PUSH_ Testimonials

Andrew

“As a busy finance professional with a young family, when I finally found the time to spend with my wife and children, I was so exhausted that all I wanted to do was sleep. I would resort to a couple of beers and some chocolate in an effort to stimulate the senses”

“ I joined KP and started PUSH_Training with Adam. I will never forget the look on his face, as I lay on the floor struggling to regain my breath after our first session, when I asked whether he was serious that I should head to the cardio lounge for a session on the bike.. He gave me a wry smile and said, "It's up to you whether you want to get results or not" and walked away. It was then I fully understood the KP attitude of "If it's going to be, it's up to me".

“I have halved my body fat percentage from 28% to 14%, dropped 12kg’s, increased my overall strength, significantly improved my cardio-vascular fitness, but most importantly of all, generated the energy required to keep up with my three and a half year old daughter and 16 month old son.”

“I am proud of myself and Adam insists all this is my doing, but KP Fitness gave me the opportunity, equipment, assistance and motivation needed to push me in the right direction”

“I feel physically better now than ever before and I can't stand the thought of ever feeling any differently.”

Anna

I have been a member at KP Fitness for about 15 years. I have two wonderful children aged 6 and 12. The younger of the two is disabled. I joined KP to improve my fitness and strength in order to teach my younger son the same principles.

I love training at KP Fitness. It’s just such a friendly place with helpful, happy staff. Personal training is something that I enjoy and have been doing twice a week since I first started here at KP. It is always hard work training with Jamil, but at the end of it I feel much better and energised. With the support of Jamil, all the KP staff, and all the effort I have put in I have achieved so many things.

As I mentioned earlier I have been Personal Training for a while and I have seen lots of changes. My body is slimmer and more defined with my energy levels, and strength increased.

As soon as I have finished a training session at KP I just feel happier and full of beans. As time goes on, the RPM classes became easier and my motivation increases all the time.

I really enjoy personal training with Jamil because it keeps me on track and accountable for my own actions. Recently I was away from the gym for just 2 weeks and I missed it, and it made me realise just how much I enjoy KP.

Betty

Before the BTC I had been training at the gym approx 3 times per week but I wasn’t achieving the results I wanted. I decided then to give the BTC a go as this was the only way I could stay disciplined.

From the first group lecture I set a goal which was to stay “FOCUSED”. I attended all the lectures, group training and personal training sessions religiously. I did my 3-4 sessions of weight training per week and did some form of cardio every day. Cross training really helped me keep on track as I didn’t lose interest or focus. My eating habits took approx 2 weeks to follow properly but it became easier after this.

What really helped me stay on track was that I decided not to weigh myself throughout the challenge as this can be my downfall when it comes to food due to the feelings of either elation or depression.

Overall I found the challenge as a lifestyle change for me because it helped me keep my arthritis in my joints less painful and has made me more active in my every day activities.

As a bonus, the results also were beneficial as I lost 7kg of wight and gained muscle. I actually surprised myself by my persistence and results and now I know I can reach my goals eventually.

Carla

I joined KP in October of 2003….the day I unhappily returned from an 8 month European working holiday. After a 24 hour flight with plenty of time to ponder over my life and what I would do back in Adelaide, I decided getting off to a healthy start and getting back into shape would be a priority.

I wasn’t overweight, but I had managed to put on a kilo for every month that I was away and I wasn’t fitting into my pre-europe clothes. I had also spent 3 years prior to my trip working in the hospitality industry whilst studying at uni, and had formed some very unhealthy habits which carried on in Europe…these habits included lots of late nights, too much coffee and consuming copious amounts of great food & wine. In addition, I had been suffering with back & neck pain and was constantly seeing physios & chiropractors.

I started doing Step classes at first, as it was all I’d ever done in the past and I felt comfortable with it. I then discovered Les Mills’ classes and thought they were great-they were fun and gave me a fantastic workout. Dion was taking Pump at that stage on a Monday night and as I was having a little trouble getting my technique right, he suggested that I give Personal Training a try.

