“I want to make sure I’m the strongest I can be. To make the most of this huge second chance I’ve been given.”
For many of us, exercise is all about improving how we look and feel. For Pippa Kent, it means so much more than that.
After a life-changing double lung transplant in 2017, Pippa joined the Fiit community — determined to stay fit and healthy after years of living with Cystic Fibrosis.
We met up with her 6 months ago to track her journey. Check out the video below to see how she got started.
Today, Pippa is just months away from getting married and training for a 100K charity bike ride. We caught up with her this week to chat about her progress.
You first joined Fiit in November 2018. What changes have you noticed since then?
My posture has definitely improved, which after years of coughing was a big thing for me. Generally, I work harder in each class and my strength and fitness levels are improving, which is great to see — although my upper body strength is still my biggest weakness. Saying that, I look forward to the day I can do proper press ups!
In terms of my body, I’m learning to live in one that’s very different to the one I had pre-transplant. Exercising has allowed me to take control of this to an extent. And while some days I don’t feel completely confident, I’m learning to love the way I look and respect my body for the amazing fight it’s been through.
You still train 2-3 times a week. How have you made it stick?
Throughout my recovery I made a conscious effort to shift my mindset and give my new lungs and new life the best chance possible. No compromises. So I’ve tried to incorporate exercise a lot more than I would have before. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I don’t. I’ve had my ups and downs with minor health issues and that’s made my workouts a little less consistent but Fiit has always had a motivating pull which made me go back.
I’m also training for a 100K charity bike ride on the 3rd anniversary of my transplant, between the two hospitals that saved my life — Papworth and the Brompton. It’s become a huge goal for me and a definite motivator to try to maintain (and increase!) my fitness levels in any way possible.
You started doing beginner classes. Have you levelled up since we last saw you?
I love to set myself personal challenges. So I’m now taking on the weight training and resistance band classes. I love them. It feels like you’re at the gym, which can be really motivating. I still try to vary up my training and listen to my body. Sometimes it needs yoga and pilates over HIIT. I really enjoy Lottie’s classes, they’ve helped my back become less stiff in between hospital visits.
Have you tried any Breathwork classes yet?
Yes. I find them really helpful when I’m stressed out about my health. Each class reminds me of how far I’ve come and how amazing my new lungs are. I still find it strange that after so many years of struggling to breathe, I can follow the instructions just like everybody else.
Not long to go until the big day! Are you excited?
Yes! We’re getting married in December this year and our honeymoon is all booked. I want to be in the best shape possible for it so that’s yet another constant source of motivation to get on the mat.
*If like Pippa, you want to get fit, strong and healthy, download Fiit — and start your free 14 day trial. With hundreds of specialist classes, 20+ training plans and live leaderboard workouts, you’ll never do a boring workout again.