World Physique

Interview by: Tammy Renee'

WP: This interview has to be one of the most inspirational and tear jerking 'before-and-after' interview I've ever held. You will go through so many emotions when you read this. Peter was brutally assaulted, dignosed with cancer, and lost him mother in such a short time. He became depressed and started eating to comfort is sorrows. But, something major happened that turned his life around. But, you will have to read the interview to feel the inspiration and motivation Peter found within himself.

Peter, I understand that in 2003 you were brutally assaulted which left you with major head injuries. Can you tell me more about this?

PH: At the time of the assault, I was traveling home after having a few casual drinks with my brother. I boarded a train and noticed that another passenger was giving the train guard a hard time. So, I exchanged a few words to the guy and told him to stop abusing the train guard. The guy had stop abusing the train guard and I thought that was the end of the matter. Nearing to my stop, where I was going to get off, the guy had followed behind me and stuck me from behind and decided to stomp on my head repeatedly. After that I can’t remember and all I do remember is waking up in a hospital bed. But, later on, I found out that a guy from the train had shielded me from the guy’s blows with his body. So, I guess I had a guardian angel that night which saved me from more serious or life threatening injuries.

WP: Did this assault have an impact on your weight?

PH: At the time, that particular assault didn’t have too much an effect or impact on my weight because I was still unaware that I actually had a serious brain injury. I only spent a night or two in the hospital and then was released from hospital and returned back to work. I was unaware at the time that they also found I had a serious carcinoma or cancer growth. Until they contacted me about a few days later telling me that my cat scans had some abnormal growth below my left ear.

WP: Tell me about how you dealt with this news from your doctors.

PH: I guess I should be thankful to the guy who had assaulted me because he helped save me. As far as the news of me having cancer and a brain injury, it felt like being hit with a hammer. I was so afraid of dying and the only people I could count on were my family. I rang home and my mother answered the phone. I guess mothers know when there own children are unwell. She could tell from my voice and told me to come home. So I left my job and returned home.

WP: Tell me how you handled both challenges one right after the other.

PH: At first, I was really scared and withdraw from contact with anyone besides family. I guess I was at a very low place and depression sat in as well. But, my family gathered and rallied behind me, so I decide to stop feeling sorry for myself and decided to do something about my cancer first and getting that removed and followed by radiation therapy. I was fortunately that they had caught my cancer early and that I only need radiation therapy and not chemo. After that was done, then it was my brain injury that needed to be treated next. I did all this with the help of a loving mother, father and family.

WP: What impact has these life changes had on you as a person and your outlook on life?

PH: It’s had a huge impact on how I look at life. Going through what I’ve been through, most people would’ve given help so easily. I decided to fight back and with the support of a loving family. Life for us all have what I like to call speed bumps and its our ability to deal with these speed bumps and whether it’s illness or whatever holds us back . Life is not all bad. I mean, where we can still take the positives out of the negative, like I’ve done, with the two illnesses that I had. I should be thanking the guy that assaulted me because he saved my life. My outlook on life has changed, too. We all have one chance and one chance only. So, enjoy it and make the most of what God has given us all. Pursue your dreams, hopes and goals! Live life now and don’t worry too much about tomorrow because, tomorrow will have its own worries.

WP: This isn’t the end of your story, is it? Tell me what happened to your mom shortly after everything else you were going through.

 PH: My mom was diagnosed, about 1 year later after me, with breast cancer in 2004. I felt that since she looked after me, it was my turn to look after her. Those were the best times with my mom! She taught me a lot about being humble and most of all thanking God everyday for the blessings he has given, not only my family, but us all as human beings.

WP: How did you deal with the thought of your life after you lost your mom?

PH: I didn’t deal with it that well with my mom having cancer, because it felt like that God was taking the only women that loved me for me. She meant the world to me and I know she will always be with me; even though not physically, but inside my heart she will always remain. I fell into depression and all the emotions that one feels when you lose a loved one. I guess that was another low point for me and that’s when I found comfort with food. I began eating all the wrong foods for the next 2 years after my mother death in 2006. That’s when my weight ballooned from 90 kgs. or 198 pounds to 119 kgs or 264 pounds.