Turns out it was exactly what I needed. Not only to improve my technique, but to improve my diet, my fitness, my body tone and my back & neck pain. I learned about the importance of protein in a balanced diet, the benefits of weights training for more effective fat burning & core strength training to keep my body in good working order.

Pain is a word that has become a regular in my vocabulary, along with many other profanities, as a result of being pushed out of my comfort zone. But for me, it’s that push that makes Personal Training so worthwhile. How do we know how far we can really go unless someone pushes our boundaries and makes us believe we can go further?

All that said and done though, the most valuable thing I’ve gained from my two years training under Dion, is a better outlook on life…now, rather than accepting things as they are, I make things happen. I used to say “Oh well, it wasn’t meant to be…” but now I’ve taken on board that famous KP quote… ”If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.”

So here I am, fit, healthy, happy and full positive energy to make the most of everything that comes my way and chase the things that don’t…

Dale

Several months ago my personal trainer, Dion, heavily encouraged me to enter the Body Transformation Challenge (BTC) after I initially indicated that I wouldn't because it was a weight loss competition that would be of no benefit to me. I was wrong.

The challenge enabled me to focus on the aspects of my training that needed improvement, namely my food discipline and knowledge and the intensity of my weight training.

Having been a member of KP fitness for just over 20 years I finally feel I’m doing it right, I’m training in a manner that gets results, not just maintaining a level.

I would never have thought that at age 40 I would look and feel the fittest I ever have and this is thanks to Dion, KP fitness and the BTC who have all given me the knowledge and encouragement to achieve what I have over the last eight weeks.

I would recommend KP fitness and the BTC to anyone who feels dissatisfied with the one thing that is with you all the time, the thing you live in, your body.

Gino

Just getting back from my honeymoon in Phuket, feeling full to the brim on breakfast, lunch, and dinner Buffet’s, I saw the sign on the front window of KP, BTC CHALLENGE 2006 and thought to myself sounds like a good way to lose some of those extra kg I put on while on holidays!

So I took up the challenge with all I had and thanks to Jamils tough P.T. sessions and Laryssa’s heart thumping cardio sessions I got the results I wanted and more!!

The challenge taught me that I can push myself past my mental and physical barrier more than I normally would, and that if I put my mind to something I can make it happen!

I am EXTREMELY happy with my results and I have never felt better!!!!

Heather

Having Diabetes I was told to watch my diet and exercise. I love my food and hated exercise with a passion.

May 24th 2003 A Very important day. I walked into KP Fitness and was greeted at the desk by Sharon and Dennis, no dolly birds in lycra to be seen... They were fun and encouraging and got me joined on the spot. I told Dennis I would last 3 months He just laughed and said “we’ll see”!

May 2006 3 months has turned into 3 Years I lost 10 kilos and centimeters all round in the first 5 months but more importantly I have kept it off. I am almost addicted to training and the tread mill is almost my best friend. I whinge and complain about the need to exercise but the truth is I can’t imagine life without it.

Who is responsible for this dramatic change in attitude?

The team at KP Fitness of course! Jeff my first trainer who got me started and kept me on track during those 1st months, Steve who keeps me motivated now, the desk staff who greet with a smile and encouragement. The friendly and encouraging atmosphere evident as you walk through the door.

Dennis was right (that hurts) 3 years later I am still here and still training. What more can I say but a big THANKS.

Jo

Ever since I can remember, I was teased at school for being “fat” and was constantly taunted by other children. Over the years, I grew to believe that I was “fat, ugly and worthless”. A particular moment has been burnt in to my memory. I was in Year 5 and we were being taught averages. The teacher made us all weigh ourselves, tell her our weight and then she would write it on the board. Well as you can imagine, I wanted the earth to swallow me up when it came to my turn. I knew that I would be the heaviest in the class and dreaded the walk to the scales.

I got on and will never forget how much I weighed – I was 55kg. I didn’t want to tell the teacher my weight but she kept threatening to send me to the Principal’s office. She reduced me to tears and even wrote my weight larger than anyone elses on the board - just in case I wasn’t feeling humiliated enough! I never played any sports at primary or high school because we would have to wear short netball skirts and was quite paranoid of what I looked like. Even in to adolescence, the taunts continued and I began making fun of myself and putting myself down because I figured everyone else was. I’m sure I also paid for the Dietician’s new BMW or something from the many visits we made.

