I first was exposed to Urban through my wife Sarah and her eager attitude. After months of resistance, I decided to get involved when they began an 8 week challenge.
I was 93.6KG in July a few months after being in a cast and moon boot, from tearing my Achilles tendon. Needless to say I was pretty down about my weight and general fitness levels. I felt like I would never be able to run without issues again, like I would never be the same.
By the start of Urban's 8 week challenge I weighed 88.7KG was 21% body fat and 58% muscle.
The crew who took part in the event were all really positive and amazing to work with. Matt and Adam set high standards of accountability and were willing to adapt the exercises for different abilities. Training sessions at the gym were great but the special Saturday morning 8 week participant only classes were key in pulling us together as a team.
I was able to nurse my leg through most of the exercises to get some good results without getting injured, which was the KEY goal I had set myself at the beginning.
Food and nutrition suggestions and recipes enabled the team to make some lifestyle changes and focus on the positive in - positive out process.
By the end of 8 weeks I weighed 84.1 KG, 18% body fat and 65.4% muscle. Not big numbers by any stretch, but the change in my attitude to training, my nutrition and my overall health cannot be measured.
I am 5 weeks into boxing training for a charity fight night event on 05th May. A goal I have had on my bucket list for over a decade. I train 4 times a week in Petone and try and get to Urban at least 3 times a week too.
I can honestly say that without getting involved with Matt, Adam and Dave at Urban, that:
- I would more than likely be pushing 100KG and still dreaming of the golden years, long gone;
- I would not be able to train longer than 20 minutes and be in contention to climb in the ring in May;
- I would not have the positive energy and lifestyle which is rewarding to Sarah my sons and I;
- I would not have met so many amazing people who bring smiles to my face; and
- I would still be depressed.
A big part of what is motivating me in the charity event is mental health and suicide prevention. If by putting myself out there climb in the ring and get punched in the face, I can show others and encourage people, to get off the couch, join a gym, go for a run/walk, meet new people. Then yeah if it is able to help, absolutely I want to be a part of it.
