Barry Worthington “I wasn’t happy with how I was feeling but Fit Latics gave me the motivation to do something about it.”
Lifelong Latics fan explains how the project has improved his health after recently completing the 12-week programme.
For Barry Worthington, signing up to Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Fit Latics programme in May has made a real difference to his health.
The initiative, which is backed by the EFL Trust and Sport England, aims to help men and women aged 35-65 enjoy an active lifestyle through exercise and nutrition sessions.
The lifelong Wigan Athletic supporter joined the 12-week programme with the aim of losing weight he put on after contracting COVID-19 last autumn.
He said: “Prior to contracting COVID-19 back in October, I was quite fit and was absolutely flying. I was cycling, running, and feeling really good.
“But after having long COVID, I felt really lethargic and I gained 11kg in that time. I came out in the spring, stood on the scales, and I wasn’t happy with myself, what I was seeing or how I was feeling.
“But at the same time I noticed the Community Trust were advertising their Fit Latics programme, and that was the motivation I needed to do something about it.”
After losing 8% of his bodyweight, Barry, 62, says the programme has had a real positive effect on his health and his heart.
Here's a strong example of GM Moving’s wider vision: creating positive movement experiences for everyone in Greater Manchester, rooted in community, equity, and joy.
Between July and September, Sport England is spotlighting ‘connecting communities’ from its Uniting the Movement strategy, showing how place-based approaches get people active in new ways. This highlights GM Moving’s work and our partnership with 10GM supporting VCSE groups across Greater Manchester.
We’re thrilled to be part of one of the official Fan Zones in Piccadilly Gardens, bringing people together to celebrate across two exciting match weekends.