How did you get into walking?
When I joined Menzies in December 2019, I was overweight, unfit and in need of some Sunshine. The climate in the UK was not agreeing with me so I was extremely pleased to be heading out to Dubai then onto Baghdad to start my new role as Health Safety & Environmental Manager. At this point my weight was hovering around 105kg but soon continued to climb to 107kg. I felt tired quickly and was not sleeping well. I knew I had to change something as my health was deteriorating. During a visa run to Dubai, I decided to make the best use of the Company health scheme and booked a health check at the local medical centre. It was not surprise when the Doctor informed me that my blood pressure was high and I needed to lose weight.

I knew what was needed to regain my fitness. Diet and exercise and sadly reduce the alcohol intake. I had used gyms previously, ran half marathons and been the National Organiser for scuba diving for the Civil Service Sports Association, so had enjoyed keeping fit and active in the past. This activity seemed to diminish as I grew older and settled into a steady relationship. Thankfully, the relationship ended I woke up to the fact that I needed to care of myself again.

When we went live in January 2021, all the Menzies Aviation Services Iraq Limited (MASIL) managers were required to assist in providing a 24/7 oversight of turnaround operations at Baghdad International Airport. A shift pattern was devised, and we introduced for the first time, coning of aircraft. We had no vehicles, so we had to walk from stand to stand during out 8-hour shift. In one shift alone I recorded 28,000 steps. It was no wonder that the weight began to fall off.

I always thought cardio was the answer to losing weight and was surprised when chatting with my GM Stuart Hind (former Physical Training Instructor), that I need to be in the “Fat Burning Zone” which sits below the cardio region. Following some research, I found that after warm up, I could comfortably sit in the cardio zone which for me is starts around 120bpm and maintain this through brisk walking either outside or on the treadmill. At the same time, I have cut my carb consumption significantly which means no rice, bread or cakes. I increased the intake of protein through food or protein shakes.

How does walking benefit your wellbeing?
After more than six months of gym at 5:30hrs or walking outside and controlled diet my weight has dropped by 14kg to 92kg. I can actually see muscle that disappeared in my late 30’s which is encouraging, I don’t feel pain in my knees anymore and I have lots of energy. I still have some way to go, perhaps another 10kg but am looking forward to the challenge.