LAPI MARINER - A Healthy Lifestyle
Far beyond the physical benefits that a healthy lifestyle can bring, Lapi Mariner shares the importance of his health realities through his new lifestyle and current weight loss journey.
Popularly known as a prominent singer within the Pacific, the Father of 2 began his journey a year ago after an uncomfortable experience he had after one of his many performances.
“I was overseas in the US singing and noticed I was out of breath and had only just sung the first verse. So I got home and made a decision to make a lifestyle change.”
When returning to New Zealand, it was time to put it all to action. A year ago, Lapi got on board with former Heavyweight Professional Boxer, David Letele AKA The Brown Butter Bean, to help kick start his healthy lifestyle regime. This meant attending BBM WARD (Butter Bean Motivation) Boot Camp Classes 4-5 times a week, sticking to a healthy meal plan and drinking at least 4 litres of water a day.
Like many would experience, it wasn’t an easy start. Making bold changes to his nutrition, physical activity and re-prioritising everyday life was a tough one to juggle. However, being able to get over the initial adjustments began to slowly pay off.
“I’m a lot more energetic now and I’m not as tired anymore. I feel more alive and I’ve met new friends on the same journey as me with weight loss so we all inspire and encourage one another. Not to mention that I’m a lot fitter than last year on stage lol I can actually give 110% vocally and that makes me feel even better after a performance.”
Having learnt to surround himself with positive people and understanding the concept of consistency during this journey, it’s kept him well-focused on his goals. With a starting weight of 219kgs, Lapi joined a strict 12 week challenge with BBM and managed to lose 22 kilos. His goal weight before the end of 2018 is to get down to 160kgs.
“I’m confident I’ll get to my goal ‘cause I’ve changed my mindset and now have the tools to get there. My BBM family (especially Dave Letele who has also experienced being obese) and all the leaders or trainers at BBM have had the same experience. My wife Joline who has been a real encourager and has really helped me with meal planning, she too is now running marathons across the country and I just love our teamwork together because we keep each other accountable even though she’s the stronger one lol.”
It’s never been about image, nor about keeping a slim waistline to conform to the demands of society; but instead, it’s about stepping out and breaking the stigma around healthy living and the real difference it can make within our pacific communities once we understand the importance of it and the impact it can make.
“Make sure to understand your WHY. The reason WHY I’m on my journey is so I can be around to not only provide for my family with gift, but to also be around for my children and their children and to go for as many jogs and walks as I want with Joline. We as Polynesians really need to get the nutrition sorted. I encourage our people to find any boot camp or a group of people around you that you can train with."
If I had to give anything back to our community it would be to encourage and inspire others to know that you can do it! Thanks to social media, I’ve inspired so many to start - something that’s been encouraging to me too. Find your “NO EXCUSES” attitude. You’re capable!”
Stay inspired! Show us what you’re doing to create a healthier lifestyle for yourself and/or our communities by hash tagging #BreakTheCycle. We’d love to hear about your story too!
Cover photo credit: Le Malae. www.lemalae.us
Check out Lapi's latest video which features his wife and daughter & vocals from Fiji & the late Ben Vai - click here