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

One Pan Miso Honey Chicken Thighs with Squash

June 18, 2025
One Pan Miso Honey Chicken Thighs with Squash 2 servings | 40 minutes  INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp Miso Paste 1 tsp Raw Honey 1 Garlic (clove, large, minced) 3 tbsps Chicken Broth, Low Sodium Sea Salt & Black Pepper 1 lb Chicken Thighs with Skin (bone-in) 1 Delicata Squash (large, sliced, seeds removed) 1 tbsp Parsley (minced)  METHOD Preheat the oven to 400oF (205oC). Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Mix the miso paste, honey, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper together. Add the chicken and squash to the marinade and toss well to coat. Sear the chicken thighs in the cast iron pan, skin-side down, until just browned, about two minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan. Add the squash and remaining marinade to the pan and place the chicken thighs on top. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!  NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately two chicken thighs and one cup of squash. Additional Toppings: Sesame seeds, hot sauce, and/or chopped green onions.  Nutrition Facts ​  ​ Amount per serving ​  623 calories  57gs protein  15gs carb  35gs fat

Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon & Potatoes

June 12, 2025
Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon & Potatoes 2 servings | 35 minutes  INGREDIENTS 5 oz Potatoes (wedges) 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 2 tbsps Cream Cheese, Regular 2 tbsps Frozen Spinach (thawed, drained) 2 Garlic (clove, minced) 1/2 Lemon (juiced, zested) 12 ozs Salmon Fillet  METHOD Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the potatoes on the baking sheet and toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Using a sharp knife, slice down the middle of each piece of salmon, lengthwise. Make sure that your knife doesn't go all the way through. Stuff each fillet with the spinach mixture and season the fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon onto the same baking sheet as the potatoes. Place back in the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Divide the salmon and potatoes between serving plates and enjoy!  NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is equal to one stuffed salmon and one cup potatoes. More Flavor: Add parsley to the spinach mixture. Dairy-Free: Use cashew cream cheese instead.  Nutrition Facts ​  ​ Amount per serving ​  563 calories  40gs protein  43gs carb  26gs fat

Chicken Chowder

June 4, 2025
Chicken Chowder 3 servings | 35 minutes  INGREDIENTS 2 slices Bacon (sliced) 2 Yellow Potato (medium, chopped) 1 Leek (large, sliced) 1 Carrot (medium, diced) 2 stalks Celery (sliced) 2 Garlic (clove, chopped) 1 tbsp Thyme (fresh) 4 cups Chicken Broth, Low Sodium 12 ozs Chicken Breast, Cooked (shredded) 1/2 cup Whipping Cream (at room temperature)  METHOD Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook for three to five minutes or until crisp. Set aside on paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot. Add the potatoes, leek, carrot, and the celery to the pan. Sauté over medium heat for five minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme and add the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, half-covered, for 15 minutes. Add the chicken and cook for three more minutes. Stir in the cream and allow it to heat through. Serve topped with bacon. Enjoy!  NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is equal to approximately two cups. More Flavor: Add salt and pepper to taste. Use turkey breast instead of chicken. Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of whipping cream.   Nutrition Facts ​  ​ Amount per serving ​  342 calories  11g fat  26g carbs  33g protein
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