Former West Bromwich East MP joins six-week fitness course

The former West Bromwich East MP signed up to David Lloyds Clubs' Team PB to achieve his health and wellbeing goals.

The scheme has been launched to motivate, encourage and support people, and tackle the toll the pandemic has had on people.

Mr Watson, aged 54, famously lost seven stone and reversed his diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes after transforming his health.

But he has since "hit a brick wall" when it came to his health during the third lockdown – and wants to get it back on track.

He 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 David Lloyd 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."

The team of six people will be supported by fitness trainers from the clubs along with psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibbard and nutritionist Jenna Hope.

Lucy Day, head of gym at David Lloyd Clubs, said: "The pandemic has really brought home to millions just how important health and wellbeing is. So many people have been negatively affected both physically and mentally, and we know that more people than ever will be wanting to invest in themselves and commit to being healthier and happier.

"What sets our Team PB campaign apart, however, is it takes a truly ‘360’ approach to fitness and wellbeing, underpinned by expert psychological and nutritional support. It will identify any bad habits and motivational blockers, offering expert tailored advice throughout, which will give our team positive and sustainable results to improve their wellbeing for years to come.

"We hope to change the lives of these members, ensuring that they become the very best versions of themselves and in turn inspire others to go on their own journeys to becoming healthier and happier."

The programme will start with an assessment with Dr Jessamy and nutritionist Jenna Hope to understand how the members have been affected by the pandemic – and to identify any bad habits or barriers to their fitness.

An in-depth and tailored support package will be created and they will have three one-to-one PT sessions a week for six weeks and regular Zoom meetings to track their progress.

People can also follow the members progress and find support and information to help you on your own health journey post pandemic by visiting https://blog.davidlloyd.co.uk/.