Transforming herself from a self-confessed morbidly obese “couch potato” to someone who has built activity into daily life, Lyndell Punshon has shed 90kg and kept it off for five years, has fallen in love with kayaking, won her category in a gruelling adventure race and is now helping others to change their lives.
“Paddling to the island and back in some pretty wild conditions I decided to NEVER kayak again!”
Occupation: Personal trainer and manager at Revive Personal Fitness Solutions.
How are you getting going at the moment? I have a goal and a plan – so when it’s busy, my commitment and consistency are what makes the difference.
What activity makes you the happiest and why? Kayaking – I love the freedom you feel when out on the water with no complications, telephones, computers, or deadlines.
How did you discover it? I attended a Bootcamp early in my fitness journey where we got to paddle across the river in those big plastic bathtubs. But I really discovered kayaking through doing my first Ultra Adventurethon – paddling to the island and back in some pretty wild conditions I decided to NEVER kayak again! After not going near a kayak for 18 months without breaking into a cold sweat I decided to conquer that fear and it has truly become my most enjoyable activity.
Have you always been active? No – For most of my adult life I was morbidly obese (over 170kg) – only been active for the past five years.
Are you a morning or afternoon mover? I prefer the morning – love the sunrise.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a weekend in Townsville? Kayak to Magnetic Island and have brekkie at the pub and kayak back.
Your most motivating tune? The Final Countdown.
“I love working out with a buddy and challenging each other. But I also love sticking my headphones in and zoning out from the world with my workout”
Motivational quote? “Being your best is not so much about overcoming the barriers other people place in front of you as it is about overcoming the barriers we place in front of ourselves. It has nothing to do with how many times you win or lose. It has no relation to where you finish in a race or whether you break world records. But it does have everything to do with having the vision to dream, the courage to recover from adversity and the determination never to be shifted from your goals.” – Kieren Perkins
How do you pep yourself up when you’re craving the couch? Call a mate and go exercise together, play really LOUD music and do something FUN.
Do you prefer to get active solo, or with a buddy? I like a combination. I love working out with a buddy and challenging each other. But I also love sticking my headphones in and zoning out from the world with my workout.
Most annoying fitness fad? There are so many – all the ‘quick fix shakes’ out at the moment, or that ab circle pro, where in just seven minutes a day you can get abs like Chuck Norris.
What’s your greatest fitness achievement? Doing two Ultras at Adventurethon National Challenge; the second one beating my time by 45 minutes and being first female in my age group!
Best active moment? That feeling you get when you have pushed your limits and you are on the cool down… there is nothing better than realising you have given it all.
What activity have you always wanted to try (and what’s holding you back)? Abseiling – I’m afraid of heights.
What’s something we don’t know about you? I have five sons, aged between 8 and 18.
What’s your next goal? Get lighter, faster, fitter….
What are you doing to get there? More of the same 😉 I have a plan…and each day I move a step closer to my goals…
Who would you most like to train with? The Rock…
Most treasured piece of fitness gear? Shoes – having shoes that are comfortable, fit right and support me throughout matters. When my feet hurt it’s not fun!!
My best local fitness tip is… There are SO many wonderful amazing things to do in Townsville, but if you’re stuck come see me and I’ll help you work out a plan 😉
Last words? I’m so grateful for the change in my life from couch potato to someone who is healthy and enjoying life. Get up, get active… just do it.