It wasn’t until my best friend got married and I was in the bridal party that I made the best decision of my life. I joined KP Fitness in 2000 when I weighed my heaviest - 87kg and a size 18. I liked the fact that there were a diverse range of members – all sizes, all ages and both sexes. I was finally in a place where I felt comfortable exercising and felt safe from judgement. From the time I began training with Dion in early 2001 until my friend’s wedding later that year, I lost 4 kg. I was ecstatic because I could see the results of my hard work.

Over the years, Dion has helped change my outlook not only on life but in the way I see myself and how I look at my food choices and training. My outlook is more positive and I am more confident. I look forward to training and exercising because I know that I am becoming a fitter, healthier person. I even felt confident enough to do the 12km run of City to Bay this year for the first time. Earlier this year, I had a conversation with another one of Dion’s clients. She said to me she could remember when I first started training with him and that all she would hear is me whingeing and complaining about how “hard” everything was. She couldn’t believe the change in my outlook to training. Now I see it as the harder the training, the more determined I become to work through the pain and keep going, whereas before, I would just give up. Giving up is no longer an option. The only person that can change me is me – no one else! I found a photo last week from my mother’s 50th birthday in 2001 and I couldn’t believe the person staring back at me. It made me feel ill at what I looked like and the sad thing is that I thought I looked good back then. I love going shopping because I can fit in to the current, trendy clothes that I couldn’t before. I now weigh 72kg and am a size 12. My goal is 65kg. I have come a long way in this journey and there is no other way I can repay Dion for how he has helped me but to say “thank you”.

Josh

The Challenge began for myself during the first seminar. Nic Jones and Dion addressed all contestants . . . it was all the motivation that I needed.

My frame of mind and attitude was ready for the next 8 weeks, with the combination of nutrition, training and KP’s education during the BTC along with staying positive and focused to each aspect 100% results were achievable and improvement showing weekly.

Michael Johnson’s training structure had the right combination of weights, personal sessions, cardio programme and with weekly group circuit sessions left me spent after every workout.

My approach to health, training, nutrition, work, family life and recreation has changed and improved for the better. This is all because of the success gained during the BTC challenge.

Thanks to KP Fitness and all trainers and staff involved.

“Do what they say, it works”

Julieann

3 years ago when my marriage had deteriorated to a point where I had no confidence in my relationship, no self appreciation and was lost in a whirlwind of change, I looked for something to 'get lost' in. I took up running again, something I had been passionate about for many years previously.

A few months before I separated from my partner I joined KP Fitness without real intent. I didn't know what I was going to get out of it. Only that I felt great doing something for myself.

I would lose myself in the choreography of freestyle step classes and Dennis's singing (I will miss this now), which is all I would do at the gym. This was far better than the highlight of my day being fighting a losing marital battle.

My marriage broke down 4 months later and I began to build a new life, a new me with a new attitude. I now do any step class I can get to, running (road and treadmill), weights (a program for endurance) and the occasional pump/ ttb/ or other class. I can state quite honestly that KP Fitness has been essential in my emotional rebuilding process over the last 3 years and I feel better than ever. The physical results (which are fantastic) are a bonus.

I have made some good friends at KP and other people who I can just have a chat with. I am always comfortable in the environment and feel I belong (exactly what everyone needs). I love the mixture of ages (I am 44) and attitudes and hopefully will remain a member for many, many more years.

Now, let the party begin!

Lucy

I have a secret, I ate my way to losing 30 kgs, yes that’s right you have to eat to lose weight but there is a catch you need to eat the right things at the right time, sorry no quick fix just hard work plus lots of exercise, a good attitude and a fantastic gym and personal trainer.

I started here at KP about a year ago and have never looked back, the people here are fantastic, they saw I needed help and fortunately I reached out and grabbed onto their experience. Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I put my size 12 jeans on (must be a big mistake) when only a year ago I was wearing size 22/24.

