June 9, 2020

My Story – Jake McCann

Jake McCann, heavyweight office worker of Adelaide. Age: 21. Weight: 126kg. Height: 183cm; 178cm when slouched. Reach: yet to raise arm for measurement. Win/Loss Record: TBA. Belt: 40in and counting. Verdict: Fat.

Finishing high school at a healthy weight of 88kg, I ventured into the world of insurance at the age of 18, and with the role, came benefits, including the “10kg curse”. By the end of my first 6 months in the role, I was already 98kg. Luxurious eating continued at a barnstorming pace and by my 21st birthday, I caved in floors at 126kg. Damn you *insert popular fast-food chicken outlet*!

With pride at stake (whatever remained), I joined a franchise gym next to the office. That endeavor ended not long after. Running on a treadmill hurt and I had no clue as to what to do with the various other machines. Being shy also meant I didn’t ask a professional for any help. Membership canceled.

I then proceeded to change my diet. Less junk, more measured meals. Home brand instant oats for only $2 – woohoo. Between my 21st Birthday in September 2015 and August 2017, I was able to cut down 10kg in this fashion; but still struggled with most forms of exercise, let alone getting a restful sleep each night.

I proposed to my girlfriend in March 2017 and due to be married on November 3rd, 2018. 116kg was not good enough and I vowed I would be under 100kg come that day. More was required than just a change in diet. Goal and deadline set.

Giving a gym another go was daunting. I may have been lighter, but I was sure to make a fool of myself as I attempted to run and lift. Step 1: research. Looking up the Freedom Fitness website, I got to know Peter and the other staff through their profiles on the website. Step 2: approach Peter and plead for help.

“Help, I am fat, I hate how I look, and I am too shy and ignorant to know how to fix it”. I must have made a good first impression when I met Pete…

Within 5 minutes, I was signed up for Freedom Fitness; and the next day I was in the gym with Pete, going through the functions of each machine, putting together a workout plan/routine.

Two days a week turned into three; and then four, and now five. 10 minutes walking on a treadmill turned into 10-minute jogs, and now 30 minute jogs for fun. Three standalone pushups turned into ten, and now 3 sets of 10 in amongst full routines.

Once attending Freedom Fitness on a regular basis, the greatest obstacle I faced was the extent of my own willpower. I cannot run another minute. I cannot do another set. That isn’t freedom; but rather prison bars put up in an attempt to return to the old Jake. Pete and the team instill the kind of Freedom everyone needs; the ability to live and live well.

Over the last 12 months, with the fervent support of the wise wizard Peter and the forever charismatic Zina, I have drastically improved not only my physical appearance

and aptitude; but also my emotional and mental state. Their wholehearted methods of coaching will exceed any expectation; and I guarantee you will walk away with a new view of the world and your life; a healthier life.

In 12 months, I have dropped 20kg, to now weigh in at 96kg. With continued support, I have no doubt these numbers will continue to improve – 90kg by the wedding doesn’t seem so far fetched…

My experience has been fantastic. I approached Freedom Fitness knowing I needed to change my life around, for me, and my fiancée. Through sweat covered eyes, the Freedom team has never let me take my eye off the prize; each stride along this journey taken with their genuine support and supervision.

To say I recommend the services offered by Pete and the team is an understatement. To me, I will be forever humbled by the ability to move around with ease I thought lost. My freedom has been restored; and at the very least I can now run around to tell everyone just that.

Join me and the team as soon as you have the chance – freedom is just one visit away

Garlic Butter Steak, Edamame & Asparagus

July 9, 2025
Garlic Butter Steak, Edamame & Asparagus 2 servings | 20 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 cups Edamame Pods 10 ozs Flank Steak (sliced very thinly against the grain) 2 tbsps Tamari (divided) 2 tsps Cornstarch 2 tsps Avocado Oil 2 tbsps Water 2 tbsps Butter 2 Garlic (clove, minced) 2 cups Asparagus (woody ends trimmed, chopped) METHOD Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place the edamame pods in the boiling water and cook for three minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse and set aside. In a bowl, mix together the steak with half the tamari and cornstarch. Heat a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for one minute, undisturbed. Flip and cook for one more minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Remove the wok from the heat and let cool slightly for one minute. Return over medium heat and add the water, butter, and garlic. Toss to combine. Add the edamame, asparagus, and remaining tamari and cook for three minutes, tossing often. Add the steak and toss everything together. Divide onto plates and enjoy!  Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately one cup of edamame, one cup of asparagus, and 3/4 cup of steak (sliced). More Flavor: Add chili flakes. Serve Ii With: As is, or with rice on the side. Nutrition Facts ​ ​Amount per serving​ 531 calories 46gs protein 24gs carb 30gs fat

Chicken & Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Sage

July 2, 2025
Chicken & Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Sage  2 servings | 50 minutes INGREDIENTS 3 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided) 1 tbsp Balsamic Glaze 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard 1 tsp Maple Syrup 12 ozs Chicken Breast (bone-in, skin-on) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 1 Delicata Squash (small, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed, cut into wedges) 1 tbsp Butter 1/4 cup Fresh Sage METHOD Preheat the oven to 425oF (220oC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place an oven safe rack over top of one. In a small bowl, combine half the oil, balsamic glaze, mustard, and maple syrup. Place the chicken in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour about half of the balsamic mixture over the chicken and coat well. Place the chicken on the baking sheet with the rack. Add the squash to the second baking sheet. Coat with the remaining oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until cooked through. Halfway through baking, remove the chicken and brush the remaining balsamic mixture over top and return to the oven. Add the squash to the oven at this point too. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the sage. Stir often until the butter has browned and smells nutty, about three to four minutes. Divide the chicken and squash onto plates and drizzle the sage butter over the squash. Enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is about 1 1/2 cups of squash with 1 1/2 cups chicken (sliced). NUTRITION FACTS​ ​Amount per serving​ 618 calories 51gs protein 13gs carb 40gs fat

Classic Beef-Stuffed Peppers

June 26, 2025
 Classic Beef-Stuffed Peppers 4 servings | 45 minutes INGREDIENTS: 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner) 4 medium red, yellow or green bell peppers 1/2 cup minced onion 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, drained 1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice 3 tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Chopped fresh parsley (optional) METHOD: Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Preheat oven to 475°F. Cut tops off bell peppers; set tops aside. Using a paring knife, carefully remove the membranes and seeds from bell peppers. Arrange peppers about 2 inches apart in prepared baking dish. Place tops on empty peppers. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil; bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef, onion and garlic; cook 3 to 4 minutes, breaking beef into 1/2 inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, rice, tomato paste, dried parsley, salt and black pepper; cook 3 to 4 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove pepper tops. Divide beef mixture evenly among peppers; replace tops. Bake in 475°F oven 17 to 22 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of beef mixture registers 160°F and bell peppers are tender. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. NUTRITION (per serving) Calories: 296 Fat: 3,4g Protein: 29g Carbohydrate: 25g Iron: 4,5g
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