Just 10 weeks ago, none of these champions of the K2Fit Ultimate You Challenge expected to pose for a magazine spread to be consumed by thousands of curious eyes across the Pearl River Delta. Few considered themselves healthy, fit or strong, and yet now, here they stand: empowered, resilient and in control. What motivated them to choose burpees over burgers and how did they manage to rise at 5am for fitness boot camps at dawn? Here’s what this season’s champs have to say about their journey:
Mattia Pinza, Ultimate Couple Champ (pictured above)
Favorite exercise: Squat in any declination.
Inspiration: K2fit for me was not about losing weight or working out, but about changing my lifestyle and becoming more aware of my body. My inspiration every day was our group, the Zhuhai Pirates and Deadlifters.
Charlotte Luo, Ultimate Couple Champ
Favorite exercise: Doing nothing… but that’s not part of the K2Fit plan. So squats – to build a sexy butt!
Inspiration: I was never a gym girl, but found it encouraging having so many friends doing the challenge with me. I couldn’t have reached this point without our teacher, Robert. K2Fit changed my life, and I really appreciate it!
Charlotte Giles, Ms. Toned Up Champ
Favorite exercise: Deadbug or mountain climbers.
Motivational quote: Kara once said something like: “No one ever regrets doing a workout!” and I used to keep that in mind when I didn’t feel motivated – it always got me up and moving!
Ilona Spes, Ms. Fat Loss Champ
Favorite exercise: Zumba and Body Combat classes.
Motivational quote: "Be somebody nobody ever thought you could be." Never having been a gym person or a very clean eater, I managed to surprise everyone – including myself –this challenge.
Alex Wise, Mr. Fat Loss Champ
Favorite exercise: Walking – a highly underrated exercise!
Inspiration: My K2 Team (the Zhuhai Walking Deadlifters), old and new friends that shared experiences, advice and recipes… their constant encouragement was priceless to me.
Jenny MacDonald, Ultimate Team Captain
Favorite exercise: (Wo)Man Makers.
Inspiration: My team! The Bit#$@Z WeChat group was blowing up every day with motivation, jokes, confessions and just all-around great support. They pushed me every day… I was very proud of my results and I have them to thank.
Russ Hiser, Mr. Over 40 Champ
Favorite exercise: Anything that involves legs.
Motivational quote: "It’s a continuous journey to return to fitness that balances lifestyle and well-being – K2Fit provides the framework!"
Claire Tyler, Ms. (Just) Over 40 Champ
Favorite exercise: Lifting weights, learning more about how to “practice safe sets” and Body Combat for cardio.
Inspiration: This challenge was easier for me as I had clear goals, an amazing gym partner and a brilliant support network in Zhuhai and the UK.
Kara Wutzke, Founder of K2Fit
Mission complete! I am so proud to have coached these eight dedicated champions (and Sergei Smirnov, our Mr. Toned Up Champ, who isn't pictured here). They put in the time to focus on eating clean while training hard, and it shows.
Thank you to all who participated and helped build a strong community of team members that motivated each other towards success! The 10-week program, well, that’s just the start of it. Keep it up and stay tuned for Season 5 of the Ultimate You Challenge this March!
[Photos by Cara Crawford and Claire Zheng]
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