Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The keep fit technique of Pilates is coming soon to Ammanford Leisure Centre. Pilates is a complete exercise method developed to improve physical and mental health. It focuses on building the body's core strength and improving posture through a series of low repetition and impact stretching as well as conditioning exercises. Pilates also helps to develop the core muscles without adding bulk, increases flexibility and agility, and at the same time tones the stomach and thigh muscles. It’s a complete body workout which works muscles you didn't even know you had! For further info call 01269 594517

Whether you’re on a mission to fit into that little black dress or tux for Christmas or just want to start keeping fit, Actif Fitness is the place for you. In a relaxed atmosphere, expert instructors at Carmarthenshire leisure centres are on hand to help you get into shape, lose a few pounds, improve your heart rate or stay fit. Actif Fitness has been designed and equipped to provide a balanced health and fitness programme for all types of people regardless of age, gender or fitness level. Actif Fitness also offers an extensive range of modern gym equipment and a range of classes from Zumba and Spinning to Kettlebells that will help improve stamina and promote weight loss. The £1 a day family membership for two adults and up to four children also remains on offer, giving unlimited gym use, swimming and fitness classes at any of the four leisure centres. You can take up a membership online using the Join at Home service or by visiting one of our leisure centres in Ammanford, Carmart...

A 0-5k running class has just been launched at St Clears Leisure Centre. The women only class is a first for our centres and is aimed at beginners who are put through a 12-week programme. Week one starts with a light run, progressing through the weeks until they reach week 12 and are able to run five kilometres comfortably. This is the latest in a line of classes delivered from the centre since it benefited from a new gym in June. A junior programme providing squash, badminton, tiny tots netball, multi-skills and tennis has also been launched, as well as an adult yoga class. The council’s area manager Gary Price said: “Since the new gym opened we have seen an increase in customers coming through our doors and using our facilities. This has enabled us to us put on new classes which will benefit all our users and attract more people into the centre. The health and wellbeing of our customers and the wider community is so important to us so it’s great to be in a position to offer them a ...

St Clears Leisure Centre is to benefit from a new gym. From June users will be able to enjoy working out with top of the range facilities including new cardio vascular equipment and free weights. Work is expected to last one week and is due to start on June 6. During this period the gym will be closed. Carmarthenshire County Council secured Section 106 money through planning conditions on a local development to fund the leisure refit. New equipment will include treadmills, bikes, cross trainer, rowers, squat rack, chest press, shoulder press, leg press and a dual adjustable pulley weight stack. Dumbbells, bars and Swiss balls are also on the shopping list. The gym will also have a bright new look with decorating works and visuals displaying the new Actif branding. A new Bash Dash inflatable is also being purchased to entertain children at birthday parties held at the centre. The council’s area manager Gary Price said: “We are delighted to have secured Section 106 for the community as...

At the age of 84 most pensioners would be taking it easy but this one refuses, instead she works up a sweat in the gym three times a week. Gwynedd Baker enjoys nothing more than pounding the treadmill, cycling, working the cross trainer and wave machine and taking part in fitness classes at Carmarthen Leisure Centre. Although the former midwife and college lecturer suffers with high blood pressure, osteoporosis and arrhythmia, the sprightly pensioner shows no signs of letting up. Mrs Baker, from Carmarthen said: “I love keeping fit and also enjoy the social element to it. “It’s easy to sit back, watch television and do nothing but that’s not me, I like to keep active.” The fitness enthusiast also takes part in the balance and strengthening class and is one of the oldest members at the leisure centre. She was referred by her GP under the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) and works to a tailored fitness programme delivered by the centre’s qualified instructors. She said: “The st...

A former weightlifting Olympian and twice commonwealth bronze medalist is hitting the treadmill to learn to walk again. Peter Arthur, was left unable to take more than a few steps after suffering a stroke more than a year ago. For the last 12 months the 76-year-old has been working the treadmill four days a week at Carmarthenshire leisure centres and is now able to walk a mile and a half. The dad of one says determination, a tailored fitness package, plenty of water and his wife’s support has been key to his recovery. He said: “After suffering the stroke I was in total shock and couldn’t understand why it had happened to me because I had always been so fit. I was frustrated at being in a wheelchair and I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. “I was paralysed down the right side of my body and was unable to do simple things like tying my shoe lace or eating with my right hand. “I was at a low point before I was referred to the leisure centre and put on a fitness programme t...

For an hour a day these two Carmarthen teenagers ditch their school books for dumb-bells. Sixth form students Rhys Jenkins and James Bryan use some of their free lesson time to work out in the gym in a bid to keep fit and healthy. Four times a week the 16-year-old QE High School pupils make the journey to the health club in Carmarthen Leisure Centre. Rhys, who plays for rugby team Carmarthen Quins and James for Carmarthen Athletics, say being active helps them stay in shape, keeps them off the streets and gives them a longer life expectancy. The pair also enjoy to train after school and work up a sweat in fitness classes Kettlebells and Funky Pump. As well as training both follow a healthy eating plan. Rhys said: “Working out gives you the feel good factor and helps you stay fit and healthy. It also gives you a longer life expectancy and helps keeps me motivated having something to work for.” Rhys’s eating plan includes plenty of protein such as chicken, tuna and salmon accompanied b...

A new exercise class in Newcastle Emlyn will get the kettle out to get more women and girls moving. Carmarthenshire Council is offering a new session at Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre in a bid to get more females into regular exercise. The class will focus on gym circuits, kettle bells and weight training for women – particularly those who have not been in the fitness habit or starting out for the first time. A mixture of the training methods will be used educate women on the importance of strength training for women and the overall benefits, and to show that it doesn’t have to boring or dominated by males. The female-only session will be held at the centre on Tuesdays between 4pm and 5pm. Newcastle Emlyn Fusion Gym fitness instructor Chrissie Appleby said: “It can be very daunting going into a gym or fitness class for the first time without the knowledge of how to use weights or what aspects will help the individual the most. “Everyone is different and it’s often about gett...