LUFC x LTHT fitness

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…

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 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.

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

particular and my kids are enjoying being out and about more with me.

“I unfortunately suffered a knee injury so have had to cut back on the classes for now but I will keep up walking and making sure I am active. I have learnt the importance of recovery from the PTs at LUF and that you should listen to your body as it tells you what you need and when to slow down.

“I would say that I can do more than I give myself credit for and that small steps still get you to the same place. It’s not about being the best, fastest or fittest. It’s about putting in effort, doing your best and trying new things.”

Top three lessons learned:

• Take it at your own pace. • Don’t give up and keep trying. • Slowly is still doing laps round the people sitting on the couch!

Vince Heslop

“I have found the classes to be very well run. The Fitfans class is very informative and makes you reflect on what you are eating, drinking and your general lifestyle. Circuits are well attended and well liked by all those that participate. “The main problem I had was attending more than once a week as I have a young family and have to get across Leeds during rush hour. “I really enjoy the circuits (despite a lack of coordination for starfish sit ups!) and prefer this class more than others. “I really enjoyed meeting Noel Whelan and had a good chat with him during our walk around Elland Road - I never realised how many injuries he had and that he had to stop playing at a relatively early age because of these! I also told him that he was missed on the radio - and he was right, we needed four points minimum from the final four games to stay up! “I’ve also enjoyed the social interaction of meeting other diverse members of the community in Fitfans and will try to get to more of these sessions.

“I have increased my daily steps by going for family walks on an evening especially with the nicer weather (hopefully this will continue) over the last three months and have tried to do some of the circuit exercises at home (only to have a 3 year old think I was playing and jumping on top of me!). “I do feel fitter and need to get into a routine of doing more focused exercise per week (2 or 3 times). I have lost half a stone but want to lose more.

“It’s been a pleasure (and sometimes a pain eased by stretching!) to have been selected for this opportunity.”

Top three lessons learned:

• Try to be focused. • Don’t over-do it.

• Enjoy what you are doing.

Gemma Issrir

“I have taken part in all the classes as I was very curious and I enjoyed each one. The staff there are brilliant, and the people that I trained with are amazing. “I loved Bootcamp and Circuits, these two helped me to understand that there are no limits if you really want to achieve something! I have brought my partner along, and my best friend - it was fun and both enjoyed it! “The teamwork atmosphere made things much easier, we were there to achieve our goals and it was so nice to have everyone working together! I did find the morning after Bootcamp difficult - my legs felt it all!! However, that motivated me a lot!

“I now stick to my three fitness days at the gym, thanks to LUF’s fitness programme. It has really helped me to push myself and I have also lost a few kilograms! What else can you ask for?? I am planning to be part of Bootcamp and circuit training after these three months are up as it is completely worth it! “I absolutely loved this programme and I can clearly see a big difference compared to three months ago, when I started very unhappy with my body. I have learned that when you really want something it all comes down to your state of mind: if you want you will get it! Overall an amazing and fantastic experience! I am so grateful that I have been chosen, thanks so much!”

Top three lessons learned:

• Believe in yourself because you can do it!

• Teamwork makes the dream work!

Literally!! • And it’s OK to not feel it on some days, don’t be harsh on yourself! If you like the sound of what Leeds United Foundation offers, why not sign up to one of their fitness classes and give it a go yourself? Get in touch with Rachel Newman at LUF directly for more information by emailing rachel. newman@leedsunited.com or calling 07706352346.