Be You Mk2
Be The Best Version
of Yourself
Photo courtesy of FITPIX UK, taken by Mark
Be The Best Version
WELCOME TO MK2 FITNESS
A Passion for Fitness and being the Best Version of Yourself
MK2 FITNESS was created by Mark – an ordinary guy, in his 50s, who made a drastic decision on 20th July 2023 which would have life-changing results.
Here, Mark will share his story, the ups and the downs, and everything in between. His nutrition from meal planning, calorie counting and macros. Conquering his fear of the gym. His first steps at ParkRun and taking on the challenge of running his first half marathon. Losing over 35% of his body weight in less than seven months. Defying the odds and building some meaningful muscle. Building a life that literally revolves around fitness. A story which really has changed Mark’s life and created the best version of himself!
WIth a Passion for Fitness, Mark wants to inspire others. In fact, Mark has already made an impact with people all over the UK. SInce the start Mark was documenting his “fitness reboot” on a Jaguar car forum inspiring many to look at themselves and to make some lifestyle changes. Whilst raising sponsorship in aid of Bowel Cancer UK whilst preparing to take on the Great North Run in September 2024, so many supportive comments were received from JaguarForum and from the Ipswich Town FC fan site TWTD.
“I’m not here to tell you how to do things. How to lose weight. How to train. How to live your life. I’m just here to tell you what I did, and how it worked for me.” – Mark
FIT PIX UK
Your Physique, Captured Creatively
Knowing how important accountability has been along his journey, including the dreaded “Day One” selfie and subsequent progress pics, Mark has embarked on a new project – FITPIX UK. A Fitness Photography Studio based in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, specialising in studio and gym-based shoots for people wishing to track their progress, celebrate milestones or have pre/post competition shoots.
Using an array of professional studio lighting equipment, modifiers and techniques, Mark will be sure to capture your “best side” in creative and stunning photographs.
Our first fitness shoot in February 2025
THE GREAT NORTH RUN
Mark’s Road to Newcastle
At the same time as joining the gym, in September 2023, Mark signed up for the Great North Run – the World’s largest half marathon (that’s 21km or 13.1 miles, in case you were wondering) – giving him exactly 12 months to prepare for something which would have been unimaginable a matter of weeks earlier. The goal was simply to complete the course even if it meant walking it.
With his personal trainer, Matty Schmid, and his mate Coach Ken on either side, they all crossed the start line together, in Newcastle at 12.27pm on Sunday 8th September 2024. Mark and Matty crossed the finished line 2 hours 22 minutes and 26 seconds later – finishing 28,408 out of a field of 60,000 runners. Mind blowing! Running every single meter. Ken achieved his personal best finishing just a little bit further back. A great result for all!
With the support of family and friends, members of JaguarForum and TWTD, Mark raised an incredible £2709.40 (inc gift aid) for Bowel Cancer UK.
The challenge is now on for a quicker time when Mark, Ken and Matty all return to the Great North Run in September 2025. Mark will, once again, be supporting Bowel Cancer UK. There are, however, some other runs to fit in starting with the Great Manchester 10K Run on 18th May 2025.
IN THE GYM
Time to just “Get over it”
Those were the words spoken by Mark’s mate Ken when he said he was nervous about joining a gym, and to be fair to Mark, he slept on it and the following day made plans and set a timeframe to sign up. He wanted to lose a few more pounds of weight having started the diet a few weeks earlier but by the first week of September 2023 he was ready to take his first tentative steps inside a gym.
JD Gyms Thornton-Cleveleys was the gym of choice and after being given the tour by assistant manager Brandon, Mark signed up there and then. Having already decided he wanted a Personal Trainer, Brandon sent Mark’s details over to Matty Schmid. Within the hour Matty had dropped Mark a line and arranged to meet up the following evening for a chat and an induction.