Maindy Centre is the latest Council leisure centre to celebrate the opening of a brand new gym facility having undergone an impressive £55,000 refurbishment project.
One regular customer to benefit from the improved fitness provision is 42 year old Mirat Lari. Mirat suffers from Cerebral Palsy, a condition which can affect brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing and thinking.
Mirat’s inspirational story began five years when she began using the gym at Maindy as part of the GP Referral scheme to help improve her balance and muscle strength.
“When I first started here I couldn’t walk very far and my balance was poor, I used to fall over like a skittle! But now I can walk much further, I can climb stairs, my muscles are stronger, I’m not breathless and my balance has improved.”
Mirat uses the gym twice a week for two hours at a time and follows a fitness programme specially devised for her by the gym staff.
“I have always received excellent support from the staff here and we have got to know each other well over the years, now I see them more as brothers and sisters. They always look after me and they regularly write new programmes for me to make sure I continue to progress.
And Mirat’s progress has been outstanding. Gym Manager Phil Carlton said: “When I first met Mirat she could walk just under a mile on the treadmill but her work and determination has led her to now complete up to four miles.
“All the trainers here have contributed to her progress and it shows that we don’t take our loyal, regular customers for granted, they are just as important as newcomers.
“We encourage our customers to set themselves a goal and we are on hand to help and advise them on reaching it.”
And Mirat’s goal is a special one. Every few years she visits family in America and during her next trip she hopes to be able to walk five blocks with her nieces and nephews in a New Washington children’s parade to raise money for local charities.
Her positive outlook is infectious and despite her condition she is motivated, upbeat and enthusiastic. She also enjoys doing yoga at home and is enrolled on a computer course at Coleg Glan Hafren.
“I am less fortunate than others but I am still lucky, I have a disability but I am the happiest person.
“I enjoy coming to Maindy Centre, the new equipment is excellent and the people here are now my friends.”
The gym refurbishment has included the replacement of all cardio-vascular machines with new apparatus is from the Life Fitness Integrity range.
It boasts apparatus comprising of cross trainers, exercise bikes, a recumbent bike and treadmills which are even equipped with the facility to charge your mp3 device as you train!
Both Pentwyn and Llanishen Leisure Centres have also undergone upgrades or refurbishments, providing the latest exercise equipment as well as new activities such as Zumba, kettle bell’s, TRX and spin classes.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “Mirat is an incredibly inspiring individual and it is fantastic that she has benefitted from the support and provision available at Maindy Centre.
“The recent upgrades aim to offer customers up-to-date and modern equipment to compete with the private sector but at a better value for money.
“We are committed to providing excellent, first class facilities so that new and existing customers can participate in a wide range of activities to improve and maintain their health.
“I hope others will join Mirat in using our leisure centres regularly to make positive changes for a fit and healthy lifestyle.”
For more information please visit your local Cardiff Council leisure facility or visit www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure
