Gym is tough but Dave is still smiling

HE hates exercise and is extremely reluctant to give up the foods he loves but Dave McGealy might just be starting to enjoy himself.

The 60-year-old father of two admits he was pleased to be recruited onto the Get Moving To Health programme because he knew he needed to lose weight — but lacked the motivation to do anything about it.

Dave, who is station manager at Oldham Community Radio, has restricted his beloved fish and chip suppers to just once a week and has cut down his biscuit intake. Exercise is a different story.

He said: “The exercise is far more difficult. First trying to find the time to get to the gym is really hard. But I’m somehow managing - so far.

“As for the exercise itself — I was so out of condition that it’s killing me.

“At first I could only do a couple of minutes on some of the equipment and although I’ve still got a very long way to go I have increased my fitness, slightly.

“I have lost a little weight, but it is early days!

“I do feel a little fitter, but only when the aches from being in the gym have faded.

“My favourite bit is the shower at the end when it’s all over and my least favourite bit by far is the cross trainer which leaves me in agony.”

Competitive Dave — a member of The Heavy Mob team — has been promised £50 from a friend for the charity of his choice providing he loses more weight than team mate Chris Hamilton, chief executive at Oldham Roughyeds..

By the end of the programme Dave hopes to achieve weight loss, a fitter body and a better sense of wellbeing and is hopeful that he can continue with his healthier eating and exercise plan.

He said: “I’ll have to see how I go over the course of the programme.

“To date, I’ve not given up any foods. I’m just trying to be a bit more sensible and watch what I’m eating.

“If I have to give up the weekly fish and chip lunch I’d better drop out now — life’s about enjoyment not just existence.”