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.
Around 6 million people got involved in May 2023 and it's back for a weekend in June.
Fight for fairness: Disabled people’s right to sport and physical activity was developed with disabled people, advocates and organisations in the sport, physical activity, and voluntary sector.