The members here are fantastic (all us morning mums plus a few others) constantly providing me with encouragement, they have inspired me along the way and all of a sudden I am the one providing inspiration to new or old members. The best member I have met at KP is my new friend Vesna P. she is my inspiration and has given me so much support, she is a wonderful friend.

If I can do it (running a household, three small children, 7yrs 4yrs 2yrs, work, school, kindy and calisthenics) you can do it! If Jamil, my fantastic trainer had a $1 for every time a member/client said to him “I can’t do it” he’d be a millionaire. I really believe there is no way I could have got this far without him, thanks “J” gggrrrr!! He has got so much more out of me than I ever thought I was capable of. You should try RBT if you haven’t before and give it a good 6 weeks to get to know each other, plus the key to success is to measure your success, love that Maltron machine, especially when the scales have stopped going down measurements help.

I really look forward to continuing at KP, the place has a great spirit about it and I hope I add to that spirit. I actually hate to think where I would be without KP, actually I won’t think about it because I am never going back. Finally a very big thank you to the ladies in the creche, who look after our little treasures so we can do our stuff, couldn’t have done any of it without you, thanks you do a great job!

Mel

My first impressions of KP FITNESS was that it was a friendly and helpful place to come and train at. I also found it to be much closer to where I am currently living. I found Dion to be of great assistance to me when I first joined up so long ago now.

My most memorable experience was my first ever training session with Dion because it was very intense and hard on my body because I hadn't trained for two months due to being let down by a different trainer at my previous gym. As a result all the weight I had lost was regained Dion helped me to reassign my goals and helped me to start to eat more healthy foods again.

There was a time in my life where I weighed approx 83kgs and was about a size 16-18 being trained by three great trainers they being Dion, David and now Michael I have lost a lot of weight and I am now a size 10 and weight approx 58kgs. The main thing is that I look and feel fantastic I have also gained so much self-esteem thanks directly to my great trainers.

With each trainer I have had different experiences and gained valuable knowledge most of them good. They have helped to educated me about fitness, and my body such as different muscles, food groups etc.

I enjoy and will hopefully enjoy coming to the gym every week either to train with Michael or just to come and do a RPM class now and again. I like this because I am always greeted with a smile or a happy face at the front desk every time I arrive or leave KP fitness.

I have so many favourite things at KP FITNESS the great Christmas parties, great classes and great training facilities and training equipment as well as great team efforts that has proven it can work extremely hard to meet everyone's and my needs.

Other people will hopefully benefit from the great help and knowledge of KP FITNESS' personal trainers who helped me achieve my goals and beyond. "Your body's a temple so worship it with care and careful and constant management”

Thank you again KP FITNESS

Melissa

The definition of the word challenge sums it all up for me and why I joined the 2006 Body Transformation Challenge (BTC).

Challenge n., v., -lenged, -lenging. –n. a call to engage in a contest of skill, strength, etc. Well with the stakes being set at $1000 for the winner and the fact I was defending a second place title from 2006, all I needed to do was use the skills and strength I had already gained as a member of KP to……………. join the BTC.

Something that makes demands upon one’s abilities, endurance, etc Now there is nothing more certain than the fact that all BTC participants will be placed under great demands by trainers and challengers alike to aim for the title of……….BTC winner.

A calling to account or into question This is something I had been doing for the 3 months prior to the BTC. Problem was that my motivation was low and although I kept questioning my ever increasing weight, I was lacking in the accounting area…………until BTC.

To summon to a contest of skill, strength, etc. Jamil, my personal trainer, was the one who threw down the gauntlet for this one, offering his precious rats tail (I know, can you believe these still exist) as a sacrifice if I could lose 10kgs ……..during BTC.

To make demands, especially stimulating demands, upon. With the demanding part under control, it was over to my partner in crime Trish to provide stimulation to an ever increasing exercise regime. Between early morning RPM classes, 8 km runs and weights sessions; followed by evening circuit classes and many reminders (via text) of the next day’s routine, Trish and I worked as a solid team to provide variation …………………..to our BTC.

