Trio overcome serious health conditions and now happy to help others
Stepping into a gym can be a daunting experience. After a serious health problem, it may feel even more challenging. Your body has changed and you might be dealing with physical and mental concerns.
But for anyone walking through the doors of Europa Leisure Centre on a Monday afternoon, there are friendly faces ready to put them at ease.
Barry, Terry and Ken – who all have an Invigor8 We Are Undefeatable leisure centre membership - are always happy to welcome newcomers. The trio are quick to chat about life, share their own recovery journeys and offer encouragement to anyone taking their first steps towards becoming more active.
All three have overcome significant health challenges. Barry and Ken suffered strokes, while Terry lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that affects the lungs. Regular exercise has played a key role in their recovery and ongoing wellbeing.
They all signed up for a We Are Undefeatable membership through Wirral Council’s Active Wirral service. The membership is for Wirral residents over 18 who have been given a referral from a GP or health practitioner.
Discounted at £16 per month for up to three months (in a 12-month period), it gives members access to all six Active Wirral leisure centres and offers help, support and advice on becoming active to anyone living with a health condition.
After suffering a stroke, Barry left Clatterbridge Hospital in a wheelchair and unable to move his arms. Regular gym sessions have helped him regain his mobility and independence.
I was terrified walking through the doors of the gym on the first day but then you start meeting people and it becomes amazing.
Having a stroke and coming to the gym can make people nervous. They think gyms are all about using heavy equipment, but it's not about that. It's about doing what you can, moving your body and meeting friends.
When I had my stroke five years ago, I left hospital in a wheelchair and couldn't move my arms. Now I see staff at the hospital and they're shocked that I go to the gym and can move as well as I do. It's taken determination and willpower.
Rather than focusing on heavy weights or intense cardio workouts, the trio do exercises tailored to their individual needs.
They frequently use the Easyline equipment, a range of machines that help people to work at their own level and at a pace and intensity that suits them. The Easyline machines are joint-friendly, low-impact and designed to improve strength and fitness.
During Terry's recovery, some of his rehabilitation sessions took place at Europa Leisure Centre through the NHS Pulmonary Rehab Team and he was introduced to the gym before signing up to the We Are Undefeatable programme.
The friendships he has built with Barry and Ken have played a major part in his progress.
I thought I'd been through a lot, but then I met these two on the first day and they have been a massive inspiration.
I go to the gym because I want to stay fit and never go back to where I was. That's what drives me on. Meeting these guys has taken that motivation even further. If they can do it then I can.
Coming in and having a chat is all part of it. It's not just about going to the gym. If it was, I'd be bored silly by now and probably in the pub.
The gym has given me a new lease of life. Exercise is great for making you feel better, both physically and mentally.
Terry also travelled London where he gave a talk at a national conference to discuss the impact of We Are Undefeatable.
That was a massive part of my journey. Not only did I give a talk, but I also did around 20,000 steps. I couldn't have done that before.
Ken's stroke affected his speech but it has not dampened his enthusiasm. Always smiling and positive, he enjoys coming to Europa and spending time with his friends.
The gym helps me and makes me feel happy. It gets me out of the house, lets me see my friends and eases the pain in my arm for a little while.
Ken is unbelievable. The confidence he has gained is amazing. On his first day, he was nervous during his induction, but now he's brilliant.
Just come down and give it a go. Doing something is better than doing nothing. I don't know where I'd be without it because it has helped me so much.
For more information on Invigor8 We Are Undefeatable memberships, click here. View all Invigor8 memberships by clicking here. If you have any questions please contact Sonia Carty from the Active Wellbeing Team at weareundefeatable@wirral.gov.uk
