If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!

NAME: Jay Hopa
AGE: 27
MEMBER SINCE: December 2011
GOAL: To lose another 20 kilos
PROGRESS TO DATE: Took part in 500 for the Fight weight-loss challenge and lost all 5kgs pledged.
TIP: ” Suck it up now so you don’t have to suck it in later.”

How long have you been a member of Health Mates?

I joined Health Mates in December 2011; so just on 2 years.

What inspired you to get started at Health Mates?

I decided after having my 3 children that I needed to myself into gear. I was juggling my kids solo, I had no confidence in myself, and was emotionally drained trying to keep up my appearance, yet hating who I saw in the mirror.

I was motivated even more so by my mum, who had reclaimed her life after surviving Breast Cancer not once, but twice, with regular exercise and healthy eating. I watched her go from a size 26 to a 10.

What activities have you been a part of at Health Mates?

I took part in 500 For The Fight, a weight loss challenge raising money for Breast Cancer research, to honour my mum. I dedicated 5 kilos to the challenge, and lost them all.

I participate in the 9.30am group exercise classes every day.

What have you achieved so far at Health Mates, and how has it changed your life?

So far I have lost 35 kilos. I have more energy for my kids, and the confidence that was never there is now slightly showing. I have never been under 100 kilos in my adult life, so to see the 100 kilos when I jumped on the scales was an amazing feeling, because of the long struggle I had to get there.

What is your next goal?

From now I’d like to lose another 20 kilos, and more importantly lead a healthy, happy life.

What advice would you give to someone wishing to embark on the same journey you are on?

“Try again!” If you slip up once, twice, three times, just keep going. Push yourself, and keep trying. I have done one fad diet after another, and some worked for a while, but each resulted in me getting bored and overeating the not-so-good foods. Forget the fads, and start exercising and eating properly. I always tell myself “there’s no harm in trying again.”

I use this quote all the time; “Suck it up now so you don’t have to suck it in later.”

Jay is our December 2013 Member of the Month.

Read more member testimonials here

If you’d like to nominate our next Member of the Month email your suggestion to raquels@rwc.org.au

There is no guarantee that physical exercise will achieve specific outcomes. Results will vary depending on personal commitment, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle factors.