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Guest Testimonials: Rasmus Maack

Here at Phuket Fit we all love to hear a life changing story. How things turned around after finding new inner strength and determination whilst training with us.

Rasmus Maack

And we all love a great before and after picture too! But what about the after after?! The bit we dont usually hear is what happened when you went home. Has it really changed your life or did it just simply change a small period of time in your life?

Id like to introduce you to Rasmus Maack or Mack as he was known around camp. Mack is a bit of a repeat offender here at Phuket Fit (cue the 80s Weight Loss Success StoryMark Morrison song return of the Mack!) having trained with us several times. His journey has been pretty epic to say the least but its his continuing journey that has us all checking in with him to see what hes up to. His accomplishments have been astounding and we are very proud to share his story so all of you can see what is achievable not just in the amount of time you may be with us at Phuket Fit but what you take away with you to keep constantly pushing those boundaries.

This is Macks story in his words

I’ve actually been to Phuket Fit Training Camp three times – two times back in 2012 and then again back in February/March (2014).

I’m a Boxing/Kickboxing instructor in Denmark and my visits to Phuket Fit back then, was partly to learn new techniques, get inspiration for my classes back home and partly to lose weight. I figured that nonstop training and eating only chicken for a month ought to do the trick. And it did! – I lost 10kg both the times I was there.

The first time it didn’t last long though. I went back to Denmark with good intentions, but the everyday life and bad habits took over, and so I regained the weight that I lost. Second time was somewhat better.

Anyway, I picked up running last year (2013) with my first ‘challenge’ ever (you know, race number, a finish line etc) – a mere 10k at New Years Eve, and it grew on me.

A total of ten challenges last year including three marathons and quite a few mud/obstacle races.

I went to Phuket Fit this year because I missed the dedication, the people, the ‘feeling’, the ability (possibility) to give 110% every time and not have a care in the world besides where your water bottle is at. Also this time I knew that Crosstraining had come to Phuket Fit and wanted to improve that (getting ready for competition status next year). Last but not least, losing weight again. 9 kg lost plus gaining a lot of muscle.

Having knee and back injuries for the greater part of 2013 (but running anyway) my body felt amazing after a month of warm weather, good nutrition and excellent feedback from the instructors, and I went straight for the first challenge, and the next, and the next….

So far this year, since I’ve returned from Phuket Fit it is:

April 2014: Mountain Bike Challenge (100km MTB)
April 2014: Nordic Race, Burnout (8km obstacle run)
May 2014: Great Belt, Half marathon (21.1km)
May 2014: Race against Cancer (115km road bike)
May 2014: Copenhagen Marathon (42.2km)
May 2014: Adventure Run Denmark (10km)
May 2014: 4:18:4 mini-triathlon (400m swim, 18km bike, 4km run)
June 2014: The Great Plains Half Marathon (21.1 run)
June 2014: mini Triathlon (200m indoor swim, 12km bike, 4km run)
June 2014: All Men Race, Copenhagen (10km run)
June 2014: Ironman 70.3 Aarhus, Denmark (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1 run)
July 2014: Half Ironman, Aalborg Denmark (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1 run)
July 2014: Danish CrossFit Summer Challenge (5 WODs)
July 2014: Nordic Race, Warrior (12km obstacle run)
August 2014: Duathlon, Life of Sport (5km run, 40km bike, 5km run)
August 2014: Nordic Race, Warrior (15km obstacle run)
August 2014: Samsø (island) Marathon (42.2km run)
August 2014: DHL Relay Run (2x 5km run)
August 2014: Spartan Race: Sprint + Super (6km obstacle run + 12km obstacle run)
September 2014: Aarhus City Half Marathon (21.1km)
September 2014: RAW REBORN (20km obstacle run)
September 2014: Ironman 70.3 Kronborg, Denmark (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1 run)

Expected to enter these in the next month:

September 2014: Toughest (8km obstacle run)
October 2014: Dirty Trail (30km train run)
October 2014: Spartan Race, Beast (20km obstacle run)
October 2014: Amsterdam Marathon (42.2km run)
October 2014: Life of Sport, Half marathon (21.1km run)”

If you feel that you can’t, or something is impossible – Never give up…everything is achievable once you dedicate yourself to its possibility…

Im sure youre just as blown away by Macks accomplishments as I am and it just shows you that life is never like a straight line. It can take you in a different direction whenever you choose. If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse. This may be tough to accept, but it’s the truth. Stop making excuses for why you can’t get it done and start focusing on all the reasons why you must make it happen. The only person who can truly hold you back is you.  Its time to choose whats best for you.

