"The local Ffit Conwy gym is my lifeline"

September 18th is National Fitness Day, UK’s biggest celebration of health and fitness, with this year’s theme focussing on ‘Your Health is for Life’.

For Terry Price from Deganwy, the Ffit Conwy gym has become part of his weekly routine to live a healthier life.

After a series of health scares, Terry not only now enjoys the gym, but also sees it as his lifeline. Terry, 74, was diagnosed with angina in 2003, this was followed by a series of heart problems, surgical procedures and most recently a stroke in 2016.

As a member of Ffit Conwy, he attends Colwyn Leisure Centre’s gym twice a week.

Terry passionately speaks about how exercise and its countless benefits have changed his life, he said:

“Over the past 20 years, I have been living with many heart conditions, have had nine stents fitted, a heart attack, a quadruple bypass and then a stroke.

“After my stroke, I had a referral induction at the gym, to help with rehabilitation. Since then I haven’t looked back. I go to the gym at Colwyn once or twice a week for about an hour and a half each time. The facilities and equipment are brilliant and the centre’s staff are very friendly and helpful. It’s not intimidating at all.

“I have also encouraged my wife to join me, and now we enjoy going together. The way I think of going to the gym is - if I don't go to the gym, I'm dead!”

Conwy County Borough Council’s Ffit Conwy has seven gyms, four swimming pools, and over 200 fitness classes all taking place within ten leisure centres across the county of Conwy.

Mark Orme, Ffit Conwy Leisure Fitness Manager said:

“There has never been more evidence that moving our bodies is essential for us to feel well, both mentally and physically. Across the UK today, physical activity is helping millions of people living with cancer, type 2 diabetes, skeletal and muscular pain, depression, anxiety, and many other conditions.

“Ffit Conwy are proud to have fantastic facilities where everyone can get active. Our team are there to provide support to those looking to make small steps towards a lifestyle change which can both protect and improve their health.”

Inclusive Membership offers senior citizens 40% discount, giving access to all leisure centres and pools in Conwy, with many sessions tailored to older adults by a highly qualified fitness team.