Feature
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LTHT staff complete three-month fitness challenge with Leeds United In March, four LTHT colleagues committed to turn around their health and fitness after winning a competition granting them free access to Leeds United Football Club’s (LUFC) fitness programmes for three months. Each of the winners was able to access any of the classes held by Leeds United Foundation (LUF), which included Soccercise, Bootcamp, circuit training, running club, and more. The LTHT staff committed to record their fitness journeys and share helpful insights, tips and progress with their fellow colleagues, acting as ambassadors and advocates for healthier lifestyles. Bulletin caught up with the four to hear how their three months worked out…
number on the card. This was great fun as everyone was praying for the lower (easier) numbers! “I managed to stay motivated by seeing the change in my body and mind. There is also a group WhatsApp chat for everyone who attends and seeing that others are going to the classes gives you the push you need to join them. A few have even been persuaded to change their plans to attend the classes - especially Bootcamp which is on a Friday night! “Unfortunately, halfway through the three months I got Covid and have been struggling getting back into things since then. My fitness level completely dropped and the first class after I thought I had fully recovered I had to take some timeout as I struggled with my breathing. “I have lost some weight but not as much as I would have liked to. I have learnt to persevere, and that everybody has different fitness levels and to go at your own pace. I have also learnt that I was not as fit as I should be for my age. “Next step is to join my local gym, as much as I love the LUF team it is very difficult to get across to the other side of Leeds during rush hour traffic and trying to juggle family and work commitments. But this experience has given me the confidence to get back into fitness again!” Top three lessons learned: 1. Never underestimate what you can achieve. 2. Give yourself chance to learn new things even if you feel out of your comfort zone.
Stacey O’Malley “All of the sessions have been pretty hard, but I have fun and the personal trainer Sophie is great at encouraging you when you feel a task seems too difficult. I have attended Circuits and Bootcamp classes. They consist of different exercises such as squats, burpees, kettlebell swings, etc. In one of the sessions we did a ‘play your cards right’ - which consisted of picking a playing card and carrying out various exercises depending on the suit and
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3. Just go for it!!
Sally Wright “I have attended the walking group, Circuits, and Bootcamp. Circuits and Bootcamp - I won’t lie they are tough but a good tough. What I mean is that they push me to do my best, try things I haven’t before and trust my body is capable of a lot more than I think it is. “I have actually enjoyed all of the classes
and they have quickly become part of my routine and I really look forward to going. Something I never thought I would say being someone who hated PE at school! It’s just what I do now and my family are really supportive and can see I am enjoying it. “In fact, my husband has even been inspired and he joined FitFans in April. He is also attending the Soccercise classes on a Thursday evening so not only has it become my habits but its spread to my family too. “I think I have to say my absolute favourite is Bootcamp. I know what you’re thinking... I must be joking!!! Well I’m not. We have various exercises, reps and parts of the body to work on but the PT Sophie blends this in with games and fun. Most of all we have fun and we laugh and it’s so nice to interact and laugh with people in person again! “I have met some really interesting characters who I would never normally be able to chat to, including two amazing veterans. LUF does lots of work out in the community so it really has been a chance to meet other local people and share something we all have a common interest in: getting healthy! “I have lost 1.5 stone in the last 3 months and I am hoping to continue this journey. I have taken up more walking in