Men's Health Week: Corie's story

Men’s Health Week runs from 12-18 June 2023 and it's a chance to highlight and support the health of men and boys and those who identify as men and boys. This year the theme is Healthy Habits so it’s an opportunity to identify achievable new habits which they can implement to take care of their health and wellbeing.

NOTE: This article discusses topics that may be sensitive to readers with a history of eating disorders or mental health concerns around dieting/exercise. For further support, reach out to The Butterfly Foundation or Beyond Blue.

“I have this opportunity and I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to continue along the path of trying to be a better version of myself, even if it’s just small changes…”

When Corie arrived on the sunny shores of Australia in 2018 on a working holiday visa, he was at a crossroads. In the UK, he’d travelled frequently for work and found it almost impossible to find healthy foods on the go or maintain a regular exercise routine. In Australia, he was determined to make a change. 

This thinking shaped his dedication to healthy living across all aspects of his life.

“When I was living back in the UK I worked away a lot. When I came home, I would spend the limited time that I had with family and friends socialising and not exercising or eating well,” said Corie.

“I wasn’t in a good place mentally, physically or financially. When I arrived in Australia, I was on my own and made a vow to myself that I never wanted to be in that position again. It was then I decided to reset my thought patterns and make a huge change, even if the huge change had to be broken down into smaller steps to make it easier to visualise. I took myself out of my comfort zone to make myself grow as a person.”

Corie’s life is now a complete 180-degree turnaround. 

“Every Monday is a 5km run, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday are either football training or games. Football is my sporting and my social life.

“My diet has changed considerably too. Previously my diet consisted of sandwiches or greasy food from a service station, or fast food. Because I was so time poor, I was getting my food from wherever I could, on the go. These days takeaway only happens once a week, if that, and the rest of the week I have prepped my meals with calorie counted meals.  My health and fitness have become my priority.”

Corie’s advice for someone wanting to make a life change

“Break things down into little steps. Don’t think ‘I want a six pack in six months’. Try and break it down into achievable chunks. Perhaps the first day you might do 1,000 steps then 1,500 the next day. Then maybe a light jog for the next step, then after a little time you might have the courage and motivation to do a home workout with some kettle bells, or even get into the gym or participate in a group session or class. 

“Small consistent steps like this can have a compounding effect which can give you the results you want, and a plan like this can positively improve your physical and mental wellbeing as I believe a strong body equals a strong mind, and vice versa.

“That way it’s only a small step instead of a giant leap. Consistency and discipline are the key,” he said.

“If you strive to become one percent better as a person each day, in 100 days you will become twice the person you are today. You can apply this to any and every aspect of your life. In one year, you could be three time the person you are today. Having this mindset can allow you to get rid of your own limiting beliefs you place on yourself and allow you to live to your full potential."

The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Always seek advice from your health care professional before undertaking a new health regimen.