Townsville Bulletin

Kia strongly motivated

Training does power of good

- TESS IKONOMOU

A TOWNSVILLE woman has transforme­d her life and mental health through hard work that saw her shed kilos.

Kia Hansen, 29, of Bushland Beach, undertook F45 Training Townsville North’s eight-week challenge at the end of last year as a present gifted to her.

“It’s changed my life, I’ve lost nearly nine kilos and lost body fat percentage,” Ms Hansen said.

“But more than that, I’m feeling so much better about myself, I’m one of those people who won’t go to the gym if I’m intimidate­d.”

Ms Hansen has been struggling with her weight since she was aged six and has been diagnosed with body dysmorphia as well as eating disorders.

She said the psychologi­cal support from her trainers and peers helped her deal with her body image issues.

“My biggest goal was always the mental health, and psychologi­cal strength,” she said. “And, of course, it’s quite empowering when you feel fit and strong.

“I will continue to make healthy choices for the rest of my life, I don’t want to fall back into bad habits.”

Ms Hansen, through her training, has learned to love the skin she’s in.

“I’m more confident in myself, in my body … I’ve met a lot more people and I’m more keen to get out and live more,” she said.

“I feel motivated to just get out of bed and try new things.”

Ms Hansen said previously, she wasn’t holding herself accountabl­e for her health.

“I was inconsiste­nt and wasn’t happy with where I was, but I didn’t know how to change it,” she said.

“I was guided from start to finish … this place has not for one second made me feel like I was going to go backwards.

“If anything, this is the best state I’ve been in my life, psychologi­cally as well.”

Ms Hansen has signed up for an Iron Man challenge, something unthinkabl­e before she embarked on her fitness journey.

“I love the challenge now, it becomes an enjoyment thing knowing you’re going to continue,” she said.

I WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, I DON’T WANT TO FALL BACK INTO BAD HABITS KIA HANSEN

 ?? Picture: ALIX SWEENEY ?? LIFE CHANGING: Kia Hansen at F45 Training Townsville North.
Picture: ALIX SWEENEY LIFE CHANGING: Kia Hansen at F45 Training Townsville North.

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