my way to achieving my goal weight, but to date I have lost 34.9kgs, and I am close to my goal, something that I thought I’d never do. I have achieved better health and can tackle so much more than I thought possible, I am more confident and am happy in myself. My blood pressure tablets are slowly being reduced. I have recently returned from China, where I was walking 10-15km a day which I would never have done before.
What was your perception of gyms/health clubs before you joined? Has it changed after joining Planet Fitness?
I hated gyms, I have joined several times before and lasted no longer than a month, then paying cancellation fees or paying for nothing. I always felt intimidated and thought everyone was looking at me thing “who is she kidding?” When I joined Planet Fitness I was very hesitant, however they made me feel at home, helped me with a plan and have always been there to help me. I have never felt that I shouldn’t be there. Since joining I have overcome my fear of going into a gym, so yes my perception has certainly changed. I now actually look forward to going to the gym and I have been going for seven months.
What are your fitness goals for the future?
To stay healthy and fit, I’d like to do some sort of marathon/walk/bike ride in the future, something I never thought I would say. I also want to lose the rest of my weight and continue to go to the gym so I can become the healthiest person I can be.
Biggest obstacles you have had to overcome on your fitness journey?
Myself. To walk into the gym, sign up and stay. To learn to run again. To be able to get up off the floor. To use the treadmill (which terrified me at first). To stay on my food plan. To give up chocolate.
Do you have sources if inspiration? If so, what are they?
My family, who are very supportive and inspire me to do my best. My determination to do it right this time. Kent, who is an exercise physiologist from Ray Kelly Fitness, started me on my food management plan in October 2016. He has helped and supported me with my food and exercise since I began on my weight loss journey. He encouraged me to join the gym to improve my exercise in December when the aqua class I attended closed for Christmas break.
What is your weekly fitness regime?
I attend the gym six days a week, including a boxing class and Active Over 50s class. I also go to aqua aerobics four times a week and bike ride when the weather permits.