Don
Stranded whale saved! Don Taylor tells his story
'The one thing I didn't want to hear from my GP was that I was overweight.
'I didn't want to diet, I didn't want to exercise and didn't want to admit that I had a health problem - basically I wanted to ignore the fact that I desperately needed to do something about my weight. Little did I realise that within a few months, dieting and physical activity would have a profound effect on my life.'
'In May 2003, weighing in at 142 kilos and feeling extremely lethargic and unhealthy, I realised something needed to be done about my weight. Reality struck when I was having a bath and Doreen, my 10 year old granddaughter, commented that I resembled a "stranded whale". It was definitely time to take action.
'I visited my GP, who gave me a Green Prescription. Kathy Sheldrake from Sport Gisborne started calling me and after avoiding her phone calls for some time (I have "caller ID"), I agreed to meet with her to discuss a dieting and a physical activity programme designed specifically for me!
'I have high blood pressure, heart trouble (enlarged), high cholesterol and often suffer from gout. A fitness test was arranged through the YMCA and a programme was drawn up to suit my level of fitness.
'In early July I began my dieting and fitness training programme, keeping a record of my daily intake of food and learning how to use the gym equipment. Initially I was left to my own devices at the gym - then I met Alan Hogarth, a local personal trainer/fitness instructor, who gave our men's group (Turanga Health Men's Group) a talk about physical activity, dieting and fitness.
'Alan and I discussed my case and drew up a specific daily gym programme outlining the type of workout for each session. He continues to work with me, along with other members of the men's group taking circuits and the Kaiti Hill Hikoi (walk up Kaiti Hill). He also works with me one-on-one, to concentrate on my weight goals.
'My overall exercise programme consists of a variety of exercises including aqua-aerobics, gym training, men's health group gym circuits, men's health group Hikoi and Tai Chi - impressive aye!!
'In mid-December I had reached at a fitness level that I could only once dream about. I have regained my self-esteem, looks, pride and respect. I have lost approx 50 kgs in the last 3 to 4 months and today weigh 93 kgs. I continue to set myself goals, so that my ultimate goal is reaching 80 kgs.
'My advice to you is "Do the mahi (work) and it will pay off. It already has for me! Be 100% focused in what you're doing and kick obesity into touch".
'I couldn't have done this without the help and support of Kathy Sheldrake and her staff, Turanga Health and their staff, Turanga Health Men's group, Alan Hogarth (for his encouragement and patience to help me succeed) and my family - thank you for understanding what I had to do.'
Updated | 06 Jul 2006.
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