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A Wirral man has praised the support he received at a local leisure centre after he lost a stone in five weeks through a council-supported fitness programme.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Kevin Martin signed up for an Invigor8 Invigor8 We Are Undefeatable membership through Wirral Council's Active Wirral service. Mr Martin signed up after a health scare at the beginning of the year. Residents over 18 can access the membership if they have a referral from a Wirral-based GP.
Kevin was a regular visitor to the gym when he lived in London, but his fitness declined when he returned to the Wirral during COVID. Lockdown affected his physical health and confidence.
Later, Kevin visited health coach Callum, who recommended the membership to him. Invigor8 gives members access to all six Active Wirral leisure centres for £16 a month for up to three months. The membership also offers help, support and advice to those with health conditions.
Kevin began exercising at Guinea Gap Leisure Centre in Wallasey each morning. He said the benefits have been significant.
"I was overweight, had a fatty liver and pancreas, and was anaemic. I wasn't using my body properly or eating healthily. An Invigor8 We Are Undefeatable membership was a no-brainer because it is the price of a takeaway meal," Kevin said.
He said exercising at the Wallasey leisure centre has been greatly beneficial and made him "much more positive". His motivation has increased, and his weight has decreased.
Wirral Council completed a £1 million investment into Active Wirral Leisure Centres at the beginning of 2026. New fitness machines and equipment were installed at Guinea Gap, West Kirby Concourse, Leasowe Leisure Centre and The Oval as part of a wider transformation programme.
The update includes new cardio and strength training equipment, and inclusive fitness equipment for mobility users.
Kevin praised the facilities and staff at Guinea Gap, saying: "There are so many bits of equipment, you rarely have to wait for anything, as well as there being lots of classes for different abilities at various times of the day. If you're worried about anything – whether that's using a machine, a locker, class timetables or getting here – the staff are really knowledgeable and will help you."
He also highlighted the social benefits, having met new people and made friends at the centre.
Kevin called the gym friendly and praised its community feel. He pointed out that people in the gym are interested in chatting, and acknowledged how it can be hard to make friends when you're older.
Kevin's advice for those signing up to the programme is to start slowly and focus on exercises they enjoy. "If you push yourself too hard at the start, it's more likely that you won't come back," he said. "When you get into a good routine of coming to the gym, you'll naturally want to push yourself more. At the start, it's about enjoying yourself and building consistency."