Oftentimes when we feel stuck, we are waiting for something magical to happen. We wonder when the winds will change in our favor. We do this instead of embracing the present and admitting the change we need to make. What is keeping you from stepping forward?

Thanks for reading

Tor

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Team Canada! Husband and wife Sarah and Duane Bradbury team up for weight loss!

First, tell us a little about yourself. Who you are, where youre from, how old you are, what you do back home?

Sarah Jean Bradbury is a 36 year old Administrative worker from Toronto Ontario.  Duane is 37 years old and is an Agile Coach (software development) working for the Canadian Government.

How did you find out about Phuket Fit?

D: Reading about the success stories of extreme weight loss is what really made up our minds on coming to Phuket Fit.  Seeing the before and after pictures of others that had achieved amazing transformations had a real impact on me.

What first made you want to come?

D: A few months before we set off I had a dream that I was in Thailand training and losing weight.  As soon as I woke up I told Sarah that we were coming to Thailand to train!  We didnt know how we were going to be able to do it, but we pulled it off and were on that plane here before we knew it!

Weight Loss Story - PhuketFit

How long have you been at Phuket Fit and how much longer are you planning on staying?

S: We got to camp on our 5th Anniversary, February 14th, and are staying for 3 months.

Did you set any goals for yourself while training here?

D: We both wanted to kick start a new, healthier lifestyle to continue at home.  We also wanted to up our fitness level and lose as much weight as possible. Also, as odd as it may sound, I wanted to be able to fit in public seating.  I would love to go to a hockey game and not ‘overflow’ the seat.  Larger people would understand this.

How did you do at meeting those goals?

S: I think we have done really well!  Our bodies have completely changed!  Together we have lost 60 pounds and gained a lot of muscle!

D: Most importantly we have learned about a different, healthier life style that we can try to replicate back home.

What accomplishment have you achieved while you were here that you’re most proud of?

S: When we first arrived I could not do 4 burpees in a row.  I did 75 the other day (50 straight!)

D: I am proud to see how we have progressed along the way.  The other day we redid a previous workout from when we first started working with our personal trainer and smashed our first times.

What kinds of challenges of setbacks did you face along the way?

S: When trying to lose weight the numbers can be daunting.  You think youve had a fantastic week of exercise and were eating really well you think youve lost 3kgand you are up 500g. Progress pictures and really looking at how your clothes are fitting can be a better indicator of how your body is changing!

Do you have any advice for someone who might be looking at TMT for fitness or weight loss?

Sarah Weight Loss ThailandS: Phuket Fit is a great place to get a good mix of Fitness and Muay Thai. Coming into this adventure I had not done a minute of Muay Thai but figured if I couldn’t pick that up easily I could always fill my time with Yoga and Fitness classes. Reaching our goals had a lot to do with having the grill on site and knowing that the choices we had would be healthier options than what we could find on the street.

D: It is nice to be in an environment where everyone is there to reach a goal (even though it may be different from your own). It can be very encouraging and inspiring.  I enjoy TMT because you just don’t have the fitness classes but also Muay Thai.  I really enjoy Muay Thai training but when it is so much fun is it still a workout?

Which classes did you attend and what did you find the most exciting or challenging about them?

S: We started out just doing Muay Thai for the first month. We were then matched up with an amazing fitness trainer and started doing personal sessions with her and that is when we really started to see our fitness grow.

D: We are now doing fitness privates, bodyfit classes, Muay Thai privates and are walking up the Big Buddha hill as many times as we can. Each session pushes us in different ways.  In Muay Thai you have to have your brain turned on to know which move to do next, in Bodyfit it is a different mental challenge to keep myself moving and not to rest!

