YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health (Summer 2016) | Page 17

1 MEET LYLE 3 MEET JOHN Member name: Lyle Membership duration: Five years Average attendance: Three times a week What facilities do you typically use at the centre? I use the floor space to do some stretches and exercises, and to warm up my legs and hips. These help relieve my sciatica. What improvements have you seen since you started attending? I have become stronger What would you say to others who are thinking about coming along? Do it! You’ll make great friends at the centre, and the staff are excellent. 2 MEET IAN Member name: Ian Membership duration: Four years Average attendance: Three times a week What facilities do you typically use? I use the bike to start each session, and then the weights machines and some dumbbells. What health benefits have you seen since you’ve been attending the centre? My general physical health has improved, and my strength has also increased. I actually broke my neck about two years ago, and was very close to becoming a quadriplegic. I have used the gym to help strengthen the muscles around my neck and fix my posture. What advice do you have for others considering coming to the centre? Just do it – there’s nothing else to say! Member name: John Membership duration: At least six years Average attendance: One to two times per week What facilities do you typically use? I do Spin classes and personal training with trainer, Tom James. What do you enjoy most about coming to the centre? I really enjoy the company and friendships with staff and the gym regulars, whom I have got to know over the years. Even if I feel sore or tired after an intensive training session I still feel really good about training, and can see the benefits in my daily life. I also find physical activity combined with the discipline of having a trainer, a great form of stress relief, which is very important to me at the present time, as my wife died of breast cancer three months ago. What are some of the other benefits you’ve seen from your regular training? Keeping fit for bushwalking is a high priority for me. The fitness training is helping me continue with strenuous bushwalks, despite my age. In the last three [۝