Our Paisley HND Fitness students since December been working in partnership with Scottish War Blinded based in the Hawkhead centre. They provided Personal Training sessions to veterans of the armed forces who lost their sight either before or after service.
Eight HN Sport's students developed an exercise programme specific to each Veteran’s needs and carried out these sessions weekly for three months. There was a huge transformation – both in physical and mental health – with the combined group losing a whopping 62lbs between them!
HND Student Chris Doran, 28 from Paisley said, 'My client could barely walk when we started, but we worked closely and made some lifestyle changes – introduced weights and homework. My client Michael has been able to help his wife a bit more around the house, carry the shopping. He’s lost weight, his blood pressure and heart rate is down.It was a really enjoyable experience for me. I already personal train, but what’s been interesting is that I’ve been working with clients that have different needs. It’s very fulfilling. After college I’m going on to study Sports Science at the University of the West of Scotland in Hamilton. It’s been great getting to know new people, hearing about their life and how they want to improve their fitness and mobility. Michael’s change has been steady and progressive and we modified his programme as we went along.’
Chris's client, Michael Gray, 66 from Paisley added, ‘My mobility is poor, I can’t even mow the lawn now due to my arthritis I’m really up and down. Chris really listened which was great. Even after the programme finishes I’ll definitely continue my exercises afterwards and practice at home.’
Gillian McDonald, Deputy Centre Manager at the Hawkhead Centre said, The programme has been such a great success with our members that participated in it. The members were delighted to be involved in it, knowing that it was mutually beneficial to them and also the HND students taking part. They gained so much from the programme, not only the obvious health benefits like increased strength and improved breathing, but also increased confidence, and the desire to try other forms of exercise. They built such close partnerships with the students and were genuinely very disappointed when the programme came to an end. It was a pleasure to be able to work so closely with West College Scotland and Linda Boal and to welcome the students into the Hawkhead Centre. We look forward to similar programmes with WCS in the future.’
Mature student Sharon McKenna, 39 from Barrhead said, ‘ I started off personal training. I’m interested in nutrition and to help people get into functional training. I start University in September and I’ll be studying Sports Science and looking at how the muscles work - I’d like to have a job which was more community based. I really love the course even though I came back as a mature student – it was daunting but I haven’t looked back since.
Sharon’s client Veteran Davie McGowan added, ‘I’ve been doing gentle exercise and done lots of walking. I’ve lost about 8lbs. I’ve had great encouragement and I feel good when I can see the progress. By week six I could walk two miles without stopping with Sharon’s encouragement and guidance.’
Sports Lecturer and Programme Liaison Linda Boal commented,
The partnership was extremely beneficial for the HND Fitness students in order to gain some real life experiences. It also challenged the students as they had to design and develop fitness training programmes adapting them weekly to suit their clients’ needs and disabilities. The experience has been very rewarding for both parties involved , the students also developed wonderful relationships with their clients and most importantly they made positive change happen in relation to their clients fitness goals.
For more information on our Sport’s courses at our Clydebank, Paisley and Greenock campuses click here.