Page 34 - link magazine

Sport and Leisure

Exercise, dieting and a healthy body

As the new year rolls in, we all miles across Europe after 15 years Richard Parker’s six-year-old son changed for the better and I got
look at that figure in the mirror off the bike, and came up against Ben beat him in a Santa Dash at so much out of the scheme. I’ve
and decide to do something about a mountain of different issues, but Coate Water in 2015, he vowed sorted my fitness out, I’ve lost
it. Some achieve, some falter but I noticed that the bigger the climb, to transform his lifestyle so he loads of weight and I’m happier
January is the month for hitting the better the view at the top, wouldn’t feel like such a turkey now than I’ve ever been.”
the gym and working off those and decided to take this into my again. Two years on, the dad-of- “I didn’t pay any attention
Christmas gains. everyday life. one from Stratton, has certainly to what I ate or drank and the
Swindon has a multitude of gyms “We all find ourselves in difficult fulfilled his promise and shed three portions were also far too big. I ate
and sports centres you can visit, places at times, but remember stone to boot. Richard and Ben, fruit and vegetables but I didn’t
with GLL opening their new gym at have enough of them and snacked
the Link Centre in West Swindon on crisps and chocolate. I also liked
(see page 33) just before Christmas to sink a few pints and would often
acting as a prime example, as well polish that off with a kebab.”
as the new Old Town gym; Anytime Although the scheme put Richard
Fitness and Buzz Gym in the Brunel through his paces, he thrived
Centre. on the challenge. He said: “I
But all of the equipment and absolutely loved it and you learn
space in the world isn’t effective so much. There was a great sense
without focusing on what you of camaraderie and we all spurred
want from it and having people each other on. The competitive
around you who can help achieve aspect was brilliant too and going
your goals, or without fuelling on to win the tournament in
yourself correctly and eating well. Scotland was such an amazing
Pride of Swindon award winner feeling.”
Ricardo Defazio, a local personal Alternatively, should you wish
trainer and life coach, had these time is always on your side. Get now nine, recently took part in a to take up exercise away from the
wise words for those looking to to know yourself and your ability. 5km Reindeer Run and crossed the gyms and classes, Swindon has a
get fitter in every way in 2017. Sometimes life will take over and finish line together in under 30 broad selection of fitness retailers
He said: “2017 is your new start you may not discover what lies minutes early in December. that can help you get active on
point. It’s time to stop searching within. So from me to you, start The positive changes were kick- your own terms. Hargroves Cycles
for happiness, in a book or your the new year knowing the old started by the innovative Football would be an ideal place to start,
phone. It’s about becoming the fire you, and start your new journey Fans in Training (FFIT) scheme, with a broad array of bikes to
of happiness within. 2017 is a new with small steps. Nothing is more run by the Council in partnership suit any budget and purpose, not
start in our solar system. Let all the powerful than a changed mind, with Swindon Town Football in the only saving you money on fuel,
ups and downs from 2016 lie in the remember that.” Community Trust. but also making fitness a benefit
past, and keep taking small steps If you needed more motivation Richard, 42, who works as an not a chore. Visit them in store on
forward to a new you. to get fit in the new year, how administrator at Zurich, said: “I Penzance Drive or head to:
“I cycled a lot in 2016, over 4,000 about this; When Swindon resident feel fantastic. My life has totally www.hargrovescycles.co.uk
34 swindonlink.com n January 2017

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