Weight wake-up call leads to life transformation

When Jamie Bryant clocked the scales at 240kg it was a massive shock for him.

But what was worse, was going on a school trip with his son, and having to stop three or four times on a 10-minute bush walk.

“I always knew I was big, and I would get puffed walking to the mailbox, but I was getting older and just thought it was just how it was,” he says.

“But on that school trip, I was walking with my son – he stayed with me – and I had to stop so many times on such a short walk. No other parents had to stop. I just realised this isn’t right. And I knew I had to do something about it.”

Jamie couldn’t even weigh himself traditionally – he had to go to the dump to find scales that would record his actual weight – and he couldn’t even walk to the end of his driveway without getting puffed.

And so, shocked into action by that school trip, he started weight training. Getting a home gym set up and starting completely from scratch, bit by bit he saw his energy levels improve, his fitness progress, and his weight start to drop.

That one decision – to prioritise his health – gave him an entirely new lease on life and it has changed his life completely.

Ten years on, Jamie has not only lost more than 100kg, but he has completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise and is now helping others on their own health and fitness journeys through gym instruction, personal training, boot camps, and group fitness at the Y Southland.

“For me, this has been a journey and it’s still a journey; I have goals around my weight that keep me motivated and I am consistent; I train most days,” he says.

“I always knew I wanted to help people, especially younger people, and especially people who don’t know how to get out of the rut.”

Jamie admits, at the start of his own journey, he was too ashamed to go to a gym; instead opting for a home gym set up until he was more confident. But now, and especially having worked at the Y Southland for the past couple of years, he’s come to see the huge benefits of being part of a training community – regardless of what stage you are at.

“The great thing about the Y is that you can have an 80 year old training next to a 15 year old, someone bigger training alongside someone training for a body building competition – everyone is there to get better, and that’s all there is to it. People support each other,” he says.

Jamie’s knowledge when it comes to training has stemmed not only from his studies, but from his practical and personal experience.

He’s had his share of injuries – in particular from lifting too much too fast – and has learned to adapt training methods, and that heavier is not always better.

“I think, having my own experience, means I am quite relatable as a trainer. I get it, I understand it’s hard and I understand there’s not a one size fits all training solution for everyone. It’s about the individual.”

“What’s worked for me is consistency – there’s not really a day that I don’t train now. It has made me feel alive again. When I was big, I was almost content going out that way, I just thought that’s the way it was… until that day with my son… and I just knew I had to do better.”

If you’re just starting your own health and fitness journey, or are looking for a PT who has been there, done that (and is still doing it!), Jamie is now available for Personal Training at the Y Southland.

Get in touch – email Jamie.byrant@ymcasouth.org.nz or find Jamie on social media @return_to_strength_pt