NAME : Neil “The Star” Kevin
FEW THINGS ABOUT NEIL:
– I’m mad craic
– I love dogs
– I also love the opposite sex
– Ran 1.5 miles in 7min 42 seconds whilst in the forces.
– Served 6 months in Afghanistan with the British Army
– Served 2 months in Africa with the British Army
REASONS FOR TAKING ON THIS CHALLENGE
“I took on this challenge because I firmly believe that mental health isn’t being addressed enough in this country and still frowned upon. Upon leaving the British army and moving back here, I was diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and anxiety. I wasn’t sure how to deal with it or how to overcome it. The first question I was asked when seeing a Councillor was do you exercise. Kind of sums up this whole challenge”
HOW THE GYM, EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY HAS HAD A POSITIVE EFFECT ON YOU:
The gym is my release.
The kitchen is my haven
Together both make me who I am.
BOOM (Mic drop)
NAME: Brendan “Sunbed” Kelly
FEW THINGS ABOUT BRENDAN:
– Married to an angel who puts up with me.
– Proud dad to 2 amazing kids.
– 13 Years in the Irish defence forces
– Don’t believe in lads using sunbeds.
– I’ve gotten so addicted to the gym, I’m wrecking my wife’s head.
REASONS FOR TAKING ON THIS CHALLENGE:
“Always want to better myself and this was the perfect opportunity to motivate myself to achieve something I never thought possible. Aso mental health is a major issue in this country and it really needs to be highlighted to help those suffering and give them a better chance of recovering.”
HOW THE GYM, EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY HAS HAD A POSITIVE EFFECT ON YOU:
“The gym is a great place to relieve stress and any built up tension. The gym and healthy living has helped me in more ways than I could ever have imagined.”
NAME: Philly “The Doc” Cullen
FEW THINGS ABOUT ME;
• I have pulled both hamstrings over 15 times
• Live in Dublin
• I have a master’s of science (I know who would have thought)
• Coffee addict
• I once went on the beer with Nathan Carter
• I am not actually doctor
• I once wrote a blog for a company about Joe Wicks and influencers to watch. I also made a recommendation that they sponsor him before he really took off (Guess what they laughed at me and didn’t publish my blog)
• Great at motivational speaking (Ask Matt) aka that’s why I have the nick name Mr Motivator
REASONS FOR TAKING ON THIS CHALLENGE
I wanted to test myself both physically and mentally. I think this was one of the ultimate ways to do this and I think it is important in life to set goals. I, like many people used to over eat on a daily bases especially at weekends, eating take away’s and using food as a reward for myself. Training was never an issue for me as I used to train 4-5 times a week anyways. But I used it as more of a stress release which ended up at times for me just going through the motions with my training rather than pushing on.
The ultimate goal for me over the past few years was to try and have a 6 pack and get into not just good shape but great shape. But I always had an excuse and didn’t have the discipline to do this. I wanted to show people that if I could do this that anyone could. (Did I mention that I love food). Over the past 18 weeks thanks to Matt I have learned so much about diet and nutrition and I now understand my body. I also think mental health and mental health promotion is so important in modern society to I was delighted to be involved in the grow campaign.
HOW THE GYM, EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY HAS BENEFITED YOUR MENTAL HEALTH;
I have always used training as a way of releasing stress, be it at work or when I was in college. When I was doing my masters , I used to be in college from 8am-10om most days and the gym was my go to place to relax and refocus throughout the day. My job can be very fast paced and stressful and I always feel training after work helps me unwind and ensures that I leave work in work as I don’t come home worrying about the day or what I have to do the next day.(This Is a big problem I see with people in the workplace) I also find my energy and focus levels have increased which has benefited both my personal and work life. I really do believe that exercise, nutrition and goal setting is one of the main ways to live and lead a happy positive life. It has definitely helped me get over anxiety issues that I had last year, which was brought on through a negative mind frame.
NAME: Sharon “The Mammy” Nagle
FEW THINGS ABOUT ME;
– Proud mum to a 5 year old daughter Grace.
– National, European & World under 60kg Powerlifting champion
– Very focused person, when I set my mind to something I achieve it.
– Had a degree, masters and a 1 year old by the age of 21!!
– Don’t make eye contact with me when i’m on a treadmill, I can talk for the duration of 600 calories.
REASONS FOR TAKING ON THIS CHALLENGE;
“I Haven’t had anything to work towards for the last 12 months so i saw this as an opportunity to set a goal. I have experienced first hand the benefits of fitness and nutrition on mental health so i’m delighted to be able to promote and raise money for a fantastic cause.”
HOW THE GYM, EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY HAS BENEFITED YOUR MENTAL HEALTH;
The gym gives me focus, discipline and organisation which carries through to all aspects of my life on a daily basis. It’s my “me” time, it allows me to forget everything and destress. I leave with more energy which is imperative when you have a 5 year old who is full to the brim with energy.
NAME: Tommy “Strawberry Blonde” O’Connell
FEW THINGS ABOUT TOMMY:
– Studying Business Management in CIT
– Enjoys female company
– I will challenge any man or woman to any food eating challenge.
– For more information, check out my tinder profile
REASONS FOR TAKING ON THIS CHALLENGE;
“To help raise as much money as possible for the charity GROW, as it’s a great organisation and ever one of us knows someone that suffers with some sort of mental illness. Secondly to challenge myself both mentally and physically to see if I can do it. Doing my first photoshoot will bring me out of my comfort zone which makes me both nervous and excited at the same time.”
HOW THE GYM, EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY HAS HAD A POSITIVE EFFECT ON YOU:
“Anytime i’m on a diet or proper training programme, I feel 100% better both mentally and physically. My sleep, work ethic, mood, energy and mindset all improve dramatically. The benefits of exercise can’t be underestimated and especially now while going into my exams, it gives me routine and that extra focus that will also benefit my education.”
NAME: Wayne Cawley
FEW THINGS ABOUT ME;
– Nicknames : Gooch, Waynes World, Marty McChestfly, Wayne the crane, Couch among others.
– I should be studying but i’m in the gym.
– Like lifting weights, tattoos and girls, especially girls with tattoos who lift weights.
– My snapchat name is Goocherz if you didn’t know by now.
REASONS FOR TAKING ON THIS CHALLENGE:
“I always wanted to take my training to the next level. I have a passion for trying to get fit over the last year and this challenge came at the perfect time for me after a recent lifestyle change.”
HOW THE GYM, EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY HAS BENEFITED YOUR MENTAL HEALTH;
“I’ve always had insecurities about my body mainly due to a huge scar I have in the middle of my chest due to a heart surgery. When doctors told me I was overweight for my age, I decided to take it as an ultimatum and turn myself around to be the best version of myself I can be.”
Ready to Begin Your Transformation Journey?
Join our online coaching programme