This entry was posted on Thursday, July 12th, 2012at 12:57 pm by anadmin

Laura’s Active Lifestyle An Example To Us All

Laura Martin, mother of three, career woman and volunteer in the community is a role model for all of us.

Laura still finds time to stay active 5 times a week juggling with her extremely busy lifestyle and her part-time studies at Itchen College.

Laura has been using Chamberlayne and Bitterne leisure centres for the last 8 years. She decided to become more active in August 2010 after “freezing” her membership following the birth of her third child. Nearly a year down the line what has Laura achieved?

In August 2010 Laura was 11 stone and 13lbs. Her challenge was to lose weight for her 29th birthday. She is now 9 stone and 2lbs. At first Laura was only going to the gym in order to regain a decent level of fitness. To get back on track she was offered a tailor made personal programme by one of our instructors that was reviewed after 10 weeks. Her typical workout consisted in cardiovascular and weight training. Laura managed to lose 2 ½ stone in 28 weeks!

She now manages her own programme and monitors her progress herself. Her training is very varied including fitness classes on top of her workout in the gym. She particularly enjoys Body Combat, Zumba, Vibe Cycle and Ab Attack classes. Laura said “these classes include a wide range of exercises offering a full body workout. Instructors really motivate participants and the ‘regulars’ and new faces make it fun, sociable and encouraging. I have recommended friends to come along who now attend regularly. I also find that classes and the group fitness timetable really fit in with life style and family”.

Laura added: “Although the initial commitment has come from me, I truly believe that due to all the friendly, helpful and caring members of staff that work there, it has encouraged me to come back and use your facilities, classes and children’s events as regularly as 5 times per week”.

Laura became healthier and fitter by radically changing her diet making her feel better about herself and giving her more energy.

Busy family life and promising career!

Laura works night shifts (7pm-7am) manufacturing contact lenses. She has three children: Heidi (5), Isla (3) and Ethan (13 months). They have all used the crèche at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre.

Laura commented: “The crèche has made such a great difference to my life. My children learn to share and socialise with other kids. They discover the rules of pre-school before they even attend pre-school. It also keeps them active and allows me to do my workout or go to a class and not to worry about them as I know they are being cared for by very qualified staff”.

Laura encourages her children to be more active and regularly sends them to dance and gymnastic classes. She also has persuaded her husband to get into swimming!

Volunteering in the community

Laura is back at College and recently got a qualification in Childcare – a NVQ Level 2 in The Children and Young People’s Workforce. She also volunteers at Kanes Hill Pre-school, up to 9 hours per week and also Chamberlayne Holiday Club.

Well done Laura! Keep up the good work! The Active Nation Team is so proud of your extraordinary commitment to fitness and the major role you play in the community.