A Liverpool father has lost nearly half his body weight in just one year after a difficult moment at a family event prompted a significant life change. Martin Fletcher, 46, from Netherley, went from weighing nearly 26 stone to 14.5 stone by adopting a unique, low-impact exercise routine.
The musician decided to take action after a metal chair he was sitting on collapsed under his weight during his nephew's birthday party. He has since shed an impressive 10 stone without undergoing surgery or altering his diet, attributing his success to a specialized yoga program.
Key Takeaways
- Martin Fletcher, 46, lost 10 stone in 12 months, reducing his weight from almost 26 stone to 14.5 stone.
- The main motivation was a moment at a family barbecue where a chair broke underneath him.
- He achieved the weight loss through DDP Yoga, a low-impact fitness system, without changing what he eats.
- Prior to his transformation, he suffered from severe sleep apnoea, chronic pain, and injuries from previous exercise attempts.
- He now plans to become a certified instructor to help others with their own fitness journeys.
The Turning Point at a Family Gathering
For Martin Fletcher, the moment that sparked his transformation was both public and deeply personal. While attending his nephew's birthday celebration at his sister's house, the 46-year-old, who weighed close to 26 stone, sat on a metal chair that gave way beneath him.
He described the incident as the "main physical turning point" that forced him to confront his health. This event set him on a path to lose weight, but he chose to do so on his own terms, declining medical options offered by doctors.
Despite being offered weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and the option of bariatric surgery, Martin was determined to find an alternative solution that suited his body and lifestyle.
A Cycle of Pain and Health Complications
Before his weight loss, Martin's health had been in steady decline. He explained that the weight gain accelerated in his thirties, leading to a state of being morbidly obese and trapped in a difficult cycle.
"By the time your 30s come along, all of a sudden the weight is there and you're morbidly obese. It became a vicious cycle. Every time I tried to train, I’d get injured."
Previous attempts at fitness had resulted in significant physical problems. High-intensity workouts left him with a limp that lasted for eight years, and playing football led to damaged ankles. "I was always sore, aching constantly, I was exhausted all the time and I couldn't play with my kids," he recalled.
Severe Sleep Apnoea Diagnosis
One of the most serious health issues he faced was a diagnosis of severe sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The effects were debilitating, leaving him perpetually tired regardless of how long he slept.
"I’d wake up sweating, gasping for breath, as if I’d run a marathon in my sleep," Martin said. "I could sleep for ten hours and still feel completely exhausted. It was unbearable."
What is DDP Yoga?
Developed by former professional wrestler Diamond Dallas Page, DDP Yoga (DDPY) is a hybrid fitness system. It combines elements of traditional yoga, sports rehabilitation therapy, calisthenics, and dynamic resistance. It is specifically designed to be a low-impact workout, making it accessible for people with injuries or those who find high-impact exercise difficult, while still providing a high-cardio and strength-building workout.
Discovering a Low-Impact Solution
Martin's breakthrough came after he saw a viral video about Arthur Boorman, a former paratrooper who was told he would never walk unassisted again. Boorman defied medical expectations by transforming his health using a fitness program called DDP Yoga.
Inspired by this story, Martin decided to try the program himself. The joint-friendly approach was exactly what he needed after years of injuries from other forms of exercise. He now commits to a rigorous schedule, waking at 5:30 am to complete an hour of DDP Yoga six days a week before starting his day as a working musician.
"DDP Yoga is now the only exercise I do," he stated. "Without even leaving the spot, your heart rate's through the roof. I’m dripping in sweat by the end of the hour. I’ve done no other exercise but that. It's saved my life."
Martin's Transformation by the Numbers
- Starting Weight: Nearly 26 stone (approx. 364 lbs / 165 kg)
- Current Weight: 14.5 stone (approx. 203 lbs / 92 kg)
- Total Weight Loss: Over 10 stone (approx. 161 lbs / 73 kg)
- Timeframe: 12 months
- Weekly Commitment: 6 hours of DDP Yoga
A New Outlook on Life and Family
The transformation has been as much mental as it has been physical. Martin reflected on his previous state, saying, "Every single day used to be horrendous, mentally and physically. I was aching, limping, depressed. I didn’t want to become a statistic."
His primary motivation was his family. "I wanted to see my kids thrive, my wife thrive, and myself thrive," he explained. He credits his success to a shift in mindset and a commitment to daily progress.
"The only way I was going to lose weight was by getting my mind right and committing to myself. This time, I told myself a better story. I took it each day at a time."
One of the most touching moments of his journey came from one of his daughters. He shared, "She hugged me and said, ‘Dad, I can get my arms around you now!’" This simple act highlighted the profound impact his weight loss has had on his family life.
Looking to the future, Martin is now in the process of becoming a certified DDP Yoga instructor. His goal is to use his own experience to inspire and help others, just as Arthur Boorman's story inspired him.