Chris was required to be awake for the operation and a procedure that was meant to take an hour, actually took two-and-a-half hours. A time which Chris can vividly recall.
“That time during the operation was a total life-changer,” commented Chris. “I had so much going on in my head but the main thing was that I felt that I’d been given a second chance at life. I was incredibly grateful for this and was determined to take advantage of it and make the most of life going forward.”
“As part of my recovery, I couldn’t go to the gym for six weeks. My body was in a state of shock and in the days after the operation, I couldn’t walk 100 yards without getting out of breath.”
After the six weeks, Chris returned to Anytime Fitness Welwyn Garden City, determined to take his second chance with both hands. Needing to keep his heartrate below 120bpm, he had to adapt his training but has already achieved fantastic results.
“In the first two months back at the gym, I’ve lost two stone. I feel fitter than I have in a long time and overhauled my diet which has changed everything. There’s things I know I can’t do anymore like functional training with the punchbag and I need to keep a close eye on my heartrate, but I’m really enjoying it. These days I do a mixture of steady cardio like the treadmill and rowing machine as well as lifting weights too. I’ve also seen other physical and mental benefits following my new training regime, for example, while I still need my shoulder operation, the pain is much less when I’m keeping active.”
Chris initially felt trepidation about joining Anytime Fitness Welwyn Garden City but having been convinced by his older brother who is also a member, can’t see himself anywhere else.
“It’s the first gym I’ve ever joined and despite having never visited before, I had it in my head that it would be an intimidating place with big guys in the weights area for example. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s so friendly and everyone is so respectful of their surroundings. I go up to four times a week and the staff remember your name too which is a really nice personal touch.”
Chris’ goal is to lose another two stone to reach his target goal of 12-and-a-half stone ahead of his shoulder operation. It’s a weight he hasn’t been since he was in twenties, but given his tumultuous year, he’s determined to achieve it
“I’ve always been a tomorrow man, but it’s now a habit to go to the gym and it’s completely changed my life. My brother is an inspiration to me. He’s ten years older and always been really active. The thing about him is that he never seems stressed. When I went back to the gym it was like I could feel more oxygen flowing round my body and I’m cheerful again instead of being full of self-doubt.
“As part of my heart operation, I have to be on tablets for a year which means I can’t have my shoulder operation until I’m off them. This may seem like a bad thing but in my mind, it gives me a year to lose this weight gradually and really embrace these changes, and enjoy life along the way.”