Local Champions

Our East Hampshire Local Champions have found great benefit from increasing their physical activity levels, whether it be to improve their health, meet new people or train for an event. Have a read of their stories for added inspiration and motivation!

Exercise Referral in the Gym at the Taro Leisure Centre, Petersfield

Roy Shea and his son, Liam, aged 12, from Liss have been exercising at the Taro Leisure Centre in Petersfield.

"Since being referred by my doctor to join the gym, my heart problem has cleared up due to my fitness programme. It has been managed by the professional staff here, particularly Sue and Sam. They motivated my use of the cardiovascular equipment to help me lose weight and get fitter. If i had done this a few years ago maybe i wouldn't have had a health problem. If people with a health problem are taking note of this JOIN THE GYM!"

"I have been a junior member for 6 months now and my fitness has improved a lot. I come to the gym with my Dad and i think it is really good. My speed and stamina have improved a lot and this helps with the other sports that i do at school and with my football team. The instructors at the gym are always helpful and show me how to use the equipment if i forget how to set it up. It is really hard work but it is worth it!"

Chairobics at Causeway Farm, Horndean

Tanya (instructor), Molly (83 years), Flo (73 years), Joan (71 years), Nora (88 years), Barbara (87 years), Vera (75 years), Alice (89 years), Margaret (69 years), Gladys (86 years) and Win (80 years) regularly attend the weekly Chairobics class held at Causeway Farm in Horndean.

"We attend the Chairobics class at Causeway Farm in Horndean every Monday morning and have done since it started in April 2007. We've found that taking part in the exercise class has helped to keep our muscles loose and we have found that we are more mobile. Some of us are now able to get in and out of the bath and up and out of chairs more easily."

"Our confidence has increased as the exercises are challenging and varied but we can all work at our own levels. Our instructor is excellent and includes lots of fun activities within each class using scarves, balloons and beanbags."

"We really enjoy the class because it is so sociable. We get to meet new people from Causeway Farm and also people who come in from the local area. The class gives us something to get up for in the morning and afterwards we have a coffee and a chat to catch up with each other."

Training for the Moonwalk at the Taro Leisure Centre, Petersfield 

In January 2007, Mary Smith from Petersfield, decided to undertake the challenge of completing the Moonwalk in aid of breast cancer.

"Myself and three work colleagues decided to do the 'moonwalk' in aid of breast cancer in May 2007. To train for this walk which was 26 miles through the streets of London at night, we started in January doing lots of walking, gradually building up our distances. I already belonged to the gym and continued going 3 times per week using the treadmill for 20-30 minutes, rowing machine and cross trainer. The gym sessions all helped to build my strength and stamina, together with the walking i was able to complete the 26 miles in less than 8 hours raising £450 for breast cancer."