Member spotlight on Kevin Cumpsty

Meet Kevin, a longstanding member based at Eccles Leisure Centre for the past 10 years. Kevin loves attending Aqua Zumba classes and tells us why he’s so glad he discovered the class and why it’s so great for his wellbeing and fitness.

‘I’m 73 years old and have type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis in both my knees, hands and fingers. So light and regular exercise activities have always played a part in my life. Covid and the subsequent lockdowns changed my life completely. My wife Carol has vulnerable health issues, so we almost didn’t leave our home for over two years during the various lockdowns. That resulted in a lack of exercise and comfort eating. Our weight substantially increased, and my diabetes was completely out of control. My knees had deteriorated, I was having difficulty walking and in a lot of pain.

Once the leisure centres reopened, I worked out a gym programme with my physiotherapist and started to make some progress. I used to love my aqua classes prior to the pandemic, but the previous coach didn’t return after lockdown and was replaced by Becky King with her Aqua Zumba classes.

I was sceptical particularly ‘dancing’ with my arthritis issues, but I went along to one of Becky’s classes and it was great! I spoke with Becky after the class and told her about my issues, she was responsive and encouraged me to attend more classes and I’m so glad I did. I now attend Becky’s classes 2 or 3 times a week and have done for the past 6 months.

Being in the water is great for me, I feel supported, so my balance issues are not as obvious. The water also creates resistance making the exercise more effective, and of course my knees are supported. My wife Carol also attends the classes; she loves them too.

I would encourage anyone with weight, balance, or joint concerns to consider Aqua Zumba classes. I have lost all my lockdown weight, over 12kg so far and more importantly my blood pressure, cholesterol and Hba1c are all back in normal range.

I’m so grateful to Becky, I love my Aqua Zumba classes and they have improved my whole physical health. Becky is a great all-inclusive coach, and I am now considering adding Becky’s Zumba Gold classes to my programme to help improve my aerobic capacity.

My wife and I are both over 70 with only our pensions as income, so we enjoy the fact that for £54 a year we have access to all these great facilities and classes, it’s just a pound a week!

I love my Eccles Leisure Centre, the team are so supportive and always available to give support and advice, I love the centre and its facilities, and I hope I can use it for many years to come’.

We love having you too Kevin! If you’d like to check out our aqua aerobics classes or any other group exercise classes check them out here.

View the class timetable.