Hull in print : Feature - Your Council working with you to create a healthier environment

What a difference a year makes...
Over the last 12 months Katherine Hairsine, a regular user of the Kingston Fitness Suite at Woodford Leisure Centre, has lost more than eight and a half stones as a result of becoming more active and eating a healthier diet.
'I love the atmosphere in the gym, I train four times a week and can honestly say that training is a massive part of my life which I will never give up," says Katherine.
It all began as a New Year's resolution for Katherine, who decided to join the gym with one of her friends.
Once there, they were booked in for an induction and given advice on how to use the fitness equipment to meet their own health goals by the instructors who are always available at the site.
"The induction explained the basics on all the machines, which helped me a lot, and my instructor Vicky Woomble made me feel very comfortable and welcome," adds Katherine.
"She took me step by step through my workout routine and has helped me maintain my motivation through monitoring and reviewing my progress on a weekly basis.
"I am confident I can continue to achieve my goals, the instructors are behind me and my confidence is growing every day."

Exercise referral

Meanwhile, Christopher Bean became a member of the gym in June this year as a result of the GP Exercise Referral Scheme, through which his doctor advised him to become more active to improve his health.
The scheme, run in partnership with NHS Hull, is aimed at people who would benefit from the introduction of structured physical exercise into their daily routine.
"I had never been to a gym before in my life but James Hardy, my exercise referral scheme instructor, put me at ease within minutes," says Chris.
Initially, clients on the referral scheme, which runs for 10 weeks, have an in-depth consultation to draw up an individual exercise programme for them to follow.
The programmes are reviewed on a weekly basis and the encouragement and support of instructors helps customers achieve their goals.
Clients often have multiple health issues ranging from diabetes and obesity to heart conditions and the scheme aims to prevent further health complications and improve overall quality of life.
"James advised me how to combine a nutritious diet with my training.
When I began attending the gym I weighed 16 stone seven pounds.
I now weigh 14 stone 10 pounds and feel so much fitter," adds Chris.
"I enjoy a much fuller life, I spend more time with my 10 year old son and take him swimming regularly, which is something I never did."
After completing the initial 10 weeks, Chris then signed up for a Tonic Inclusion card so he can continue to train and improve his fitness with the support of instructors.

Value for money

Fitness instructor Vicky Woomble advises Katherine and other gym users on how best to use the gym equipment

Kingston Fitness Suites are Hull City Council's fitness suites at Woodford Leisure Centre, Costello Sports Stadium and Ennerdale Leisure Centre.
The gyms are all fitted with:

state of the art resistance and cardio-vascular (CV) equipment
personal viewing screens, MP3 docking stations and cardio-theatre on each piece of CV equipment
fully qualified staff to design, develop and review your training needs
the Fitlinx physical activity tracking system

Woodford Leisure Centre also has a separate free weights area, with dumbbells of up to 50kg for the serious weight lifter, and is one of the few facilities in the region to have a separate SHOKK gym for children so they can train from the age of eight.
The state-of-the-art equipment is similar to the adults' equipment, but designed specifically for children to use.
Various Tonic card options are available to give people great value for money.

To win a Tonic card simply answer the following question:

How many Kingston Fitness Suites are there?
Send your answer on a postcard to Hull Leisure competition, Hull in print, Hull City Council, Guildhall, Alfred Gelder Street, HU1 2AA before the competition closing date of 29 January 2010.

info

For more information on Hull Lesiure services, and also Christmas opening times, call 300 300 or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk


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