Men’s Health Week 2017
This years Men’s Health Week is focusing on excess weight around the stomach because of the serious increased risks this can have on our health such as, cardiovascular disease, cancer, high blood pressure and much more.
We all have issues in our lives which may affect our health in some way. At Everybody Healthy we can provide confidential one-to-one support and guidance to adults and families who want to improve their health. Our Lifestyle Coaches and Cookery Tutors have been trained to use a variety of behavior change techniques to help people make sustainable lifestyle changes.
As part of Men’s Health Week, we wanted to take the time to recognise and share our male members success stories in improving their health and wellbeing.
These stories are only a select few of many incredible and inspiring journeys from our male members. Each story shows how you to could make a change to your health and wellbeing and how we can help you in your journey. If you would like more information on our facilities or health programmes please visit our website or contact us on [email protected].
MEMBER RICHARD SHARES HIS INSPIRATIONAL REHABILITATION STORY AFTER ALMOST LOSING HIS LEG IN A MOTORBIKE ACCIDENT.
Member Richard Vanloon
Richard Vanloon became a member at Holmes Chapel Community Centre the day after being discharged from hospital after a serious motorbike accident. Just 14 months later, his injuries that he was told may be irreversible, are practically healed.
Richard now stresses the importance of maintaining a positive mind-set and urges anyone who is apprehensive to take the first step into their fitness journey to “Have a clear goal. As long as you believe in it, then you will achieve it”. Richard’s goal initially was to be able to walk again. Now, a mere 14 months later, he can walk with ease and is even beginning to use the treadmills in the gym to run too.
iNSPIRING COUPLE NEIL AND ANGELA UP THEIR ACTIVITY LEVELS AND LOSE AN INCREDIBLE 5 STONE.
Angela (Left), Denise- Lifestyle Coach (Middle) Neil (Right)
Neil and Angela are members at Macclesfield Leisure Centre; Neil has lost 2 stone since joining the Active Lives programme in November. Angela who was reluctant to join has lost an incredible 3 stone and they have both had a reduction in blood pressure since becoming more active.
Neil was referred onto the Active Lives programme from his physiotherapist due to a knee injury, Neil explains, “the programme is really good, useful, the right level of support and challenge, I have noticed a difference in my physical and mental state, I am happier and more positive. I was encouraged to push myself safely but not too far. Having Denise there to review what I could do in terms of my injury with reassurance and confidence helped.”
MEMBER WAYNE LOSES AN INCREDIBLE 6 ½ STONE, HIS MOTTO “DON’T LET FITNESS RULE YOUR LIFE, JUST INCORPORATE IT.”
Member Wayne
Wayne has been a member at Crewe Lifestyle Centre for 18 months after being referred onto the Lifestyle Coach programme for help with his obesity and suffering with severe depression and anxiety. Since joining and in full support and cooperation with his doctor and counselling service he has lost an incredible 6 ½ stone.
Wayne met with Lifestyle Coach Kevin who helped him to set his own targets, which at the time was to lose 1lb a week. Wayne explained “Kevin has been supportive all the way through the programme; he understood me as in individual, encouraged me and assured me anything is better than nothing.”
Wayne explains “At Crewe Lifestyle Centre, nobody is made to feel they shouldn’t be here, no matter your health or ability, there is no intimidation or pressure from anyone.”
INSPIRATIONAL COUPLE PAUL AND DEBBIE JONES TRANSFORM THEIR BODIES AT CREWE LIFESTYLE CENTRE
Member Paul
Paul is a member at the Crewe Lifestyle Centre and has made amazing lifestyle changes. Paul once wore a snug extra large and now wears a loose large after losing 2 stone since becoming a member.
Initially Paul became a member on his own in April 2016 by enrolling onto one of our Health programmes. He enjoyed both his sessions with Kevin our Lifestyle Coach, and eventually partaking in our group fitness classes so much that he persuaded his wife Debbie to attend with him too.
One of Everybody Leisure’s Personal Trainers, Sam, has been observing Paul’s journey ‘Paul is now a regular at several of our group fitness classes across several of our centres. His attitude towards exercise has become so positive, it is great to see. As well as his shrinking waistline!’
Read more about Pauls story here
REAL LIFE TRANSFORMATION- RICKY SHARES HIS INSPIRATIONAL STORY AFTER LOSING ALMOST 5 STONE
Ricky Lee (Left) with Fitness Instructor Jack Buchanan (Right)
Member Ricky shares his truly inspirational story with us, how he has battled with weight issues, his self esteem and confidence to losing almost 5 stone and now looks in the mirror and is happy with what he has achieved.
Ricky shares, “From as early as 9 years old I’ve struggled with weight issues and in my early teens I developed an image problem but as a guy I felt embarrassed and ashamed to speak about it and my weight continued piling on throughout my late teens and early 20s.
Ricky explains “Because of my great experience with the managers, the staff and the members at Crewe Lifestyle Centre I kept going back and in 7 months I managed to lose almost 5 stone.”
“I love the gym and the atmosphere there and I’ve gone from the guy quietly struggling in the corner to someone who can look himself in the mirror and be happy with what he’s achieved”
“If I could say anything to the beginners or anybody struggling with confidence, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The staff know their stuff and have helped me greatly on my journey and I strongly believe that they can help you achieve your goals too.”
Read more of Ricky’s story here
HEART ATTACK SURVIVOR JOINS WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Ian Towers and Walking Football Coach Alex, Wilmslow Leisure Centre
“At first I lost all confidence and was afraid to tackle anything too strenuous. Then I was given information about the hospital’s cardiac rehab programme, based at Wilmslow Leisure Centre.
Over the next few months my confidence and (a degree of) fitness returned, so when I heard that the Centre was starting walking football sessions I was keen to give it a go. It’s been a great decision. I never thought I would play football again, a sport I love, but this has given me an opportunity to relive my youth a little – though that may be more in my head than on the pitch!
I feel fitter for playing each week, but it’s more than that. It’s a game that has to be thought about. The fact that you’re walking doesn’t mean its lacking tactics, so it gets the old grey matter going too. There’s a sense of exhilaration at the end of each session. I have made new friends and we enjoy our chats after the sessions.”
“LIFE CHANGING” RESULTS FOR BOB AFTER MAKING HEALTH AND FITNESS CHANGES
Member Bob
After joining to improve his health and fitness Bob has now lost an amazing 5 stone, lost 14 inch’s off his waist and it doesn’t stop there. In January 2016 Bob was taken off his Heart medication which he had taken for 10 years all through exercising and healthy eating.
Bob continued, “The Leisure Centre is a friendly place and I enjoy the interaction with other customers the social aspect is a very important part, it’s a wonderful facility with lovely new equipment, it is a miracle place for me, a God send and has changed my life.”