Jason didn’t transform his health by taking it easy. For a long time, doing nothing felt safer than facing the challenge of rebuilding after years of injury.

A dedicated member of Colets Health and Fitness for over 20 years, Jason knows what it means to make a fitness routine part of daily life. But a persistent shoulder problem, misdiagnosed for years, brought his training to a halt and tested his motivation like never before.

In the following Q&A, Jason shares his journey, insights and mindset, offering inspiration for anyone navigating setbacks and trying to get back on track.

The Setback

Can you tell us a little about your injury and how it affected your usual fitness routine?

My shoulder problem started back in May 2022. At first, it was thought to be a frozen shoulder, but after two years they admitted they were wrong. Following scans, an MRI, and another six months of waiting, I finally had a three-hour surgery where they shaved the bone and addressed several other issues. From the start of 2022 until surgery in March 2025, my right arm was almost completely inactive, which made it nearly impossible to train as I couldn’t use it properly.

The Turning Point

How did you get back into training and approach exercise after your injury?

After so much time off, and with the weight I’d gained starting to affect my health, I knew I needed to start slowly and rebuild carefully. I waited six weeks before training any part of my upper body, I used light weights and made sure I didn’t overload my shoulder. My surgeon advised I’d wait 4-6 months before lifting fully, while my physio suggested 6-9 months, and it ended up being closer to 12 months before heavy loading was safe. Patience and consistency have been key as I gradually rebuilt my strength.

The Transformation

You’ve achieved some amazing results. Tell us a bit about your weight loss, lifestyle changes, and what differences you’ve noticed both physically and mentally.

Last year I had a yearly check, and the results were not good, so like my old school report, I needed to do better.

On 1st April 2025, I weighed 17 stone 10lb, and by 4th October I was down to 14 stone 8lb. The biggest part of that loss came from changing my diet. I cut my carbs to almost zero and focused on eating as much protein as possible. I also introduced weekly fasting and limited myself to just two meals a day. My diet mainly consisted of eggs, meat, and fish.

Physically, the difference has been huge; I’ve gone from wearing an XXL down to a L. Mentally, it’s been just as noticeable. I don’t get tired anymore, and I feel wired all the time with lots of energy. Honestly, it’s like being a kid on blue Smarties.

Life at Colets

What do you enjoy most about being a member at Colets?

What I enjoy most at Colets is the gym, the pool, and Basil’s Bar. The friendly, social environment makes a big difference to the overall experience and my motivation. When you’ve been a member as long as I have, you meet a lot of people and build strong friendships. Some of those friends have been incredibly supportive this year, which has meant a lot and helped keep me positive. Most of my current friends are members, many of them for even longer than me. I’m here almost every day, and for me, the biggest draw is the pool, it’s the only private club in the area with a 25m pool, and like a lot of people here, I know the pool is a big reason why many of us keep coming back.

Advice & Reflection

What would you say to someone recovering from an injury or struggling to find their motivation again?

One life, live it, don’t give up, fight and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you're struggling, there are lots of experts at Colets. I didn’t ask for help but have been fortunate some saw I needed it and jumped in, special people.

Jason’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t have to define the outcome. With patience, resilience, and the right support, it’s always possible to rebuild, come back stronger, and rediscover the joy of training.

When Life Throws You a Curveball: Jason’s Journey Back from Injury