Hope MacKinnon has been a Kensington Fitness member since September last year, and gosh has she got an inspiring story to tell!

When Hope found herself just a few kilos shy of 100kgs after being on a diet of energy drinks, soft drinks and huge portions of unhealthy food, and with a number of health conditions such as asthma, chest infections, pneumonia and reflux - she decided it was time to turn things around.

Hope tells 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."

Hope carries on:

"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 have not had any of these [health conditions] 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

Read the full interview with Hope MacKinnon on Sport Northland's website HERE.

Do you need support on your health journey? Please call us on 09 437 4404 or email Kensington Fitness.

Article added: Friday 15 March 2019