To take exception to; call in question This is beyond……………………….. the BTC. Taking exception and call in question would have to be representative of everything that KP has helped me do. They are the exception, providing a service that has helped me to become a new person. From the moment I joined these guys have helped me (and still help me) to obtain my goals.

If you need a challenge in your life…………………..you need BTC!!

Thanks KP for all your help. Keep up the good work………….. I know I will :0)

Natalie

Dion . . . I don’t think the words ‘self doubt’ would exist in your vocabulary . . but if ever there comes a time when you begin to question anything about what it is you do, I want you to re-read this, and know that there’s no-one better suited to their career choice, than you.

You know how much the last 2-3 years have changed me, and my outlook on life - but there is something else I’d like to share with you, that you may not know.

As you know, just over a year ago, I lost my Mum. We were very close and it was an incredibly difficult time for me.

You rang me at home to extend your sympathy and offered to re-schedule our training session for boxing day, even though it would be at a time when the gym would be ‘officially’ closed. For which I was very grateful.

At that time I wasn’t really ‘with it’ anyway . . . but I remember feeling very nervous about walking back into the gym. I’d gotten into the habit of training with you in the cardio room while Mum took Denis’ heart moves class upstairs, then they’d all walk out (and I knew I’d only have a few minutes of torture left!) and then Mum and I would enjoy a coffee.

To come back into that same environment knowing she wouldn’t be there, was very difficult for me. I was physically and emotionally very drained, and to be honest the last thing I felt like doing was training.

I remember at one point during that PT session . . you’d pushed me really hard (when don’t you?!) and we were taking a few seconds rest . . I had my hands leaning on the edge of a treadmill, face down . . you were waiting for me to catch my breath, and were counting down. I remember so vividly wanting to sit on the edge of that treadmill and just bawl my eyes out! You didn’t know how upset I was (or if you did, you very kindly didn’t let on!) That was, without a doubt, the hardest training session we’ve ever had - and I’ll never forget it.

That day I learned that no matter what life throws at you, if you train hard enough, for long enough, you can make the pain go away (even if it’s just for a while). And that makes it possible to find a way to work through anything at all. Over the next few months, that would prove to be a very valuable piece of information for me. Way back when I did the first ever KP challenge, one piece of advice you gave was “if you are lacking the support at home, get a trainer!” I did, and I’ve never looked back.

You have inspired me to make substantial changes within my life, and even to work towards becoming a trainer myself. If I can do for one person what you’ve done for me, it’ll be so worthwhile.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Ruth

It’s coming up two years ago that I walked through the doors at KP for the first time, and I'm so glad that I did! It was the RPM classes that got me here, but it’s been the people that have kept me coming back.

Whenever I’ve lacked the inspiration to push myself, I’ve always been inspired by other gym goers like Lucy and Mel, who remind me of what you can achieve, or the fitness fanatics, like Madi, Stav or Enza whose energy is contagious.

Without exception though, the trainers, instructors and staff at KP have always provided a welcoming and encouraging environment. There is no way I would have progressed beyond the early stages of improving my fitness levels if it hadn’t been for the immovable goals that these guys set during bootcamps, PT sessions or group training sessions - no matter how hard we tried to talk them out of some of the tasks they’d set for us. At the end of the day, you give up arguing and just get on with it.

Now, when I’m out running (which is only something I started doing 10 months ago, during the Back to Basics program) I still hear the trainers telling me to sprint to the next fence post, or keep going for an extra 5 minutes. Previously, I would have been telling myself that I’d done enough, or I’ll try harder next time.

When KP introduced the concept of the PUSH Programs, it was great to see a program that was individually tailored, and not just a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I wanted to work on a couple of levels (fitness and goal setting/motivation), and have been working with two trainers to challenge both of these areas, and I look forward to seeing what goals we can smash in 2007.

Sharon

One year ago my health had hit an all time low. I had experienced more problems than ever in such a short space of time. I had had surgery to relieve kidney failure due to a blockage caused by kidney stones and was told I would also need surgery for gallstones.