WP: You had mentioned to me before about your 6 year old nephew. How does he play a part in your life at this time?

PH: Yes! I call him my Little Maori Warrior. I started to play with him about a month before November 5th, before I decide to change and lose my weight. He’s a big wrestling fan of WWE and his favorite wrestler at the time was John Cena. He use to call me John Cena because, he remembered how toned I was then. But that was before a few years of eating bad food. In the month of October 2008, straight from my little Maori Warrior’s mouth, he said, “Uncle, you’re fat!” At the time, I wanted to ring his neck! Ha-ha. But, he was right! I did something about it just like how I did with my illness and my little Maori Warrior was the motivation I need at the time; which brings me to November 5th, 2008, where I began my transformation to a better body and a healthier lifestyle.

WP: Could you tell me what challenges you faced to lose the weight?

PH: The biggest challenge I faced was being open to a diet plan or eating different but, healthy food. I could train like an animal but the food I was eating wasn’t helping me lose weight at all, so I was getting fatter and not leaner. Then a woman approached me and asked me if I would like her to train me. That beautiful woman was Elise Firestone and she’s played a major part in my transformation thus far. A lot people, especially here in my hometown, weren’t supportive of me having an online personal trainer and doubt that it would work. Well, I can gladly tell them that her diet and gym programs worked great, especially for me, because I have the progress photos to prove it. Elise Firestone has appeared as a feature on your magazine website. I’m honored and deeply blessed that she’s now my personal trainer. Trust me, for all your fitness needs, go to www.elisefirestone.com. I’m living proof she is good.

WP: What was the heaviest your weight got before you realized it was time for a change?

PH: The heaviest I’ve been is 264 pounds or 119 kilograms and yes, it was a time to change for the better.

WP: Did you suffer from health problems when you were over weight?

PH: The only thing I suffered from was mainly a sore back and joint problems. I couldn’t walk; let alone run.

WP: Now that you have lost the weight, looking back, how did you feel about yourself when you were overweight? I hear so many overweight people say, “I might be heavy, but I am happy!”

PH: I know, for myself, I was miserable and just didn't want to admit. When I was over weight, I didn’t like what I saw and I did feel miserable, too.

WP: Did you find yourself hiding your body when you were over weight?

PH: Yes! I sure did! I wore a lot of big baggy clothes to hide the fat and I didn’t want anyone to see my rolls of fat, either. I wouldn’t take my top off at all. I just wore a T-shirt when I went to the beach or the local pools.

WP: What extent did you take to lose the excess weight?

PH: I just basically followed Elise Firestone’s training and diet program and sticking as close as that as possible.

WP: How much do you weigh now?

 PH: I’m glad to say I’m now 212 lbs or 96 kilograms.

WP: If you could tell someone who was overweight anything, what would you tell them? How would you motivate them enough to make them want to lose weight?

PH: I would tell them, first, to sort your diet and then in terms of a training program. Start off slowly lifting weights and set little goals each week by adding a 1 kg or so to the weights that you are lifting. Do the same with the cardio, as well. Add a few minutes each week until you reach your certain goal like first week add 10 minutes then the 2nd week add 15 minutes and the 3rd week add 20 minutes and so on. Take progress pictures like a before and after photo. That’s a good motivation tool for me.

WP: While losing weight, did you ever consider giving up? If so, why and explain how you were feeling.

PH: There’s been a few moments I’ve considered giving up; especially when I’ve reached a certain weight and just plateau, and haven’t dropped the weight. The diet; that’s a big one, too, trying to follow my personal trainer diet program. That’s more about frustration. How I’m feeling about each of those times. But I’ve been through worst so, why give up?

WP: How did people treat you or “see you” while you were overweight?

PH: Well, at first it, it wasn't pleasant but, I guess that’s human nature.

WP: What was the hardest part of being heavy, that you can remember?

