Harry’s journey is a powerful testament to the profound impact fitness and proper nutrition can have on both physical and mental well-being.
His story is relatable for many parents and professionals who find themselves sacrificing their own health for the sake of their busy lives.
But as Harry’s story shows, with the right guidance and support, it’s possible to reclaim control and thrive.
The busy life of a working parent
Ten years ago, Harry was incredibly active—walking regularly, completing the Three Peaks Challenge, running marathons, and even playing squash.
Life was full of energy and movement. Harry and I worked together back then, and he achieved great success with his fitness.
However, life took over. Harry moved to London, became a father, and gradually, the demands of parenting pushed fitness aside.
He found himself in a routine of walking the kids to nursery, grabbing coffee and pastries, working at his desk, and winding down with local ales.
Without realising it, he slipped into what he calls a “fat dad” lifestyle—a common story for many parents who struggle to prioritise their own health while balancing the demands of family life.
The push to take action
There wasn’t a single defining moment for Harry, but rather a series of triggers. The fear of taking his shirt off at his kid’s swimming lessons, an upcoming family holiday, and a growing awareness of his long-term health all built up.
He realised that if he didn’t take action, he would continue down a path of unhappiness and disappointment in himself. He didn’t want to be the dad who was too tired or self-conscious to fully enjoy life.
Harry set a simple, yet powerful goal: to feel confident in his body, shed excess fat, and embrace a healthier lifestyle for the sake of his family and himself.
Starting the journey
When Harry took that first step to reach out again, he was understandably nervous. Having let his fitness slide for almost a decade, he feared judgment.
But as Harry says, our first meeting was full of positivity and understanding. Rather than judging, we focused on practical changes that could easily fit into his life.
The biggest surprise for Harry was how sustainable the process felt. He thought he’d be hungry all the time, but by making the right food choices, he was able to stay in a calorie deficit without feeling deprived.
He also discovered how powerful tracking nutrition could be—something he hadn’t done with previous attempts. Harry realised that the weight didn’t just fall off overnight, but with consistent effort, real results started to show.
Challenges on the path to success
Like many vegetarians, Harry faced challenges hitting his daily protein goals, but he learned to navigate the high-carb or high-fat traps of plant-based proteins.
He also learned to balance his meals with those of his family, a small sacrifice that paid off in the long run.
While Harry didn’t face any direct discouragement, he encountered the well-meaning but ultimately unhelpful comments from people saying, “You don’t need to lose weight.” But Harry knew better. He didn’t want to settle for anything less than his best.
How success felt
Harry’s results came gradually, but when they arrived, they felt incredible. In six months, he went from 101kg to 85kg. His clothes fit better, his energy soared, and most importantly, his outlook shifted from vanity to long-term health.
He now had the confidence to walk around without layers and felt at ease in his own skin.
But for Harry, this is only the beginning. Rather than resting on his achievements, he has set new goals, and he continues to push his body to see what more he can achieve.
The journey isn’t about short-term success—it’s about long-term transformation.
A new life
Today, Harry’s stress levels are significantly reduced, and his energy is infectious. He can talk to others about health and fitness without feeling like a fraud, and he feels in control of his choices.
His family notices the difference too. He’s less moody and more playful with his kids, embodying the healthy, energetic dad he always wanted to be.
Harry’s advice to others
For anyone in a similar position, Harry emphasises the importance of having a coach. While he initially worried about sticking to the plan, the structure, accountability, and support made all the difference.
As Harry puts it, “It’s actually not as hard as you might think to lose weight. Sometimes it feels too easy—you just need the right guidance and support.”
What’s next?
For Harry, this journey isn’t over.
In fact, we’ve just set an exciting new goal—taking on an Ironman! It’s a challenge that will push Harry physically and mentally to new heights, but he’s more determined than ever.
As he says, “The journey doesn’t end when you reach a goal; you have to set new ones to keep moving forward.”
Stay Tuned for the Next Chapter
Harry’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and determination.
He’s transformed his health and his mindset, and now he’s about to take on the ultimate endurance event.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in his journey when we cross the finish line of the Ironman on September 21st, 2025!
Coach Joseph Webb.
‘The number one rated Personal Trainer In Henley and Oxfordshire’
