41. DAD. 40KG+ DOWN.

I wanted to get healthier, fitter and stronger.

Not just for myself, but for my family and my future.

The biggest thing I learned is that you have to make a decision to change something.

You can't keep doing exactly the same things and expect different results.

That doesn't mean changing your entire life overnight.

It means deciding you're going to start and then finding a way to make it work.

One of the best decisions I made was joining a coach-led functional fitness gym.

CrossFit-style training, HYROX, strength work, cardio and conditioning.

I didn't have to walk into a gym and wonder what I was supposed to do.

I turned up. The session was planned. The coach explained what we were doing. Then we got on with it.

I started doing exercises and workouts I probably wouldn't have chosen myself.

I learned proper technique, improved my strength, developed my engine and gradually became fitter.

But it wasn't just about the workouts.

I trained alongside other people. We partnered up, pushed each other and built friendships.

That made a massive difference.

Training became something I looked forward to rather than something I felt I had to do.

A coach-led functional fitness gym worked brilliantly for me.

But that doesn't mean it's the only way.

Everyone has different circumstances, budgets, confidence levels and commitments.

I'm a dad. I work. I've got family responsibilities and all the usual things life throws at you.

I haven't suddenly found loads of spare time.

I've made training part of my routine.

Sometimes that means early mornings. Sometimes it means changing plans or making sacrifices.

But you don't need to copy my schedule.

You don't need to train for hours or wake up ridiculously early.

Start by looking at your week.

Where can you realistically find 20, 30 or 45 minutes?

Could you walk at lunchtime?

Train before work?

Do something after the school run?

Start with what you can manage.

Training made me stronger and fitter.

But improving my diet was essential to losing weight.

I gradually became more aware of what I was eating, how much I was eating and how different foods affected my progress.

For weight loss, consistently consuming fewer calories than your body uses is the fundamental principle.

That doesn't mean starving yourself.

It means understanding your food, managing portions and finding meals that work for you.

At the beginning, the goal wasn't to become a HYROX athlete.

It was to become healthier and fitter.

Over time, I started getting stronger.

My technique improved.

My conditioning improved.

Exercises that once felt difficult became more manageable.

I began enjoying the challenge of getting better.

My training has continued to evolve.

Today I combine strength work, conditioning, endurance training and HYROX programming.

But you don't need to start where I am now.

You need to start where you are.

There will be days when you don't feel motivated.

Your weight might fluctuate.

You might miss sessions.

Work and family commitments will get in the way.

You might have to change how you train because something hurts or you're recovering from an illness.

That's normal.

The important thing is learning to adapt rather than giving up completely.

You don't need to punish yourself for missing a workout or eating something you enjoy.

Get back into your routine and keep moving forward.

Start with one thing.

Go for a walk.

Try a gym.

Book a session with a coach.

Make a better food choice.

Find someone to train with.

Whatever it is, start somewhere.

I'm still learning, still training and still trying to get better.

If sharing my experience helps someone else get started, that's enough for me.

41. Dad. 40kg+ down.

Still showing up.