How Jeremy transformed his Myzone fitness journey: Gym workouts and hiking Dartmoor

Jeremy McKnight has been a gym member for several years, but like many, his workouts lacked structure.

Transforming his fitness with the help of Myzone, Jeremy structured his training to start earning Myzone Effort Points and he soon reached his goal of conquering Dartmoor, one MEP at a time.

Gym challenges that inspire more movement

“I was floundering around, doing my own thing without much direction,” explains Jeremy.

“I didn’t do any cardio at all and assumed that when your heart rate went up and you got out of breath, it was a sign to stop. I thought I was fitter than I actually was.”

When Covid-19 hit and the world was plunged into lockdown, Jeremy’s gym - Future Bodies Gym – knew how to keep members has positive as possible and encouraged him to invest in Myzone to take part in online exercise sessions. Soon, he began climbing the status levels.

“They explained that hitting 1300 MEPs a month meets the World Health Organization’s recommendations for exercise,” recalls the 58-year-old quantity surveyor.

“At first, I would hit the target and then stop. But over time, I took part in some of the gym’s challenges and it was good fun, so I started taking it more seriously.”

Hiking to improve fitness out of the gym 

It was during lockdown that Jeremy discovered the joy of hiking in the stunning Dartmoor landscape, where he lives and had admired for 25 years but had never explored.

“I started hiking and can’t believe how much it changed my life,” Jeremy continues. “The first part of my usual walk climbs 1000 feet in the first mile.

“At first, I’d have to stop four or five times to catch my breath. But after three months, I made it to the top without stopping. It was a red-letter day for me.”

More ambitious with every Myzone move

He hasn’t looked back since. Setting his own goal of 5000 MEPs a month, Jeremy hikes five to seven times a week in the summer. His hikes have become more ambitious over the years.

He now averages 10 miles per hike, aiming for a 15-mile route at least once a month, and recently completed a 27-mile trek. Another route of 32 miles took him 15 hours to complete, which he aims to do again in the near future.

During the winter when it’s too dark to walk after work, Jeremy manages to squeeze in two hikes at the weekend and supplements this with workouts in the gym. He has also started trail-running for when he doesn’t have time to hike but wants to earn his MEPs.

Health benefits and a new-found passion

With Myzone keeping him accountable, Jeremy has seen his health and fitness improve significantly.

“It’s the first time in my life I’ve been this fit. When I started, I weighed 95kg but by the end of the first year my weight had dropped to 81kg without me even realising it.

"I only noticed when I stepped on the body scanner at the gym. My blood pressure’s down too, and I feel better overall,” he says.

For Jeremy, Myzone’s simplicity is key. “The chest strap works perfectly for me. Whether I’m in the gym, hiking or even tackling strenuous gardening jobs, it’s easy to wear and helps me stay on track.”

With a new-found passion for fitness and hiking, Jeremy continues to push his limits.

His next goal? “I’m addicted to Myzone and I’ve never been fitter. My ambition now is to walk every square mile of Dartmoor from my home.”

Find out how to engage more of your community in fitness, through embracing the outdoors and activity in the gym.