It takes effort and support

Over the next few weeks, my Blog will focus on the people and organisations who's services and facilities I utilise during my normal fitness and cycling endeavours. It really goes without saying that Sarah provides unrivalled support in many ways, but more on that in future Blogs.

Today I am bringing into focus the drive and support provided through my membership of The Fitness Hub Gym in Portishead - Everybody's Gym.

Privately owned by Andy and Claire Cleeves, the Gym provides a fantastic environment for all abilities and age groups to challenge themselves and develop as athletes, champions or to improve oneself any way in which each individaul is motivated.

Claire

Andy

We joined three years ago following a decision to alter our lifestyle and become more active. Having been a keen footballer, runner and cyclist in my younger days, too much food and wine had brought about an unfortunate after work lazy approach.

Initially we engaged in the normal Gym routines but soon advanced into classes and specific work-out routines. For me this involved a near obsession to the Spin bike, since when I haven't looked back and have now even got Sarah hooked.

Home for three hours per week!

Following Andy and Claires brave move to new premises with a massive financial outlay, the Gym has gone from strength to strength and we have embraced the new outlook, and we are fully committed to life at The hub. Our fitness regime now includes the normal Spin sessions ( three hours per week) together with two Bootcamps, and circuits for me with Sarah doing Spin and HIIT, Sculpt & Tone together with circuits and PT sessions.

The 'new' Hub

I am often asked "how do you find time to do all of that?" my response is "I don't find time, I make time to do it" - you have to build it into your day and not just add it on when you can! Having been 'poorly' for nearly two weeks now I am climbing the walls having not seen the inside of the gym for so long!

But The Hub isn't just about working-out and building muscle or cardio sessions. Andy & Claire are committed to those less fortunate and have over the last few years done many fund raising challenges, none more so than a 12 hour Spin challenge and most recently a team of 9 Gym members doing a 4,000 Burpees challenge in one hour it was awesome!

 For those of you less familiar with Burpees, it is only a proper Burpee with a press-up in the middle section! As Andy says, Prada burpees and not Primark burpees! Having stood and watched the hour challenge, I was in awe of the participants and their achievements, none more so than Andy himself who completed nearly 600, yes 600 in the hour - some achievement let me tell you.

There is nothing pretentious about The Hub, people can relax in their work-out and the girls have their own zone to feel comfortable in - all well thought out and appreciated. So it is The Hub and the staff, coupled with my fellow members that are responsible for getting me in shape, keeping me inspired to do more and supporting me in my quest.

Everybody needs good people around them, Andy and Claire have that, I have that and I am always grateful for the friendship and support I get.

Me and Andy at the end of a seven week Bootcamp

Next week, Bikes and bits - stay safe and stay fit.

"Back from Boro"

After last Aprils ride from Crewe to Yeovil, next April sees another challenge - Middlesbrough to Yeovil. So just 334 miles of cycling over 4 1/2 days - only this time my wife Sarah and son George are joining me!

For the last few weeks we have been adding to our resouces of cycling kit in preparation for the winter months of training, including new lights, jackets, tops, shoes and shorts together with the investment in two new bikes.

Scott CR1

For me a Scott CR1 carbon road bike and for Sarah a Giant Avail ladies road bike, Goerge however needs to buy his own and replace my10 year old Halfords 'special'. These purchases I see as investments - investments into a sport we have grown to love and one which at least Sarah and I can do together.

Initailly my concerns were that Sarah may be able to ride for a few miles but long distances are clearly something else - these concerns were soon eleviated last weekend when our first serious training ride took us to Chepstow and back- a total of nearly 44 miles - a great start even if it did hammer down with rain all the way back - Sarah cycled well with lots of leg strength maintaining over 20mph for several miles on the flat. Her initial nervousness on the road was soon overcome as confidence grew.

What is pleasing is that we both put a lot of effort into our gym work at The Fitness Hub in Portishead, and that clearly pays off when you need to dig deep into your energy resouces and power your way through the wind and rain! - Our weekly regime includes Bootcamps, Circuits, HIIT, Sculpt &Tone, PT sessions and of course 3 Spin sessions per week - all of this will help us meet our challenge and prepare well for the miles ahead.

The Fitness hub - everybodys Gym

But not everything goes to plan - for the last week I have been struck down by some mysterious digestive related issue, coupled with a bit of light headedness, tiredness and lack of motivation. May be the operative word here is 'tiredness' - perhaps over training and lack of appropriate rest for a 52 year old!

Still, hopefully on the mend soon and able to get back on the bike, back in the Spin studio and back to Bootcamps - I miss the buzz of it all.

Spin Studio - The Fitness Hub

So, our planning is well under way, the first few training miles have been done and we now need to focus on the next five months of hitting the tarmac - I guess 2,000 miles of training should be enough! - will keep you up to date with progress.

Whatever your challenge - good luck and go for it.