My name is Markeeta or better known as Mack.
I have been overweight almost all of my adult
life and was the queen of excuses. I took my
health for granted for many years and as a busy
working mum of three teenagers and a toddler
I had a lot to live for.
I was living an unhealthy lifestyle,
and quickly found myself at a whopping
127kg. I would always get told “you’re
really pretty for a big girl”. The
weight impacted my self esteem, my
mobility and made everyday tasks such
as tying my shoes, clothes shopping,
flying or sitting in cinema seats a
challenge that usually left me in tears.
It wasn’t until I lost my beautiful
31yr old Sister to a heart attack
caused by renal failure that I realised
I needed to make a change. I was
diagnosed with gestational diabetes
while pregnant with my youngest and
soon after he was born I also lost my
mum to renal failure.
I have dedicated all of my working life
working in the health industry yet I let
myself go and was heading down a path of
chronic disease and an early grave.
My journey at BBL started long before I
even stepped foot in the door. I had never
been a member at a gym before and was so
anxious and overwhelmed at the thought of it.
I stalked the BBL Facebook page for months.
I remember ringing Mick and as busy as he
is he spent almost an hour on the phone
listening to my story. Despite not meeting
him yet I felt supported, I felt like I was
worthy, I felt like I would be welcomed and
BBL was where I belonged.
I started out doing bootcamp classes a few
times a week. Some days I was so sore I couldn’t
sit down and was walking around like a t-Rex
because I couldn’t extend my arms. Despite
the aching muscles what I quickly realised
was how good it made me feel mentally.
This became my therapy.
Grief and loss is incredibly difficult and
I can not express my sincere gratitude for
having a safe place like BBL to help me
overcome such loss. Sometimes the physical
pain feels better than the heartache.
At the beginning of my journey I refused to
go if my gym buddy couldn’t make - now I
confidently go on my own.
I would never step foot into any other parts
of the gym - now I walk around like I own the
place and it feels like home.
I would never push myself and go to the “difficult”
classes but now (even though I’m sure Cas is secretly
trying to kill me) I give them all a good crack.
My journey all stared with one phone call, one
conversation one positive experience that gave
me the courage to make my health a priority
and sign up to BBL.
I have been on my health journey now for about
18mths and I have lost 40kg. I have gone down
5 dress sizes and still working hard. I meal
prep and have made massive lifestyle changes
so that I can live longer, stronger and happier.
I still have bad days where I fall off the wagon
but I have more good days and those are the
ones that count!!
Shout out to Mick and Cas - I don’t think you
guys truly know the impact you are having on
peoples lives!! I wouldn’t be where I am today
with your support, belief and encouragement.
Big Love
Mack xx