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Westgate Leisure

Welcome to Westgate Leisure

Offering some of the best leisure facilities on the south coast Westgate Leisure, which is run by Chichester District Council, has something to offer everyone. Our dedicated team are available to offer you the very best customer care and support. Whether you want to participate for fun, fitness, or relaxation, our centres can meet all of your needs. You don't have to be a member to use Westgate Leisure, but for those who want membership to our facilities, we offer our Westgate Premier package.

So welcome to the fit blog. We've both started our fitness regime and you can read about how we are getting on below...

17/04/2012- Vicky's Blog

Oh dear! Two weeks of school holidays and not being able to get to the gym meant that my first visit back left me a tad stiff and creaky. That said, I slipped back into my programme with ease and, having kept up the exercises that David has given me to do at home, didn’t struggle too much. Off to Westgate again today, so hopefully my muscles will be less shocked afterwards than they were yesterday. Nice to chat to some of the friendly staff and to treat myself to a coffee and a flip through the newspaper in the café afterwards – I’m really feeling at home down there now.

11/04/2012- Ryan's Blog

So all is going well, had over a week off due to a cough, man flu, weakness call it what you will!!! So a couple of texts from David “where are you” means that now I’m pretty much recovered (or have to recover) and my early morning shifts at the gym will start again. Time to get back on it. Can’t wait, I’ve made great progress under David’s tuition, I’ve got loads more energy than I used to have and with summer on the horizon I’ll soon be able to go all Hasslehoff on the beach….you’ve been warned…!!!!

30/03/2012- Vicky's Blog

Well, who could have predicted that I would be swishing around a gym, confident and without a care in the world? But that’s where I’m at, and it’s all due to the kindness, patience, encouragement and all round good eggness of David at Westgate. And yesterday, with the sun streaming through the windows, I really enjoyed my session and left with my heart lifted and my abs that bit firmer. To those who have never had a confidence issue in a gym environment my fears no doubt seem daft, but I know I’m not alone in my anxieties and to those of you like me, I cannot recommend Westgate highly enough. So, as the annual chocolate fest approaches I’m less bothered about my natural greed; I know I can hit the gym and sweat out the dairy milk!

12/03/2012- Vicky's Blog

The best laid plans… last week was a bit of a gym washout for me; sickness struck and I had to stay home with my little one. But thanks to David’s handy ‘sitting room floor’ exercises I was able to at least keep up with the work on my core (although the Dead Bug makes me want to say very rude words!). But onwards and upwards, and hopefully next week, now that poorly child has regained her bounce, I can get back into the swing of my regular Westgate visits. Wow! I never thought I would be saying that I missed trips to a gym! But then Westgate is in a class of its own.  

12/03/2012-Ryan's Blog

At 7 am this morning I had another session with David, crazy you may think but it’s not, it’s a great way to start the week. BOOOOOM 1 hour of personal training and you’re set for the day. Granted after some leg work I’m walking like a cross between Max Walls Professor Wallofski and Robocop but hey it’s doing me some good. I’m a 30 something dad so I have a bit of a belly and that needs to go but the rest of me is toning up nicely thanks to David’s targeted plans. Love it.

24/02/2012- Vicky's Blog

So, after a half term of being poorly and consoling myself with cake, David decided that it was time to give my core muscles a proper going over. Suffice to say that this morning I feel as if I have been kicked in the stomach by cart horse – ouch! But it is undeniably a ‘good’ pain and the best thing of all is that all these core exercises can be done at home (in front of Corrie!). As a busy working mum, with a husband whose working hours are far from conventional, time is a commodity that I have precious little of and so getting to the gym several times a week is tricky. Thanks to David I can now do enough at home to make the couple of times I do get to the gym still really count, which is a huge help in helping me to stay motivated. Now all I need to do is stay off the cakes – thank goodness for Lent!

24/02/2012-Ryan's Blog-I’ve got the bug!!

The dead bug in fact, this is one of the exercises David has given me for the abs. It’s incredible. Next time you are up there give him a nudge and ask him about it.

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20/02/2012- Ryans Blog

Fit friends is going really well. Now I have the routine and the diet changes all under control it’s all very easy. I can see results so that’s good so it’s just down to me to keep going. A lot of people drop out of the gym in February but with my own self-motivation and with Dave keeping me on track it’s not hard to see the benefits of continued “gyming” if that’s a word?

I’ve had a few program changes along the way and this keeps it all fresh and fun, no one likes doing the same thing over and over again……..unless its eating cake!!

3/02/2012- Vicky's Blog

Spring in my step...

Considering the aches and pains I had after my first full-on session I was anticipating agony when I returned for my second jaunt around the gym with David. It was, therefore, an extremely pleasant surprise to discover that my fears were unfounded. I won’t say that I skipped down the stairs afterwards, but they caused me no bother and I left Westgate with a spring in my step and a song in my heart (there’s no doubt about it; this exercise malarkey definitely boosts your mood).

