“All my life I have been over-weight, unfit and as a result unhappy. Then one day – five years ago when I was at my heaviest, weighing more than 20 stone I said enough is enough. Joining the gym was the best thing I have ever done and it helped me to shed a further 5 stone, which completely changed my outlook on life. It’s been five years since I lost all the weight and I haven’t put it back on. I am in better shape now than I have ever been – all thanks to Harpers Fitness.”
“Both Byron and myself are wheelchair users and I don’t know what we would do without Harpers Fitness and Stoke Mandeville Stadium. The staff are fantastic and always eager to help and support us to achieve our health and fitness goals. The team at Stoke Mandeville Stadium give us inspiration and keep us upbeat and positive and I don’t know what we would do without our time at the gym.”
“I was born with a disability. I suffered from Snapping Hip Syndrome (Hip Dysplasia)- a musculoskeletal condition which affected me in many ways. In January 2009 I decided enough was enough and headed down to Harpers Fitness at Riverside, Norwich. Joining Harpers Fitness has changed my life in a positive way. It has turned me into a better, all rounded person and I feel I have broke free from the shackles of my old stale opinions and fitness snobbery. “
“We started off with just six students all wanting to learn to play Badminton but the numbers soon grew and we outgrew our existing four court training facility. The club moved to Harrow Leisure Centre where it initially hired five courts but again this grew and we now utilise 10 courts every Saturday afternoon, which is the maximum court capacity available in North London and also has a waiting list of members to join.”
“For years I was balancing a family life, study and work – my health and appearance was always last on the list and as a result my weight increased. When I had a bit more time on my hand I decided to join Harpers Fitness. Barry Teasdale, my personal trainer, was fantastic. He gave me support, encouragement and set me a new exercise programme, which was tailored to my needs. It was hard work but my rewards were the dropping dress sizes, losing six stone and my improved health. “
“For years I have suffered from Clinical Depression and relied on anti depressants just to get me through the day. After many years of mental health support I decided to join Harpers and in a bid to make myself feel good. At first I was nervous and wary of what good it could do and often had to fight the tears in the classes. But slowly and surely, week by week, I felt an improvement in my mental health and felt more positive the more I exercised. I’m now completely free from medication and haven’t seen my psychiatrist in years!”
“Whilst playing for my local men’s rugby team I suffered a serious back injury, breaking two vertebrae in my spine. In 2005 I decided to join the gym at Lord Butler Leisure Centre and turn my life around and prove the doctors wrong. I have now finally re-commenced playing rugby for my local team and I have completed two triathlons in both 2005 &2006. I think I lead a relatively normal life but without the support of Harpers Fitness I wouldn’t be able to.”
“I am a strong supporter of the gym staff at Harpers Fitness and the GP referral scheme. Without the dedication and personal support from both Kimberley and Cheryl at Harpers I might still be wheelchair bound. Harpers Fitness at Castle Sports Complex is so friendly – with staff and members always passing on words of encouragement and praise, which helped my confidence when I first joined.”
“I am thrilled to make the shortlist but really quite surprised. I love going to the gym and meeting all my friends – members and staff. I enjoy keeping fit and healthy – it keeps me feeling young and don’t know what I would do without Harpers Fitness.”
“I love going to the gym and meeting all my friends – members and staff. I enjoy keeping fit and healthy – it keeps me feeling young and I don’t know what I would do without Harpers Fitness at Dorking.”
“When I was younger I always wanted to complete the London Marathon. I applied in 2008 and was successful but nervous about how I was going to complete it. Heading down to the gym I spoke to the fitness team and was able to implement a specific training plan, which included personal training sessions. This helped immensely and I am thrilled to say that I was successful in completing the race in four hours and raising over £2000 for Children With Leukemia.”
“I run three times a week and supplement my running with gym activities at Harpers Fitness. Activity is part of my lifestyle and when my husband and I go on our travels my running kit is the first thing to be packed!! “
Katie was one of the first to adopt the Harpers Experience. “When I first went into Harpers Fitness at Peterlee Leisure Centre I was shy, reserved and nervous. I did want to change my appearance and had tried diets previously but never really stuck to them and they didn’t really make a difference. Jason, my trainer, was fantastic. The programme he set was amazing and I quickly saw the results – the pounds were dropping off. I also changed my diet dramatically and now enjoy a healthy balanced diet and exercise six days a week.”