On top of that I was just getting over back problems I was told would also need surgery or I could lose bladder function. So that coupled with the constant headaches, sleeping problems, and high blood pressure meant I was not heading in the right direction health wise (to say the least!)

I was also very aware that I was 33 and only three years away from being the same age my Mother was when she died of a heart attach. It upsets and angers me even to put this down on paper the state I was in back then - I must have put my friends and family through some very worrying times. So after some much needed and appreciated diet tips from my parents (both my dad and step-mum have success stories of their own) I started my journey.

I jointed KP Fitness on a spur of the moment in February this year after I had shed a few kilos. I wanted cardio fitness and improved energy levels and just dieting was not getting me there. Then to add something else into the mix my fiance and I had decided on a wedding date (October this year!). I walked through the door thinking I could not feel more out of place - me! . . . in a Gym! (not one of my more comfortable moments!) However meeting Heidi on arrival changed all of that!

My favourite class would have to be RPM, the instructors are fantastic and they give me the encouragement and guidance on technique I need and still make the whole experience fun and entertaining. I can still remember the first RPM class I took, I wondered if I would survive the warm-up! But I knew after a few weeks I was starting to feel improvements.

Now, almost 9 months later my resting pulse rate (previously over 90 beats per minute) is now a much more acceptable 60-65 beats per minute, my blood pressure is down to a comfortable normal, I sleep better (and in fact need less) and have no headaches or back problems. And just to improve my health that little bit more I gave up smoking as well! (It just made sense!)

I know I’m still a long way from my ultimate weight loss goal and that getting there is still only the beginning but I know with the continued support, training and education I get from instructors at KP Fitness my goals are totally reachable and I’m having fun getting there too!

I have also been both inspired and privileged to have been able to hear other members stories on what they have achieved. So now watch this space - there’s much more to come from me - just give me a few more months . . .

Susan

THE WILSON RAP
Self confessed wearer of lycra
Why did I join? Why did I become a KP devotee?
No other reason than just thinking about Me!, Me! , Me!
Bike pants and baggy T- shirts covered my frame
As I realized all my exercise excuses were lame
I enquired at the front desk with doubts on my mind
But as I talked with Sharon I decided to sign

I tried different classes and gave it a go
I pumped and I danced and felt the blood flow
I worked hard as Dennis sang to us in dulcet tones
I obeyed Mandy as I sweated and worked in ‘the zone’
I stretched with Lexi and felt my spine grow
I became hooked on RPM I’m even in the front row

What fantastic support is a personal trainer
First Ester then Peter, the choice could not have been saner
I’m always asked to do 5 more please
And as I have trained longer it comes with more ease
Thank you Ester and Peter for your wonderful work
I feel so good I just can’t get rid of my smirk

Thanks to Dion and his seminars
I now eat my water and watch the carbs
I look for low GI and eat more protein
So over the months I have become more lean
I became fitter, more confident and wanted to try more
I wanted to be pushed and challenged deep in my core

I’ve joined back to basics, fat smasher and boot camp too
My love of exercise and challenges just grew and grew
I’ve met great fellow KPers and we have great trainers
We support each other and have become KP campaigners
We walk up waterfalls and run in sand hills
And there’s nothing like exercise to beat the winter chills

Goodbye baggy T’s and those terrible bike pants
I wear lycra now and have a micro-fibre slant
I’m fit and feel strong and I am proud
To beat my own drum long and loud
Exercise and KP aren’t something I just squeeze in
They are part of my life so I can’t help but win.

Tish

BTC 2006 has been one of the highlights of my year; to fit into my ‘skinny’ jeans again feels fantastic!

Almost all of my muffin top has gone, I have a widening gap between my legs, my kankles have toned up and actually resemble calves now, and I feel sensational!!!

The structure of BTC provided me with all the help I needed to stay focussed on my goal. The nutritional information will have a lifelong benefit. I loved the group training, and felt welcomed by all the trainers and staff, who all offered continued support.

The many lessons I have learnt will keep me focussed to achieve my goal. So watch out, because soon I’ll be strutting my toned, healthy body down the beach in my first ever bikini!!