Oliver Westley, centre manager of the brand new Thornaby Town Centre development is taking the lead to get fit this summer and get his active lifestyle back on track.

Oliver is hoping to encourage other people with busy work schedules to find time to workout and reap the benefits of regular exercise.

Oliver has just signed up to a six-month Activ8 membership at Thornaby Pavillion giving him unlimited access to the state of the art Techno-gym facility and extensive fitness class programme. As a member of Activ8 he will have access to three gyms, two swimming pools and over seventy fitness classes across the Borough allowing a flexible approach to his training.

Oliver stopped playing Rugby but didn't cut back on his eating habits and therefore noticed the dreaded middle-aged spread taking hold. As a previously active person, Oliver wants to get back into shape and has a goal of two stone to lose in the future months. Aerobic exercise is particularly important for reducing middle age spread and is recommended that 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise is undertaken at least three times a week.

Small changes can have a big impact, within one month of healthy eating and regular eating Oliver should start to see an improvement in energy levels, a moderate amount of weight loss and some increases in muscle tone.

After investing heavily in refurbishments across all our clubs Activ8 is now home to some of the most advanced exercise equipment. Our state of the art gym facilities include all the latest TechnoGym equipment, cardio and resistance trainers, weights and free weights sections as well as flexibility and core stability areas.

Oliver is looking forward to the challenge of getting fit "Work commitments often make it difficult to find time to exercise, but the flexibility of Activ8 makes it more convenient to go to the gym at lunchtimes or evenings. I hope to encourage more of the staff to join from Thornaby town centre and make use of this fantastic health and fitness facility on our doorstep."

Paul Murphy, a Health and Fitness Advisor from Thornaby Pavilion provided Oliver with a tailored made fitness programme to get him started. "The aim of the Activ8 membership is to make it as easy as possible for members to enjoy exercise no matter how busy they are and to provide our customers all the support they need to maintain their health and fitness regime.

Oliver also commented: " I would definitely recommend this gym facility to anyone, it caters for the whole community, with a real mix of people and I didn't feel intimated coming here, I only wish I knew it was here before hand so I could have got started on my lifestyle change earlier.

The Activ8 Gym at the Pavilion Leisure Centre is situated in Thornaby town centre, a vibrant area that has just been transformed through a multi million pound refurbishment.

The shopping arcade is now a modern and thriving place giving our members the choice to combine a pampering session at the salon or a shopping trip with their workout and fitness regime. Thornaby Pavilion is a multi-purpose leisure complex offering activities for the whole family, free car parking and is linked to excellent road access.