This entry was posted on Monday, November 11th, 2013at 11:18 am by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Ted’s Incredible 3 Stone Weight Loss In 12 Weeks Helps His Diabetes

Exercise and diet have helped a Lincoln man to lose 3 stone in just 12 weeks – but more importantly it is helping to bring his diabetes under control.

Ted Vobe, 78, took up the challenge after being refused a double hip replacement operation due to his weight. Following a visit to his GP he was given a place on an Exercise Referral programme at Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre and he hasn’t looked back since!

The former RAF Jujitsu Heavyweight fighter said: “I feel so much better for it. I really would encourage other people to take up the challenge, no matter what their age or weight.

“I have watched some people come in the gym, try a machine for a few minutes and then just walk away. That’s the worst thing you can do. I know better than most that it’s hard work. But you need to have determination to do this. As they say it’s no pain, no gain.”

 The Exercise Referral Programme is a public health sponsored scheme for adults aged 18 plus with specific medical conditions. Throughout Lincolnshire the service has more than 4,000 patients taking part each year. The aim is to increase activity levels and fitness in general through using a number of one to one sessions with trained GP Referral specialists. The free 12-week programme is individually tailored to meet the patient’s needs. Individuals may reduce medication, increase their fitness level, feel and look better after completing the 12-week course.

Joanna Blackwell is from City Of Lincoln Council’s Healthy Lifestyles Team which helps to co-ordinate the scheme. She said: “The Healthy Lifestyles Team has been supporting local people for over 10 years and is pleased to be working with partners including Active Nation to provide people with opportunities and fantastic support to help them change their lives for the better. We would like to congratulate Mr Vobe on his success so far and it’s great to hear that he is feeling so much better because of it.”

When he first started his new regime Ted was taking 120 tablets a week, this has already been reduced to 90 and will fall further if tests show that his blood sugar levels are falling to within a healthy range.

Ted’s hips cause him a lot of pain and he has to pace himself in the gym and listen to his body. The retired civil servant, who also likes to lift weights while sitting in his chair at home, added: “I have to know my own limits, but it’s definitely worth it. I feel like a new man.

“I also managed to swim 4 lengths for the first time in 30 years, this really is making such a difference to how I feel.”

• Yarborough Leisure Centre has launched a new class for GP Referral Clients like Ted. Movement That Matters will runs on Wednesdays from 12:00pm to 12:45pm in the studio. The circuits based class is designed to enhance quality of life by using kettlebells, sandbags and bodyweight exercises to increase strength, mobility, power and coordination for everyday tasks. For more information or to book give us a call on 01522 873600.