Pāpāmoa Man Loses 87kg, Launches Personal Training Business

A Pāpāmoa man who lost 87kg in 11 months is now a qualified personal trainer, launching his business to help others achieve their health and fitness goals.

Ben Pamment, 31, began his transformation in January 2019 after reaching 157kg and struggling with anxiety that led to social isolation. A previous knee injury sustained playing football in 2014 contributed to a downward spiral in his health, with a consistently poor diet and lack of exercise. “I’d built myself into this little virtual world… I wouldn’t need to leave the house,” Pamment said. He ultimately decided to prioritize his health, stating he wanted to “actually live my life and change while I still have every chance to do it at a younger age.”

Pamment’s weight loss journey involved cutting out processed sugar, joining a gym, and adopting a sustainable routine focused on eating when needed rather than solely based on hunger. He found success by focusing on foods around the perimeter of the supermarket – where healthier options are typically located. This dramatic change in lifestyle is increasingly important as obesity rates continue to rise globally, according to the World Health Organization. He documented his progress online, finding support from his community and family, and ultimately dropping to 70kg within eleven months.

Inspired by his own experience, Pamment completed a personal training qualification through Cert 4 Fitness at Toi Ohomai, and launched BP Fitness on October 13th. He believes his firsthand experience gives him a unique ability to connect with clients. “It would have been nice at the start [of my health journey] to have someone around me that I could have looked up to,” Pamment said. He offers free consultations to discuss individual journeys and can be reached at [email protected], 0275258377, or on Instagram.

Pamment hopes to empower others to overcome their fears and begin their own fitness journeys, emphasizing that “no one’s judging them.”