PH: What I could remember, just been unable to walk and to have people respect me as a person and not for my outside appearance.

WP: Do you feel you ate out of comfort or out of emotions?

 SG: A little of both, I would have to say.

WP: Did a point ever come to where you felt that no matter what you did, you were made to be heavy for the rest of your life?

PH: No, not really. If you think like that, well, you going act like that, too. I guess having a different mindset because you can only try; I say. To fail is to not try at all.

WP: Tell me, were there some little things you did to help control your feelings and thoughts about yourself while you were losing weight?

PH: Yes, just having the support of family and friends, especially a close friend of mine. He keeps me grounded so I don’t get a big head or get cocky; just brings me down to earth in a good way.

WP: At what point in your life did you start losing weight? Who was it that helped motivate you to lose weight?

PH: Well, God first and foremost, for the blessings he has given me. Then having a supportive family and friends especially my little Maori Warrior. Most of all, Elise Firestone, my lovely personal trainer, for believing me and for allowing me to have her train me.

WP: How long did it take you to lose your weight?

PH: It’s been just over 4 months; starting from the 5th of November, 2008 to March the 8th, 2009.

WP: How did your life change once you started losing weight?

PH: It’s changed, big time, for me because now I’m sharing my story with you guys at World Physique and with all my lovely friends on my Bodyspace on www.bodybuilding.com Just feeling happier and my self esteem has risen, as well, about myself. Who would’ve have thought that a little Maori guy from New Zealand would be interviewed by you guys? I’m so humbled by it all and still quite not believe it, either. I guess it’s a dream that’s turned into reality for me. I was hoping to inspire just one person with my story.

WP: Is your outlook on your life now since you’ve lost weight?

PH: Just lead a happier and healthier. Just enjoying life to the fullest.

WP: Compare your diet now to that of when you were heavy. How do they differ and what changes have you made in your diet?

PH: Basically, I cut out all the junk food. And Elise Firestone guiding me with her expertise in making the right food choices, getting the timing right and getting the most out of common foods, rather than depending on supplements.

WP: How do you feel about yourself now?

PH: I feel great and alive, stronger, fitter and like I’m 21 again!

WP: What is the proudest moment in your life that you can remember?

PH: Losing my weight and being able to share my story with others.

WP: What keeps you motivated now?

PH: God, family, friends and my beloved mother; who’s with me everyday I’m here on this planet.

WP: What is the one food you still love and eat, although you know it's not good for you?

PH: Pizza Hut, KFC, and oh, McDonald’s, too.

WP: I can tell you really love your family. Tell me about them.

PH: I am single with no kids or spouse but, any offers are very welcome though! Ha-ha!

WP: Outside of working out, what is your next love?

PH: My next love is watching Rugby Union. That’s my favorite sport. I use to play and surfing, when I can.

WP: Any future projects?

PH: Hopefully, I will be doing my first ever bodybuilding competition on October 10, 2009, in the Open Novice Men’s Class.

WP: What makes you?

PH: Just being able to overcome things, never giving up and try to be the best person from within to the outside, and being humble like my mother and the rest of my family.

WP: Are you different inside since you have lost weight or do you feel you’re still the same person?

PH: No! I’m still the same person from within. Just the outside has changed, really.

WP: What makes you happy?

PH: Doing a new sport like bodybuilding and being able to be around for my family and friends is what makes me happy.

WP: Any shout outs?

PH: Yes! Shout out to the Lord Jesus Christ for his many blessings upon me and my family. Also, to Elise Firestone; you’re the best personal trainer on the planet and to all my family & friends.

WP: The interview is coming to a close. Is there anything you would like to mention that I may have forgotten to ask?

PH: Yes. Never give up on your hopes, and dreams and life will never be dark forever and there’s always light after darkness. Enjoy life to the fullest and be safe.

WP: It's amazing the things you have went through and you are so positive about everything. You will bring so much inspiration to so many with this interview. It’s been a pleasure interviewing you! You will have to give us an update in a few months from now for our print magazine! Thank you and good luck in your future endeavors!