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

By Zina Stone April 9, 2025
Sheet Pan Smoky Sweet Salmon & Potatoes 2 servings | 35 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 cups Mini Potatoes (halved) 1 1/2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil(divided) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 12 ozs Salmon Fillet 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika 1/4 tsp Cumin 1 tsp Raw Honey 1 tbsp Parsley (finely chopped) METHOD Preheat the oven to 425oF (220oC). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and toss with half the oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, pat the salmon dry and then drizzle with the remaining oil. Season with the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper and then drizzle the honey over top. Rub gently to incorporate with your hands. Move the potatoes around on the baking sheet to make room for the salmon. Place back in the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Divide onto plates and garnish with parsley. Enjoy! Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately one cup of potatoes and one salmon fillet. More Flavor: Toss the potatoes with smoked paprika and cumin or your favorite spice blend. Additional Toppings: Top with a squeeze of lemon juice. Nutrition Facts ​ ​ Amount per serving ​  441 calories 18g fat 30g carbs 3g fiber 4g sugar 41g protein 87mg cholesterol 144mg sodium 2mg iron
By Zina Stone April 3, 2025
Baja Fish Stew 3 servings | 30 minutes  INGREDIENTS 2 Cod Fillet (cut into strips) 12 ozs Shrimp (large, peeled, deveined) 6 Garlic (clove, minced, divided) 1 Red Hot Chili Pepper (chopped finely) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil 6 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced) 1 Green Bell Pepper (medium, sliced) 2 cups Chicken Broth 3 cups Diced Tomatoes (from the can, with the juices) 1/3 cup Lime Juice 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped) METHOD In a bowl, combine the cod, shrimp, 1/3 of the garlic, and chili peppers. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the green onions, bell peppers, and the remaining garlic. Cook for five to seven minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add the chicken broth and the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the fish mixture and lime juice. Cook for an additional three to four minutes or until the fish and shrimp are cooked through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro. Divide into bowls and enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is equal to approximately 2 1/3 cups. More Flavor: Add coconut milk. Filet Size: One cod fillet is equal to 231 grams or eight ounces. Nutrition Facts ​ ​ Amount per serving ​400 calories 11g fat 18g carbs 4g fiber 10g sugar 55g protein 252mg cholesterol 884mg sodium 3mg iron
By Zina Stone March 26, 2025
Miso Five Spice Turkey Breast with Cabbage 3 servings | 1 hour 15 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 tbsps Miso Paste 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tsp Chinese Five Spice 1 Garlic (clove, small, minced) 1 lb Turkey Breast (boneless, skinless) 3 cups Purple Cabbage (sliced into thin steaks) 2 tbsps Slivered Almonds 1 tbsp Star Anise (optional, for garnish) ​ METHOD Preheat the oven to 325oF (160oC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the miso paste, oil, five spice, and garlic together. Pat the turkey dry and spread 3/4 of the miso mixture all over the top. Spread the remaining miso mixture on the cabbage. Place the cabbage on the baking sheet in a single layer and place the turkey breast on top of the cabbage. Cook for 60 minutes or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 330oF (165oC). Let the turkey rest for five to ten minutes before slicing. Garnish with the almonds and star anise and serve with the cabbage. Enjoy! Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately 1 1/3 cups of turkey and one cup of cabbage. Additional Toppings: Chopped cilantro. Nutrition Facts ​ ​ Amount per serving  ​ 343 calories 17g fat 12g carbs 4g fiber 5g sugar 40g protein 80mg cholesterol 690mg sodium 3mg iron
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