Not so long ago, Angus McDonald began a nine-week personal training challenge at Vision Personal Training in Takapuna. Fitting in training sessions around his work at 2 Degrees, he’s found that the programme has transformed not only his physical appearance but his whole outlook on life. He tells his story:

I am Angus. I started this journey at 54 years old, 5 foot 7 inches, 89kg and with chest pains on my right side. I no longer have chest pains on my right side. This is just the beginning of how Vision Personal Training Takapuna has changed my life.

I was born profoundly deaf and have had much to do with institutes for the deaf, and Squash New Zealand, through which I have enjoyed many years of squash. Today I can CONFIDENTLY say that I am playing better squash than ever before; I am faster on the court and winning more games, which is always good! The best of it, though, is that I can now also inspire others better and to be better in squash and in life.

Nine weeks ago I could not balance while attempting a lunge exercise and now I can confidently say my lunge is 90% perfect, according to my awesome trainer! My lungs have improved hugely, and my breathing now feels more balanced in everyday life.

I am loving my waist because I can fit my pants properly. I had a suit tailor-made 25 years ago for a special occasion – I wore this suit for the first time since then last Thursday at a business meeting (see photo).

I am not drinking as much alcohol as I did; I eat much better and healthier than I ever have and am really enjoying it. I am also sleeping better and for that reason I feel more energetic and clearer in everyday life.

Today I am 16kg lighter; I have 9% less body fat so I can see my own muscles! I have a 23cm thinner waist, so I can see my swimming shorts, and I feel more active, balanced and confident.

Half way through the challenge I booked a flight to Fiji to do adventure activitie, as already my whole mindset had started to change around exercise, eating and life balance. I am typing this as I sit by a pool in Fiji – the day after my Vision PT nine week weight loss challenge.

I feel great pride in saying this: I owe my life transformation to Vision Personal Training Takapuna, my trainers and the team.  I love the studio, the trainers, the group training, the knowledge, the customer service, the fun – the whole package. This is truly where results are made. I do blame the team though, as I now have to spend more $$ on clothes!

The team at Vision Personal Training Takapuna kept my programme simple but very effective. If they said I was drinking too much flat white – I knew where to cut back. It worked every time.

Losing all that weight is simple really. You must just have the mindset. My trainers kept me driven throughout the challenge; at times it is very hard to stay mentally on track, and they did this through keeping me determined to complete the challenge with passion and humour. When I look back I have really enjoyed it and am now loving it and love my life. I would like to say THANK YOU for everything they have done, and I;d better say a quick thankyou to my awesome wife who kept my energy levels up with PXP purple rice!

I am 25 years old again!