Photo of Hayden before.

Growing up, I have been supported by an amazing family, had a great education, many close friends and spent a few awesome years at university studying my passion, music. Through all of this, there was one issue that always ate away at me, (no pun intended) and that was being overweight.

At the start I was 170kg. I couldn’t run 200m. In the first couple of years I gained some fitness through a bootcamp program but didn’t really lose any weight. In November 2010 I decided enough was enough and booked a one-on-one session with a nutritionist to get help with my diet. I made the decision that there would be no alcohol, no soft drink and that I would be cutting down on sugary and fried foods. I NEVER cut these foods out completely and still allow myself a treat sometimes. If there is one thing I have learned from this whole process is that it is all about moderation and finding a nice balance. I have lost 70kg in 18 months and I feel amazing. On top of that, I’m now using my experiences to become a personal trainer. Last year I completed a half marathon and am now in training for a full marathon in 9 weeks.

Photo of Hayden after.

If there is one thing you can take out of this story of mine, YOU CAN DO IT. It is possible. Set yourself small, achievable goals. Find a program that works for you. The bootcamp I participate in is a fantastic, supportive, warm environment to be around. Everyone encourages you. You will feel fitter, you will be stronger and you will feel great about yourself. You will also make some awesome friends that you can have for life. This program has been my saving grace. People have been there for me to encourage me, give me advice and support me when things weren’t easy. Fitness changed my life and WILL change yours too.

Hayden Dare

All that changed when I joined a local boot camp, I was no longer on my own; I was surrounded by younger motivated and enthusiastic people. Some of them were like me, unfit and flabby, but we soon formed a mini support group amongst the larger group.

I was getting up at 5:10 am three mornings a week and would arrive home around 7 am physical exhausted but feeling mentally great that I had succeeded in the morning’s camp.

Over the next 12 months my fitness levels increased and my waist line shrunk, I was making new friends and interacting with younger people three times a week. It did not matter that you came last in any of the mornings exercises, what mattered was to participate to your fullest extent.

I now regularly run 10K fun runs and ran the City to Summit half marathon to the top of Mount Wellington. Getting fit and staying fit will not kill you, but it will extend your enjoyment of life.

Overall I feel years younger and on the mornings after boot camp I record significantly lower blood pressure.