When providing “fitspiration” for my clients and readers, it often appears that women are highlighted more than men.

Men go through transformations, they have struggles and success stories, but we don’t always acknowledge them.

Today, I’d like to share the story of my oldest client. Kenrick Richardson transformed his physical body and, more impressively, his mental strength.

Q: When did you first start working out and why?

A: I started back in the summer of 2012. I knew I needed to make a lifestyle change as I [didn’t like] the way I felt and looked.

I’d always remained active — playing drums with Pembroke Hamilton Club Majorettes and Drum Corps, softball and getting out there on the squash courts — but my body was not conditioned to maintain those activities in an effective and healthy way.

Then came this 6ft 11in (at least) “party crasher” who happened to have all her certifications and was looking to start her brand/training but only had one client at the time. The journey began that summer — right before Cup Match, so I was totally serious.

Q: What is your favourite exercise/workout?

A: Shoulder presses. I like the way my shoulders are developing and it pumps me up more when I look in the mirror doing the presses and the deltoids are popping!

Q: What is your least favourite exercise? How do you encourage yourself to complete it?

A: I don’t think The Royal Gazette has enough space for these listings!

But if I had to choose my top ones they would have to be lunges, because they really hurt my big toes; burpees, because whoever invented this did not pick the right name for them (I will call them throw-ups); and the dreaded pull-ups. I really have problems doing these and struggle every time with them.

I encourage myself by getting hard on myself, calling myself names and saying, “Get it done”, shouting, “Come on Ken!” A little shout, grunt and maybe a bad word or three may give me that extra push needed as well.

Q: What is your current fitness/health goal?

A: I just really set my goals for the days that I train. Those goals are to get in the studio, find out what madness is on for the morning and complete all the exercises to the best of my ability, injury free.

Depending on what we are doing, I also like going for one-rep max (the maximum amount of weight a person can lift) to record a personal best.

Q: What is your favourite go-to meal?

A: For a healthy meal I like going with mixed fruits and probably a nice grilled chicken breast with salad. In regards to junk ...

I don’t think The Royal Gazette has enough space for these listings either …

Q: What is your favourite treat?

A: Anything chocolate!

Q: What is one thing you shouldn’t say to someone on a fitness journey?

A: I don’t think that people who follow your journey should expect that you are 100 per cent committed fully with pure perfection — especially in regards to diet.

There come times where you have to have a “bad” meal just to keep in it mentally so when you see that person on that journey in Burger Island ordering food instead of saying to them: “Ohhhh, what are you doing? I’m telling your trainer”, just think first.

This may be a cheat meal, a mental break needed to help them along the journey. When someone says something like this to me I just flip it back on them: “This is not the eighth time this week I have been in here like you — and it’s just Tuesday!”

I would happily tell them to tell my trainer, who I was with yesterday morning, this morning and will be with tomorrow morning as well. I would also go into training the next day and put in that extra effort, not as punishment though!

Q: What would you say to motivate someone who may be struggling?

A: Try to remember why you started on this journey in the first place. Don’t expect perfection each time; realise there will be ups and downs as we all go through this thing called life.

If those five reps were hard, just remember it’s five more reps than you would have done sitting at home on the couch. Celebrate each milestone no matter how small they may be. Thank you Ken for sharing your journey with us. I know you are an inspiration to so many.

I am so happy to have witnessed your physical and mental transformation, To my male readers on a journey through fitness and wellness, I salute you. Stay strong, get strong, remain committed! I applaud you all.

I hope you’ve been inspired by my last three client highlights. The journey of fitness and wellness is just that, a journey. Enjoy the ride, stay committed, and be true to yourself, always.

Dre Hinds is a retired track and field athlete who is now a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict” with more than 20 years’ experience. She specialises in nutrition, weight and sprint training, operating out of HindsSight Fitness and Wellness at the Berkeley Cultural Centre. Contact her on: absbydre@gmail.com or 599-0412. Find her on both Facebook and Instagram under @Absbydre