Meet Cornelius O’Keefe, a long-standing member at SCL. At 62 years young, Cornelius enjoys exercising at several of the SCL Leisure Centres.

Read his inspiring story here:

“I started my wellness journey in September 2016, as part of a 3-month program set up between Salford GP’S, and SCL. I weighed in at 17.5 stone and was totally unfit.”

Those first three months did not go too well, my mindset was negative, until I was introduced to other members, and more importantly, encouraged to exercise on the equipment more efficiently. This encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to progress. My weight was slowly coming down, and my fitness levels increased. I was invited onto the Spin bikes by Janet, and soon I was hooked. At this point my confidence was blossoming, and I joined other classes such as Body Pump, Hit step, Kettle bell, and my favourite class, Pilates.

2019, and at a healthier weight of 13.6, after many years of putting it off, I learnt how to swim, with SCL’s adult classes. Spurred on by this, I competed in my first Sprint Triathlon finishing 6th in the 60+ group.

Sadly, in July 2020, I went through a major mental health breakdown, and my SCL family has played a major role in my recovery. Supported by my angel Marie Leather, former Sport & Leisure Manager and my other angels, all the SCL instructors, I made a full recovery.

2020 was a challenging year for us all, but gradually, I managed to get back to full fitness, and in May 2021, I competed in my second Sprint Triathlon, knocking 10 minutes of my previous, and came 4th in my age group. My next goal is to compete in another Triathlon in 2021 and try and get under the 2hr mark. I now enjoy open water swimming at Salford Quays.

I cannot thank enough the team at SCL, and all my gym friends, for supporting me on my journey, and I look forward to many more years of health, and happiness.

Find out more about the gym membership on offer and join today! 

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