X Factor star reveals he’s lost more than two stone after heart attack scare
AN X FACTOR star has lost two stone by taking up karate after crippling anxiety and stress left him fearing a “heart attack.”
The wannabe singer was admitted to hospital in January after suffering a terrifying panic attack, in a terrifying incident which forced him into changing his ways.
Jack Mason starred in the ITV reality series back in 2017.
He auditioned in front of Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne and tackled James Brown track, It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.
The Aldershot lad then reached the Judges Houses stage of the competition, jetting off to music mogul Louis’ pad in Turkey.
Yet sadly his X Factor journey didn’t continue any further.
A year later, in 2018, he took to Facebook to confirm he wouldn’t be auditioning for the second time running.
After some time away from the TV spotlight, Jack has now taken to Instagram to update fans on his weight loss achievement.
He uploaded a snapshot showing him with a certificate and a yellow belt, alongside the caption: “The beginning of this year has been up and down for me thus far, on New Year’s Day I suffered a panic attack that has had major relapses on me throughout the last month.
“On January 12th I thought I was having a heart attack and went into hospital to find out I’m having big issues with anxiety and stress.
“I needed a way to combat so I joined @gkr_karate the beginning of January, I’ve been with them for two months and I have really seen the physical and mental benefits including getting my yellow belt last week.”
Opening up on the reality of his health battle, he continued: “Doctors said I needed to change a lot of things and in 6 months I have lost almost 2 and a half stone and my mental focus has strictly been on this new venture.
“Mentally I’ve been low and having a lot of worries and doubts but karate has really helped my mental health and focus.”
His Instagram followers were quick to celebrate his progress, with one writing: “Love this!! Well done Jack … keep smashing it.”
A second put: “So proud of you buddy. Keep smashing those goals xxx”
A third then posted: “Well done Jack.”
The 5 best exercises to lose weight
By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist
EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to, particularly at this time of year, when the rain is as relentless as your craving for carbs.
So how do you find the right workout for you?
As a PT and fitness journalist, I’ve tried everything.
I’ve taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates.
Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas!
The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit.
My top five forms of exercise, especially if you’re trying to lose weight, are:
- Walking
- Running
- Pilates
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Strength training
SINGING CAREER
Away from his fitness goals, actor and singer Jack is also clocking up music milestones, too.
This month, his new track Cry Myself to Bed was featured on BBC Introducing.
It came hot on the heels of the release of his debut EP this year.
As the My Tracks album hit shelves, Jack excitedly wrote on Instagram: “IT’S OFFICIALLY HERE!!!!
“My EP My Tracks” is out now, would mean the world if everyone could take a listen, myself and @officialjamiedickinson have worked so hard on making this as perfect as can be and I hope the songs are something everyone can relate to and love.”
In November, he showed off his vocal talents on track Take On Me.
His page shows he has also picked up singing gigs at a variety of events as he continues to follow his passion.