Another factor that helped was taking David’s advice and splashing out on a decent pair of trainers. I had no idea that they could make such a difference. So, on we go.

My next session will see me trying to navigate my way through my programme on my own – although David promises me that he will come running if I get stuck. This is big step for me. The gym environment has always terrified me before and going solo does give me the heebie jeebies. But they seem to be such a friendly bunch at Westgate that I do feel something approaching confidence! Watch this space and find out how I get on…

1/2/2012 - Ryan's Blog

The Hips don't lie...

So I started going to Westgate Leisure 24 days ago. I've still got loads of work to do but  thought I would share my measurements with you……if you don’t mind that is?

Saturday 7th January:       Tuesday 31st January   Difference in 24 days
Shoulders: 48.8 Inches      48.2 Inches                   - 0.6 Inches
Waist: 41.3 Inches             39.6 Inches                   - 1.7 Inches
Chest: 42.9Inches              40.7 Inches                   - 2.2 Inches
Hips: 42.5 Inches               40.1 Inches                    - 2.4 Inches
Thigh: 21.5 Inches              20 Inches                      - 0.5 Inches

Quite simply, the bespoke fitness plans Westgate Leisure provide work, but only if you work!

See you up there maybe? Don't be late....

26/1/2012 - Vicky's Blog

Ooh me muscles! My first proper full-on session with David yesterday has left me in need of a very hot bath. But that said, and this is the weird bit, I can’t wait to do it again.

The big difference was having David encouraging me; telling me that I could do it and pushing me at points when, left to my own devices, I would almost certainly have given up. So, I know for a fact now that I respond better to the carrot than the stick! I’ll admit that it was the equipment that demanded stamina of me that really challenged me – the cross trainer almost did for me and the bike caused me to utter words that I’d never get away with on the radio.

But nothing ruffles David’s fantastically calm feathers and he took the rantings of this unfit chubber completely in his stride. Another lovely factor was the fact that other gym users were so welcoming; smiles of encouragement and a genuinely friendly atmosphere. And the new equipment is almost idiot proof, so when I finally let David leave my side I am pretty confident that I will be able to work all the kit myself. Right, I’m off to make myself a cuppa, which will mean getting off my stiff (but soon-to-be toned) bum off the chair and up the stairs. Ouch!

26/1/2012 - Ryan's Blog

So I’ve previously spent time with the doctor worrying about those things a thirty something parent worries about. I was also diagnosed a couple of years ago with a high cholesterol. Whilst I don’t have a fry up every day or periodically inject my veins with melted camembert I still tried to convince the doctor that I ate like Rosemary Conley and probably did enough exercise.

Now whilst an element of my cholesterol is hereditary the Doc did turn to me and say, “you have a bit of a belly, and like most people you need to eat less/even less lard and move more. What you put in is what you get out. Eat cake, you’ll look like a cake”. It’s true.

So imagine my delight after only a few weeks of training to know that I’ve started to shift some pounds and I’ve also started to tone up a bit. Great stuff, all by making some simple changes to the diet and some challenging training sessions with David at Westgate Leisure.

22/1/2012 - Joint Blog...Enjoy our Fitness Video...

Sweatsgate...

17/1/2012 - Vicky's Blog

Today David devised a programme for me and then took me through it. The key system is genius! Like a memory stick, it holds all the info, so that all you have to do at each bit of equipment is shove the key in and you're off. No fannying about trying to remember details like how many reps, etc; this clever little device does all the thinking for you.

My programme lasts about 45 mins, which still leaves me with quarter-of-an-hour to hop in the shower afterwards and get to the school gates in time to collect the bambino. Perfect. I have told David that I want to concentrate on boosting my core stability to help with an old dancing injury. Now that I'm knocking on a bit the war wound flares up more frequently and leaves me in need of physiotherapy.

I also want to shape up and get fit. So, does the marvellous David think I can hack it? You bet he does! So positive, so enthusiastic and so supportive – he really is my hero! And between sessions at Westgate Ryan and I are trying to incorporate keeping fit into our working day at Spirit Towers: crunches in the car park, stretches in the studio and knee bends in the news room. And you know what? It's fun. And I never in a million years thought I would say that about exercise. 

17/1/2012 - Ryan's Blog 

Feeling great after a few sessions with David. I’ve got a couple of programs that David has scheduled for me, each of them working different parts of my now “organically fed” body which gives me a focus when I get into Westgate. What I love about the Westgate is that it’s not just the staff that are all very friendly and helpful but the other members are all walking/running/squatting/lunging around with smiles on their faces. Such a great atmosphere up there and it’s fun!

So that’s me for now, maybe see you up there sometime, I’ll be the one wearing a Spirit FM T-shirt. If I’m walking around like Robocop then you know I’ve just had “leg session” with Dave..

Sore-ted for the Weekend.....

