Penlan mum sheds stones for summer

A Penlan woman who’s shed nearly five stone since the autumn says a regular gym routine has changed her life.

Kelly Cullen, a mum-of-three, started going to Swansea Council’s Penlan Leisure Centre five times a week in October and has now lost about 60 pounds in weight.

The 39-year-old now feels she’s ready to commit to a lifelong programme of regular exercise having never imagined that would be the case this time last year.

Kelly said: “My confidence was low when I first stated going to the gym but my self-esteem quickly improved and I soon became motivated.

“Going to the gym becomes a positive habit and the staff at Penlan Leisure Centre are very friendly and approachable. There’s absolutely no need for anyone to be intimidated by using a gym because many gym users are in the same boat.

“I’ve actually reached a stage now where my energy levels drop if I miss a few sessions at the gym and I’m hoping I’ll continue to exercise regularly for the rest of my life. The gym has improved my health, well-being and my confidence. I never thought exercise could be so addictive.”

Kelly’s combined her visits to the leisure centre with a healthier diet and is now planning on cutting down her number of weekly visits in a drive to maintain her current fitness levels in the long-term.

Swansea Council has five Active Swansea Leisure Centres in Bishopston, Cefn Hengoed, Morriston, Penlan and Penyrheol. A range of memberships is available to cater for all ages and time commitments and membership at one centre means members get access to all. Membership schemes include access to swimming, fitness suites, fitness classes and racquet sports.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “What Kelly has done is an example to everyone about what can be achieved with the right levels of dedication and motivation.

“We have a network of community leisure centres that offer access to fitness suites, expert instructors, fitness classes and a range of sports and I’d urge anyone looking to improve their fitness levels or lose weight to find out what’s available.

“The first step to improving your health and well-being is normally the toughest but people like Karen show there’s no need to be put off by leisure centres and that the end results can be life-changing.”

Visit activeswansea.com to see what's on offer in your area.