Tipping the scales at over 26 stone, Conor Loughlin was struggling to walk and lacked motivation - but today he is at the gym six days a week and enjoying his new-found hobby.
Originally from the Springfield Road, Conor works at Clonard Youth Club as a youth and community worker. With a passion for helping others, he has found that he can do so through his fitness journey too.
During lockdown, the 26-year-old started walking, and from there he has transformed himself both physically and mentally. Conor has lost 12 stone, with no plans to stop any time soon.
Read more: Belfast woman sheds five stone in one year after 'hating her body'
Speaking to Belfast Live after a boxing session at The Unit gym in West Belfast, Conor said he has been approached by strangers on the street who have been inspired by his story.
"About three years ago I was 26 and a half stone and it was very hard for me," he added.
"During lockdown, I started to go out walking, and was doing 10,000 steps a day and started building that up. I then joined The Unit gym and so far have lost 12 stone.
"For me, that is a goal I never thought I could reach. I come to the gym six days a week, and train and work hard. I try my best to help others too.
"People have told me that they see me as an inspiration, and I use that for my own training because I always want to better myself and I know there's people around me that use my journey as motivation for them too.
"When I started walking, people would have seen me out every single day. People were stopping me, and telling me 'well done' but it was nerve wrecking. Now, people will come up to me and say they have seen me on social media and I think it is amazing to see how many people are behind me.
"That is amazing and I can't thank them enough because they have kept me here, in the gym. I appreciate them because me today, is the person they have helped contribute to. It is class."
Conor is now part of the community at The Unit, which is celebrating their achievements under the roof of a brand new facility at Blackstaff Way. Without them, Conor says he doesn't know where he would be today.
As he continues to reach his personal goals, he has a new one at the forefront of his mind. Preparing to graduate from university next year, Conor says he will work tirelessly over the next few months, so that he can look good, and feel good in a suit.
He said: "In terms of physical health, I can do boxing now, and that is something I couldn't do back then. I could barely walk back then. For me, being able to do actual sport, is just brilliant. I know there are people who think they can't do it, or that it is going to be too hard, but anything is possible.
"Every single coach at The Unit mean a lot to me. Mark, Sam, Donard and Marty. They are always supportive and when I am in, they're always showing me how to do things right. People don't realise how much support they have given to hundreds of people in West Belfast and beyond.
"Other people helped me to stop doubting myself. It is hard work but you need to have a good mindset, and to forget what other people think. My advice is to focus on yourself, and to put you as number one.
"People may have a fear of the gym. A lot of people may try to be somebody they aren't, that is what I did. It is so important to be yourself. My biggest fear was what other people thought of me but after a few weeks I really settled. I took the leap and it can be hard to go from your sofa into a gym. I understand that. Mentally, you just have to do it.
"I want to continue boxing and training and being consistent. I am graduating university and my next goal is to look good in a suit. I want to look good and feel good, so for the next six or seven months I will be working very, very hard."
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