Meet The Member – Kim

Our team
were very privileged to meet the wonderful Kim Underwood on a recent visit to
Tipton Leisure Centre.
Kim has
been a One Card member for over eight years, and we were keen to find out more
about her fantastic weight loss and enthusiasm for life.
Tell us
about your fitness journey?
I’ve always been
conscious about having a healthy lifestyle after losing my Dad to a heart
attack when I was just sixteen.
The prompt for me to get
fit was attending the centre and watching my son have his swimming lessons. I
really wanted to lead a fitter and healthier lifestyle for him. My weight had
reached 24 ½ stone, so it was time for me to take action.
I started by attending
gym sessions, and this expanded into classes through the encouragement of
Karen, a long-standing member of the team at Tipton Leisure Centre.
Chris and John have
been wonderful with their ongoing support, ensuring I keep pushing myself and
to stay motivated.
Is there
any reason you use Tipton and Wednesbury Leisure Centre?
My own mental health
struggled after a long-term marriage breakdown, but the SLT team at both
centres offered me amazing support and encouragement. The regular gym sessions
with a wide range of classes, delivered by amazing instructors, proved to be
life changing for me. Everyone is so friendly.
How does
SLT meet your needs?
What more can you
want? Great gym equipment, a huge selection of uplifting fitness classes and
wonderful staff throughout. The team also offered support to overcome a nasty
calf injury I suffered.
How did you get advice about diet?
Slimming World were
excellent in their advice on diet and nutrition. The healthy eating plan
combined with my SLT workouts helped me loose half my bodyweight. I now weigh under
12 stone!
What
motivates you to keep going?
Don’t get me wrong,
some days I wake up feeling lousy, but once I swipe into my class or gym
session at reception, I’m ready for action. I know the feeling I have when I’ve
finished will be amazing and give me a lift for the rest of the day. The
satisfaction of “I’ve done it!” is something I love.
Can you
offer and advice for anyone thinking of starting a healthier lifestyle?
It’s too easy to do
nothing, sign up today and it will make a difference to your mental and physical health.
Don’t be embarrassed,
it really doesn’t matter about your size or strength, SLT can help you achieve
your personal goals whatever they may be. I’m so grateful for the new levels
I’ve reached here at Tipton Leisure Centre.
I’m always
encouraging friends to come along and join. Make 2023 about you!
Do you
follow SLT on social media?
Yes, I follow SLT on
Facebook and Instagram. I can’t wait to see some photos taken today to
support this interview.