15/1/12 - Ryan's Blog

So I write with slightly stiff and sore muscles after quite an intensive PT session with David over the weekend. We had a session on “the legs” as building these up can help my training performance overall. It did involve going to those areas of the gym that I’d never ventured to before but David explained what to do and how to do it properly so all was good. Funny though because although I can count to ten quite quickly now I’m 34, when you have a couple of weights in your hands, are working quite hard and in a controlled way, counting to ten takes quite a while!

I also did that thing over the weekend, you know that thing we do by the mirror, we stand sideways and breathe in slightly and convince ourselves that we’ve lost weight? Well I did that without breathing in and through a lot of healthy eating and a few challenging workouts I think I can already see the difference the training is making. Either that or I was standing a bit further away from the mirror than usual!

Speak soon and if you're in the gym come and say hello.......(bring oxygen)

And they're off.......

11/1/12 - Vicky's Blog

Yikes! David put me through my paces today as he assessed my general fitness level. While I was on the treadmill, puffing like an asthmatic octogenarian, David and I chatted further about my ‘gymphobia’ – the fact that gyms have always left me feeling anxious and out of my comfort zone. Again, this lovely and very patient man reassured me (I think he realises that it’s going to be a bit Groundhog Day in this respect for a while yet!).

The good news is that I’m not as clapped out as I thought I might be; while by no means should you pin any Olympic hopes on me, I didn’t collapse in a dribbling heap. So, next time we start training proper, and in the meantime David has sent me some dietary changes to try.

Bye bye junk food – but  hello thighs of Kylie!

11/1/12 - Ryan's Blog

So boom off we go with Fit Friends, I hit the gym with David for an hours personal training. An hour later I hit the floor …in a heap…..I jest. It was a challenging session but I actually felt great afterwards. The bespoke plan that David had carefully put together for me was not so hard that I didn’t enjoy it, but not so easy that I could actually communicate clearly in my final few seconds of the treadmill!!!

Davids plan took me to areas of the gym that I had never been to before because to be honest I didn’t know how to use the equipment. Under careful and expert supervision David taught me the techniques to use the equipment effectively to help me reach those goals that I previously mentioned.

What has also been great is that Vicky is in the same boat as me, not literally but we’re enjoying the same challenges and we are really egging each other on.

That brings me on to another subject, Eggs. Poached in fact, for breakfast, before I go to the gym. Full of protein which apparently aids my recovery after a workout! I learnt that from David who also advises us on what we should and shouldn’t eat. Yep, that David, he’s good.

9/1/2012 - Vicky's Blog

So, here I am in my mid 40s and somehow over the past ten years I have gained an extra two stone (I'm an old bird so I only do weight in old money). And as well as piling on the lard, the aging process, childbirth and generally failing to shift my backside often enough has left me with pretty rubbish fitness levels - I get puffed out just reaching for the biscuit tin these days.

Signing up for Spirit FM's Fit Friends, therefore, is an overdue commitment on my part, and I'm really hoping that David, our amazing personal trainer, can help me overhaul my body and focus my mind on making positive changes.

My first session with him was a comprehensive chat that covered my fear of gyms (like many people, I find the gym environment intimidating, frightening and full of people who look so lean and lovely that all my inadequacies come roaring to the surface), a thorough inspection of my diet and lifestyle and a rundown of all my injuries and medical complaints.

On Tuesday next week I have my first session, but David has promised me that he will hold my hand all the way. This could prove tricky in terms of logistics (ever tried holding hands while on a treadmill?!) but I really do appreciate the support; for the first time ever I feel as if I really CAN do this.

Thanks to David I feel as if I'm not on my own, which is lovely and makes a big difference to my attitude. Knowing that Ryan is also on the same journey is also encouraging - we can keep each other's snouts out of the tuck box at Spirit Towers!

9/1/2012 - Ryan's Blog

I've had gym inductions elsewhere when the "instructor" has basically said "hello do what you want", well ok but if I do what I want it won't be anywhere near a gym and will probably be watching the football in a pub or on the sofa eating cake! Why? Because I'm a 30 something bloke who thinks his days of peak fitness are gone and the thought of going to the gym is about as inviting as peeling your eyeballs!!

Gyms can be a bit scary to joe bloggs can't they? Populated by the really fit people with more muscles on show than a fishmonger. There's the people that talk very loudly to ensure that we all know that they know the instructors whilst they perform exercises that look like they belong in a fancy game of twister and then there's the people who lift weights heavier than your grandma and parade around the free weight section in a manner that gives the perception of them having trapped wind. Right?

Well imagine my delight when I arrived at Westgate and it wasn't full of these types, it was full of me's and Vicky's and you’s! Great, friendly I thought. I was right. Alongside that, Westgate has friendly instructors who ask what you want to achieve and work with you to explain how you can both help achieve those goals realistically.

Our instructor David is very thorough, extremely helpful and fun to work with. Fitness plan aside the message is work together and with friends in the gym and you'll achieve more, and you'll do it with a smile on your face (a slightly strained one at times).

I can't wait to get down there later this week with Vicky and to finally get Spirit FM's Fit Friends show on the road.....well the treadmill (easier on the knees)