What surprised you the most about Phuket Fit?

D: How friendly all the people are! Everyone has their own goals and they seem to want to help the next person achieve theirs.  There are no outcasts here!

Tell me about one fun memorable thing that happened to you during your time at Phuket Fit.

S: There are so many to choose from!  The beach Muay Thai class on BBQ Beatdown day was pretty fun and memorable – during the swim break before leaving I got caught in a few big waves and got pretty pummelled.  The next day my trainer was asking me about it, she was asked if she ‘knew Sarah, from Duane and Sarah’ like we were a t.v. show!

How would you recommend someone prepare before coming to Phuket Fit?

D: Break your goal down into smaller to do items and slowly complete each one and chip away at the mountain.  Also ensure you are serious about your goals because it is a true journey, and will last a life time.  We took 1 month to adjust, the next month is to kill the old habits and the 3rd month to form new healthy habits to bring home with us.

S: After you arrive go at your own pace!  Listen to your body.  We came from a cold climate and tried to jump right into it.  We needed to take time to adjust to the heat and time difference and get over our jet lag! Know that everyone has their own pace and as long as you are constantly pushing yourself out of your comfort zone your fitness will improve!

What are your favorite and least favorite exercises you encountered at Phuket Fit?

S: I have liked doing bag work with the Muay Thai trainers.  A good mix of cardio, Muay Thai and lots of laughs.  There is not a lot of enjoyment to be had when dragging a weighted tire around camp at 2pm on a hotter than hot day!

What tip did you learn at Phuket Fit that youll integrate into your life back home?

D: We hope to integrate so many things into our lives back home including regular exercise and healthy eating habits

Do you think you’ll come back to Phuket Fit?

S: We have been thinking of plans on how to get ourselves back here since week 4! We will be back as soon as we can!

Since the writing of this article, recently back in Canada Sarah suffered a very serious leg injury. All of us at Phuket Fit wish her the speediest of recoveries and wish her well. Also thinking of Duane who no doubt will be running around like a headless chicken after her! Luckily he is now more than fit enough to be able to do this! Best wishes to the both of you!

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Guest Testimonials: Ali MacKellar

I would like to start off by saying that training at PhuketFit has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. For as long as I can remember I have always struggled with my weight, for numerous reasons varying from my job, my habits and health issues that combined to make me feel as if weight loss was always going to be unattainable for me. My decision to go to Phuket Fit was my last hope for achieving a healthy lifestyle.

My first class was Bodyfit and boy was it a wake up a call. I couldnt run the warm up lap of 400 meters without stopping to gasp for air, I struggled to complete most exercises and was almost always 5 steps behind everyone else. After speaking to the trainers they helped me to adjust the exercises to meet my level of fitness, and day by day I noticed my fitness starting to improve.

It took six weeks for me to build my fitness up to the point where I could properly participate in classes, but once I was there I found that I had made a change within myself. I was no longer the miserable unfit girl who had arrived at the camp, unable to keep up with the rest of the class. Instead I began to enjoy the classes, I could not only complete them, but I could perform at the same level as everyone else. I began to enjoy being challenged and was driven to achieve more. Instead of feeling like I HAD to eat healthy to lose weight, I WANTED to eat healthy, and exercise became a welcome part of my daily routine.

Id be lying if I said there werent days when I thought it was too hard, when I wanted to give up when even after all the hard work, I still wasnt getting the results I wanted. The drive to continue came in the form of my personal trainer, Alecia, whose constant support motivated me to change my attitude and reinforced my determination to make the change I wanted to see in myself a reality.

Now at Week 12 I have a lost a total of 13.5kg, I can slam medicine balls like a machine, can do burpees like theyre a full time job and can run a full lap of camp without breaking a sweat. Phuket Fit provided the perfect environment to attain the healthy lifestyle Id always wanted, but never been able to achieve back home in Australia. This is only the start of my weight loss journey, but the passionate trainers, healthy eating plan and all the friends that I have made at the camp who formed my support system are what have made it possible for me to achieve my goals, and I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling to get started and make the change.