I Can You Can Success stories

Fri 22 Jan 2016

As part of the I Can You Can initiative our customers have been talking about their journey to improve their lives through exercise at Derby Arena and other City Council leisure facilities.

The I Can You Can campaign, aims to inspire people in Derby to be active. Be it to lose weight, improve their overall fitness, train for an event or just socialise and meet new friends while being active.

Steve Barton 64, Joined Springwood Leisure Centre in May last year. He suffers from disconnect durlsa AV vistula which means he has numbness feeling in his lower body and struggles to walk unaided without a wheel chair or crutches, Steve trains three times a week up to an hour at a time. He has improved in strength by 50% since starting in both upper and lower body. He now has more energy and can walk more freely using his crutches. Before (starting at Springwood) Steve wouldn’t think about leaving the house, but now he’ll give anything a try. He also now walks his dog, but its more the dog walking him. 

Steph Wong, has been training at Derby Arena since March 2015 upon joining her goal was about increasing general fitness. Talking about her training Steph commented:

“I principally use Wattbike sessions for training which I started in March….I love using Wattbikes as it's a great example of how perseverance pays off.”

On achieving her goals Steph added:

“I struggled at first and wasn't sure whether I would try again. However, with fantastic support and teaching from gym staff, I feel a lot more confident and comfortable using Wattbikes which has shown in fitness tests I've since performed. For example, the three minute aerobic test is still a challenge but my max minute power score has increased from 139W in March to 223W in December. I know there are areas I can further improve on but I'll keep trying until I reach my new goals.” 

Springwood Leisure Centre has also had a fantastic success story with Jemima Cotton.  

Jemima, 64, has been using Springwood Leisure centre for four years for three times a week in the morning, she uses a selection of upper body weights and arm bikes. Aged 43 she was diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, this affects the muscles in her legs. By exercising she has been able to reduce the impact the condition has had over her and is able to remain more independent.


Whatever your aim is to get fit, improve wellbeing, train for an event or challenge yourself getting involved in I Can You Can is a great way to get motivated about exercise and staying in shape.

Our instructors will listen to personal goals, set programmes and regular review to ensure you keep on track for more information.

To get involved visit our webpage on the Derby City Council websiteor complete the below form.

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