How running helped Frankston teen Blake Alford-Ryan lose 28kg

Blake Alford-Ryan may only be 17, but he is already inspiring others with his fitness transformation. This is how he lost 28kg and turned his life around.

Blake Alford-Ryan may only be 17, but he is already inspiring others with his fitness transformation.

Blake described his lifestyle during the Covid pandemic as “very sedentary” — he ate badly and “was pretty depressed” with low self-confidence.

“I didn’t really leave the house much out of fear of being judged,” he said.

But a family day at the beach in December 2021 changed everything.

Wearing a rash vest, he realised he was not happy at his weight — around 110kg.

“I was like, ‘oh yeah, I can’t do this’,” he recalled.

Blake Alford-Ryan before losing weight. Picture: Supplied

It took six months to raise the courage, but ultimately he joined a gym, overhauled his diet and started running.

The Frankston teen said his dad kept him motivated by reminding him of his goals when he went to “reach for the wrong thing” in the kitchen.

He completed the Run Melbourne half-marathon last year.

By then, he hit about 82kg, and his “confidence was through the roof”.

Blake Alford-Ryan on his fitness journey. Picture: Supplied

These days he tries to exercise three to four times a week, including a weekly golf session, and prioritises nutritious food and eats in moderation.

“You feel like you’re more in your own skin … instead of feeling trapped by that burden that you’re carrying around that everyone’s looking at you,” he said.

“The positive effects that came from that are ridiculous, and the values and discipline that you also build.”

Blake is school captain, has a girlfriend, and a job at a gym creating content.

The Year 12 student is set to finish high school this year, and is looking to launch a career in social media.

Blake has also shared what he’s learnt about fitness with loved ones, who were now also seeing the “massive benefits” of running.

Asked about what he’d say to others who wanted to get fit, he said: “I think the most important thing is actually just starting.”

“As soon as you sign up for your gym membership — I reckon most gyms these days offer introductory programs where they’ll set you up with what you need to do — show up,” he said.

He also advised people who may feel self-conscious about their body that other gym goers were focused on their own workouts rather than looking at others.

The peak active health and exercise industry association is calling for the next federal government to implement measures to make exercise more accessible for Australians, like means-tested physical activity vouchers.

AUSactive chief executive Barrie Elvish said exercise was a proven investment in national productivity, yet Australians faced cost barriers.

“It’s time for a shift from reactive healthcare to prevention,” he said.

Blake said making the gym more affordable for young people would have major benefits.

Originally published as How running helped Frankston teen Blake Alford-Ryan lose 28kg