MTAN: Paul Godden

Meet Planet Belmont’s latest More Than a Number, Paul!

Have you always been involved in fitness or exercise?
No, up until my mid 30s I was a couch potato. However, over the next 15 or so years I was an exercise fanatic.

What exercise have you done previously?
In those 15+ years I ran over 100 marathons, completed 11 Ironman Triathlons (3.4km swim, 180km bike ride, 42.2km run), 17 ultra distance events (55km mountain runs, 24 hour rogaines), played top level competition squash and more.

What brought you to Planet fitness?
In about 2004 I started my own video production company and up until this year I stopped exercise while I was working 12-15 hour days 7 days a week (and put on weight).

Did you have a goal when you first joined?
My plan was to regain aerobic fitness as well as lose weight.

Have you reached a goal or have you achieved what you originally set out to do?
Fitness is always a “work in progress”. Muscles live by “use it or lose it”. So far this year, I’ve dropped 14kgs (down from 112kg – 98kg). I want to get down to 90kg (my best ever race weight was 87kg). I couldn’t have achieved this without the support and encouragement of the Planet Fitness Belmont staff.

What was your perception of gyms/health clubs before you joined? Has it changed after joining Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness Belmont is light years away from gyms I remember. It truly is a “no judgement” place. It’s so wonderful to see the females (of all ages) comfortable to be using the equipment along with the males (no egos or intimidation).

What are your fitness goals for the future?
To continue to burn the fat and reduce the weight and to build a base to complete another Ironman event in 2017.

Biggest obstacles you have had to overcome on your fitness journey?
Getting started, staying motivated, overcoming excuses for not getting out of bed and/or turning up for classes.

Do you have sources if inspiration? If so, what are they?
1. Every staff member (including personal trainers) at Planet Fitness Belmont. They make you feel like family, they care, they listen, they encourage.
2. My 93 year old dad and 89 year young mum who also joined Planet Fitness Belmont.

What is your weekly fitness regime?
Monday – BodyPump, Tuesday – Hi Energy, Wednesday – Run + BodyPump, Thursday – HIIT + Core, Friday – Over 50s + XTrainer, Saturday – Parkrun + stretch session, Sunday – 40km bike ride and/or rest day.

Favourite quote?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” and “Wake up with determination, go to bed with satisfaction”.