Poineering health programme helping to change lives is expanding due to its superb success rate

The Live Active scheme aims to boost activity levels and to adopt healthier lifestyles.

It's a joint project between Inverclyde Leisure and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and is now offering support at Gourock Fitness Gym.

Two men who are benefitting from the support say it has made a big impact on them.

Eric Mooney, 67, who lives in the west end, said: "It's night and day.

"I was an unfit person this time last year but the programme has made a huge difference."

Eric, a retired compliance manager with IBM, was referred to the programme after six weeks of physiotherapy at Inverclyde Royal and has hasn't looked back since.

He said: "I had knee joint problems and I needed a walking stick and knee brace. I was also taking four painkillers four times a day."

Eric now 'swims and gyms' five days a week at the Waterfront Leisure Complex and has ditched the walking stick and knee brace.

He has also shed two and a half stones.

Eric said: "For me the Live Active program has rolled back the years. I now feel as fit and I am the same weight as I was when I ran the Inverclyde Marathon in 1984."

As many as 600 people benefit from the 12-month programme every year and a one-to-one consultation is set up with everyone who has been referred.

Personal activity and lifestyle goals and targets are set to work towards.

Advisor Dianne MacKenzie said:"Initially, the thought of taking the first steps to becoming active can be a little daunting for many people for a multitude of reasons, for example diagnosed health concerns, low self-confidence, lack of motivation.

"Together, we discuss anything that is hindering clients to getting started to support them to overcome these.

"We also focus on highlighting the positive physical and mental health benefits of exercise.

"Live Active also offers nutrition and weight management support which can sometimes be an underlying problem for many health related issues."

Paul Bleasdale, 53, from Gourock, featured in the Telegraph previously having lost almost half of his bodyweight, losing 13 and a half stone.

Part of this transformation is due to the Live Active Programme.

He was referred by his GP and is now fighting fit.

He said: "I had a minor medical procedure and at the pre-op assessment I was weighed and was in total shock to find out that I weighed 29st 6lb.

"Clinical professionals told me that 'if anything serious happened to me that my heart would struggle with a general anaesthetic and to lose weight'.

"I was referred to Live Active by my practice nurse shortly after and given an appointment to see Live Active team at Greenock Sports Centre.

"They were very supportive and arranged an appointment for a program at Gourock Fitness Gym.

"I felt very apprehensive about going along for my first session thinking I would be the overweight guy in amongst all the fit people who used the gym regularly.

"I couldn't have been more wrong.

"The support I got from other gym members and staff, particularly Jonny Anderson and Graeme Wallace, during that past year was incredible.

"The combination of Slimming World and Live Active has led me to a current weight of 15 stone 2lb and actually loving using the gym three to four days a week.

"I would highly recommend this service to anyone."

Live Active runs from Greenock Sports Centre, Boglestone Community Centre, Waterfront Leisure Complex and Birkmyre Fitness Gym, Kilmacolm and now in Gourock.

Instructors are qualified to adapting exercise to be safe and effective for those with various medical conditions.

Jim Lyon of Inverclyde Leisure said: "We are proud of the Live Active service. It is a valuable resource to offer to Inverclyde residents who would benefit from support to enable them to become more active and make positive changes to their lifestyle. We are keen to encourage local health professionals to refer appropriate clients to the programme.’

* For more information on the programme, open to people aged 16 and over, call 213136

-----

Eric is pictured with Dianne MacKenzie and Derek Barnes.

Paul, centre, is pictured with, from left Jonny Anderson, fitness advisor, Niki Muir, shift leader, Derek Barnes, Live Active advisor, Lauren Deveney, fitness co-ordinator, Eric Mooney and Dianne MacKenzie.