If you’re a regular at Holmes Chapel or Knutsford, there’s a good chance you already know him. Matt Parry, 47, lives in Middlewich and has been part of the Everybody Health & Leisure community for over 12 years.
Although Matt has always been one of our “regulars”, the start of 2023 marked a real turning point for Matt. He wanted to get leaner, build more muscle, and push his fitness further. But like many of us, he’d started to notice a few frustrations along the way, especially the realisation that he couldn’t lift quite as much as he could in his twenties and thirties, and that injuries sometimes slowed him down.
Still, Matt wasn’t ready to settle, and his journey since then has been nothing short of inspiring. To make real progress, Matt made a few key changes.
He’s dedicated himself to training 5/6 times per week with a much clearer focus on both his diet and exercise. Strength training became his staple, but he didn’t stop there. He built a routine that suits him by mixing weights, swimming, squash, padel, and even making time to unwind in the Holmes Chapel spa after some tough weekend sessions.
Along the way, he adapted his training style to work with his body, not against it. That meant being mindful of old injuries and recognising when to switch things up.
Matt has become leaner, stronger, and, in his own words, is now fitter, healthier, and in better shape than at any point in his 20s or 30s.
But there’s something else he’s gained, something just as important: community.
By training early most weekday mornings, he’s built a strong group of friends who keep each other going, even on those 6am alarm days. And if you’ve ever tried early workouts, you’ll know how valuable friendly support can be.
Although Matt hasn’t taken on any formal fitness challenges or shouted about personal milestones, his consistency and transformation speak for themselves.
Looking ahead, his plan is simple: Stick with the routine that works, keep training hard, and continue enjoying the mix of weights, racquet sports, and swimming that keep him feeling his best.
Inspired by Matt? You’re not alone. If you’re looking to get fitter, feel healthier or simply find a friendly place to train, we’ve got activities and support for every kind of goal:
- Fully equipped gyms across Cheshire.
- Swimming for all abilities.
- Racquet sports including squash, badminton and padel.
- Relaxing spa facilities in selected centres.
- A welcoming community that cheers you on whether you’re lifting your first weight or running your 5th marathon.
If Matt’s story has sparked something for you, why not take that first step? Your own “healthier, happier you” could be just around the corner. Find out more: Everybody Membership • Membership Packages • Register Online