Chadderton-based John is one of six Brits to join national health programme with David Lloyd Clubs

The UK’s leading health and fitness group David Lloyd Clubs, alongside psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibbard and nutritionist Jenna Hope, have today (Monday) launched Team PB, and Chadderton man John Grimshaw has been chosen to feature in the six-strong team.

Team PB is a six-week programme created to motivate, encourage and support people to realise their health goals, specifically with the Coronavirus pandemic and its physical and mental effects in mind.

John is among six volunteers from across the country, including former leading politician, author and trainee Personal Trainer Tom Watson, who will take part in the programme and will share their stories, challenges and achievements via David Lloyd Clubs Instagram channel, Facebook and website.

Members of Team PB have all been significantly impacted by the pandemic in some way and are all dealing with various mental well-being, nutritional and physical challenges brought on by the crisis.

John is 41, and he feels completely burnt out as a result of the pandemic and hopes that Team PB will help put him back on track to leading a healthy lifestyle so his physical and mental health can improve.

Mr Watson said: "I have been on a life-changing health journey these last four years.  

"Learning about the importance of good physical and mental health and putting what I've learnt into practice has been quite literally life-saving for me.

"When the pandemic hit, like so many, I tried my best to keep active and keep positive and found exercise helped with this.

"I took regular runs with the DL Run Club and completed online classes at home. 

“By the time the country reached the third lockdown, I had hit a brick wall, and my health took a bit of a nosedive.

"I know this has been a common occurrence for so many – not having access to a gym and the motivation that comes with access to good facilities and trainers like those at David Lloyd Clubs has impacted my physical and mental health.   

"I'm delighted to be part of the David Lloyd Clubs Team PB project.

"I've already noticed a difference in working with Sophie Lammas, my trainer at the club in Bromsgrove, over these past couple of weeks and feel excited to be part of such a positive initiative.

"I hope that as a team, we can share our experiences to give others the confidence to reset their health journeys after the pandemic lockdown.”

Taking a ‘360’ approach to health and fitness, the six-week programme will start with an assessment with Dr Jessamy and nutritionist Jenna to understand how members have been affected by the pandemic, to understand what has been holding them back in the past and to identify any barriers or bad habits which will.

Alongside a session with one of David Lloyd Personal Trainers, an in-depth and tailored support package will be created.

They will have three one to one PT sessions a week for six weeks with regular Zoom meetings with Dr Jessamy and Jenna to ensure they are equipped with the tools and support to help create healthy life-long habits.

Dr Jessamy said: “The mind and body are intimately connected and so the two should go hand in hand with any transformational fitness programme. 

"Exercise is great support for mental health, increasing self-esteem, energy levels and endorphins, improving body image, motivation, mental functioning and sleep, and boosting morale.

"Beating those ‘I can’t’ thoughts and seeing what your body is capable of is incredibly empowering.”

You can follow John's progress by clicking here

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