Mark is hitting fitness goals with one-on-one support

Last year, our customer Mark set himself a personal and NDIS goal to lose weight and feel better by getting fit and healthy. With one-on-one support from the team at Taree, Mark developed a gym routine he’s sticking to and he’s learning to make healthier meal choices. His hard work is paying off! Not only has he lost weight, Mark says he’s feeling happier on the inside and out!

Mark’s NDIS goal

Mark has an intellectual disability. He accesses Individual Support at Northcott Taree as well as attending our Life Skills service. When he told us he wanted to become healthier, we worked with him to develop an exercise and healthy eating plan that would support him to reach his goal.

Six months down the track, Mark goes to his local gym twice a week with his support worker. There he completes a workout that includes walking, lifting weights and using the exercise bike.

“I like doing the chest press the best,” Mark says.

With his support workers, Mark has also been learning about eating healthy food and how to prepare nutritious meals.

He has learnt to chop up fruit and how to prepare a meal of sardines and tomatoes for his housemates.

“I now make my food at home and bring it to Northcott,” he says proudly.

Before Mark started on his wellness journey, he says he felt tired all the time and “a bit cloudy”. He now feels happier and has more energy.

Working towards a new goal

Since January, Mark has lost 5 kilos and is well on the way to reaching his fitness and wellbeing goal of feeling better and being more active. He has even decided to reward himself when he reaches his target weight.

“If I get to 95 kilograms, I want to go away from my support worker on a holiday to Sydney,” Mark says.

This will be the first time Mark has taken a holiday like this.

What our staff say

Staff at the Taree centre are extremely proud of Mark’s achievements in hitting goals on his wellness journey.

“Mark is certainly putting in the hard yards each and every week to reach his goal weight,” says Karla, Service Coordinator.

“He used to be reluctant to jump on the exercise bike, certain he would fall off. Now, with the right mindset and encouragement from his support worker, Mark is using the bike so confidently we can’t get him off!”

Support Worker, Jordan, regularly accompanies Mark to the gym. He’s seen lots of changes in Mark’s behaviours and moods.

“The exercise routine has definitely helped Mark. He’s more proactive and energetic towards his goal and his mood and energy levels are very high compared to what they used to be,” Jordan says.

Karla says the whole team at Taree has seen a positive change in Mark.

“His energy levels, overall mood and appetite are all improved,” she says.

“Mark now dances around the Life Services centre and he’s choosing to eat healthier options and smaller portions at mealtimes.”

Well done Mark! We are so proud of what you’ve done and are excited to continue this journey supporting you to achieve positive health and wellbeing!