Member Spotlight: Meet Shaun

This month, our member spotlight is shining on someone who is truly committed to getting the most out of their SCL Membership. Meet Shaun, a member at Swinton & Pendlebury Leisure Centre.

Shaun, 50 has been an SCL member for over 5 years and the SCL leisure centres have formed a large part of his fitness journey to date.

‘I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in my early 40s and decided that some serious lifestyle changes were needed. That’s when I joined my local SCL gym (Swinton). 

From there, I got into fitness classes. That lead me to exploring the different SCL sites to see what they offer and which classes are on where.

The variety of classes and instructors is ideal for my fitness needs. The instructors are always helpful and offer advice and guidance to ensure I can achieve my fitness goals. They are happy to work with you within your ability, while also pushing you to achieve the best you can. Having access to different centres means I can plan my classes week by week to fit in with work and the variety of classes means I can ensure I get the right mix of strength and cardio workouts. The social side of SCL is great too, I’ve met great, likeminded people with a love of exercise and fitness.

More recently, I have gotten quite involved with open water swimming. For that, I go down to Salford Watersports Centre, at the quays. It’s a really friendly, welcoming site with nice changing rooms and warm showers. What more do you want! They offer swimming lessons to new open water swimmers, and there are loads of other watersports you can try there too. It’s well worth a visit. 

Changing my lifestyle at my own pace has been a game changer. I was put into diabetic remission 2 years ago, with my blood pressure and cholesterol well below the average level for my age.

I now compete in numerous triathlons every year and have recently completed a Coniston end to end swim (5.25 miles) in 2 hours 49 minutes! My goals for 2023 are to complete my first half iron distance triathlon, swim Ullswater Lake end to end and a variety of other events.

SCL will continue to form a large part of my training for many years to come’.

All the best, Shaun, with your forthcoming events and races, from everyone at SCL! We hope to be able to catch up with you for a further Member Spotlight in the future!