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Sandy & Graham: Resilience & Community

/ Leisure

As the excitement mounts for the opening of our new venue in Mablethorpe, anticipation buzzes among our dedicated members. We had the pleasure of catching up with two long-standing ambassadors of Magna Vitae, Graham and Sandy. We delved into everything from their personal health journeys to the joy of Christmas get-togethers, offering a glimpse into the vibrant community that defines Station Sports Centre.  

Twelve years ago, Sandy discovered Station Sports Centre when she moved to the area. Starting with exercise classes, she gradually built up her fitness routine to include the gym and Aquacise. Sandy recalls feeling overwhelmed initially but found guidance and encouragement through expert advice and friendly faces.  

“It was daunting to start with. You are looking around at people that are running 200mph on a treadmill…and you’re there thinking I can’t even use the machine!”   

She then booked a Personal Programme with a colleague, to help her gain confidence in the gym. 

“I carried this piece of paper with me all the time! Until I knew what I was doing! That really helped. I know even now if I need reminding of what I am doing they will walk around with me.”   

Meanwhile, Graham’s health journey took a different route following two heart attacks. The surgeon said to Graham that coming to the gym “is what is pumping your blood to your brain. It has stopped you from having a subsequent stroke.” Graham declares, 

“This place is a lifeline for me…”  

With the help of the Cardiac Rehab Team at our venue in Louth, he regained his strength and subsequently joined our venue in Mablethorpe. A Lifestyle Consultant worked to set a programme up for Graham, to improve his fitness and wellbeing. When measured his heart age, compared to his results at the beginning of the programme, had gone from 83 to 61! Which Sandy mentioned… “Was younger than he was at the time!”    

COVID-19 threw a curveball, altering their routine, but they are nearly back to where they want to be. Graham frequents the gym five days a week for an hour each time, while Sandy juggles gym sessions four days a week with her sewing hobby. Their routine usually consists of cardio on the treadmill for 20 to 30 minutes and then downstairs to use the resistance machines. Sandy would usually finish her fitness regime off with some stretching but cannot, at the moment, as she awaits a hip operation. 

It’s the sense of community that sets Station apart—they’re not just members; they’re a family. They both comment, 

“The biggest thing is the people here are great. We are like a family. We know each other’s birthdays! The staff are also brilliant. That is the key to it. The people that are running this place have been superb with everyone…” 

They also remarked that other members in the gym are extremely helpful, and they will often encourage each other to achieve their goals.  This familial bond extends beyond the gym floor. From celebrating birthdays to sharing meals, Sandy and Graham cherish the connections they’ve made. Duty Manager, Steve, even organises an annual Christmas meal for all members that wish to attend – they also went bowling!  

Both Graham and Sandy eagerly anticipate the opening of the new venue in Mablethorpe, hoping it will foster the same sense of belonging. 

“It will be a lovely facility for Mablethorpe. We need it. People need to get out and support it. Use it or lose it…”   

Sandy is really looking forward to the pool opening and is hoping there will be lots of aquacise classes, which she currently travels to our Louth venue for. Whilst Station Sports Centre is closed, they are both keeping their memberships rolling so they can enjoy the facilities in Louth and have been discussing with other members at Station, about doing some car sharing to get over to Louth with other members.   

In Sandy and Graham, we find more than just gym enthusiasts—we find champions of health, resilience, and community. We can follow their lead, and together, strive to #liveagreatlife! 

Their advice to those thinking of joining our new venue… 

“Get in quick!”

 

Don’t forget to join us on Thursday 11th April 4pm-8pm where we will be saying a fond farewell to Station Sports Centre!

If you want to find out more information, get in contact with us! Pop us an email to info@mvtlc.org and we will do our best to answer any queries you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions about the new venue...

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We do not know what the programming will look like yet.

– For the swimming pool the aim is to offer swimming throughout the day and evenings.
– The exercise class programme will house several instructor-led and virtual classes. Classes still to be confirmed. The aim is to share the programme prior to opening of the new venue.

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If you join the new venue the initial price will be £26.00 per month for a membership with unlimited use of the swimming pool, exercise classes and fitness suite. There is also a pay as you go option as well. If you are a current member of SSC, as a loyal member your membership cost will transfer across at £23.50.

You can view the full pricing list below:

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There will be a swimming lesson provision for both children and adults. The days and times are still to be confirmed. It will likely be after school and/or at a weekend.

If you or your child are currently on the Learn to Swim programme at another venue, you will have priority to transfer across to Station Leisure & Learning Centre when it opens.

If you’d like to join our Learn to Swim programme now at either Meridian Leisure Centre or Skegness Pool & Fitness Suite you can by clicking the button below:

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The aim is that the new venue will open in July. The exact date is to be confirmed.

Please subscribe to our operational updates to keep up to date with what is happening at your local venue.

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The opening times are still to be confirmed, although there will be peak and off-peak hours.

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The aim is for local schools to use the swimming pool for swimming lessons. If you are a local school and are interested in learning more about what we will be offering for school swimming please email Charlotte at charlotte.elliott-wright@mvtlc.org

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No, there is no flume or leisure pool at the new venue. This offering is at Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth. The swimming pool at Station Leisure & Learning Centre is 4 lanes wide, 25m long and 1.2m deep.

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There is a new car park, which will sit behind the new venue. This is a council car park and chargeable. Members will be given parking permits (daily/monthly), for a 2 hour slot per day.

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The team are working hard to provide a community programme within the Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea area. See the community programme here!

You can also keep up to date with us via our social media channels: Facebook & Instagram

If you are a member at Station Sports Centre, you can continue your Station Sports Centre membership whilst we are closed and access our other venues in Louth, Skegness and Horncastle. There is no additional cost for this, you will still pay their normal DD price during this time. If you wish to do this please contact hello@mvtlc.org or speak to the team at one of the venues.

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