Andy McDonald, a Health Club member who joined Ribby Hall Village on 31st March 2009 is celebrating losing a record TEN stone in just TEN months!
Husband and father-of-two Andy, became inspired by a story in the Blackpool Gazette by the news editor, Jon Rhodes, who had run the New York marathon. The story really struck a chord with Andy, and he decided to finally do something about his health and fitness levels.
Andy, and his wife and children, joined Ribby Hall Village and, although Andy initially joined to lose weight, it has now become a lifestyle choice.
“I’m addicted,” comments Andy, “From the moment I walked in the front door the friendly, welcoming atmosphere made me feel comfortable and not intimidated. I don’t have a goal or target weight; I just really enjoy the exercise and the social element and want to keep on coming. ”
Andy uses all the facilities and equipment and his family are equally addicted, buying each other presents of a personal training session with trainer, Tony Albanese. Despite the fact that Andy’s wife is a Baker starting work at 4.30am and finishing at 6.30pm plus the family live near Thornton Cleveley’s, she still makes regular trips to Ribby Hall Village with her daughter after work to wind down. Andy comes several times per week, usually with his son, to spend a few hours in the gym lifting weights, working out and socialising.
Andy, who jokes his favourite form of exercise is “lifting a beer in the bar afterwards”, now can’t imagine not coming to Ribby Hall Village. “Being a member here is not just a health purchase, it’s a lifestyle purchase. As well as a gym there are swimming pools, fitness classes, racquet sports, a bar, a shop and Starbucks. Everyone’s really friendly and me and my family are thoroughly enjoying the benefits.”