Alex Herschell (83) has been attending MenActive at Fortitude Fitness since April 2019 taking part in regular physical activity, and here is his case study.
Alex previously worked as a teacher of Chemistry and Biology at local High Schools, and since retiring from employment has took up fell walking across the peaks of the Lake District.
A programme that Alex attends, MenActive - takes place every Monday morning (11am-12pm) at Fortitude Fitness in Poulton-le-Fylde - targets males over the age of 50 years old wanting to improve their cardiovascular fitness, strength, stamina, core stability and overall self-esteem through various styles of circuit training.
As part of the project each male gets regular measurements taken whilst also monitoring fat and muscle mass percentages. Over the past six months, local residents that attend the weekly sessions have lost over 7 stone and reduced their waistline by 28.2cm in total.
Alex’s main aim when he began was to improve his range of movement around his hips and knees due to his arthritis. Over the past four months he has seen a decrease in his body weight and likewise his muscle mass has increased by 9%. This has led to him being able to move better and complete everyday tasks like going up and down the stairs pain free.
We spoke to Alex about his participation and he added: “I find the gym very sole less, whereas with MenActive we have a great group of gentleman that all contribute socially and have physically progressed immensely. My flexibility and strength, particularly around my knees and hips have improved, meaning therefore my general wellbeing has improved.”
Project lead, John Hartley added: “Alex’s fitness levels have progressed incredibly which is demonstrated each week when he competes with men thirty years younger than him during the circuits. The sessions are very much aimed to improve everybody’s fitness, but is also very much an opportunity for these gentleman to meet new friends and chat about weekly events.”
If you would like further information about the weekly session or would like to take part please call (01253) 208442.