As we started our Love Yourself Healthy theme for Valentine’s Day last month we met Richard Metham, 36, from Millhouse Green.
He has two daughters aged six and two, who keep him on the go when he isn’t working as a voluntary gym instructor or doing his own workouts at Penistone Leisure Centre.

He started working as a gym instructor when he was 21 and likes to help at the centre because he likes to ‘put something back’. In his professional life, he works as assistant manager for Penistone Grammar School leisure centre
“My own workout makes me feel more energetic and more confident about myself in my day to day life,” says Richard.
He has pointed us to the leg curl/extension and bicep curl as two of his favourite exercises. This week he is sharing at how he keeps his body healthy in other ways and has another a top workout tip.
FOOD AND DRINK
One of his favourite meals is steak, chicken or eggs with rice, or he suggests using pasta or potatoes for energy if you are doing a lot of cardio exercise.
For weight loss, Richard stresses you need to change your diet – smaller portions and more better quality food to keep your muscles going through the day.
But he added that you can start bit by bit: “Little changes – for example just butter one slice of bread instead of both if you can’t give it up altogether.”
Try baked sweet potato chips, or oven baked potato wedges, instead of regular fried chips, he added.
“I tend to have lots of homemade stir fries and lean steak or chicken,” said Richard – but he loves to make them more of a treat by adding sweet and sour sauce, and serves them with rice or noodles.
He also reminds gym users to: “Drink water – plenty of fluids. Swap the fizzy pop for no sugar or dilute alternatives and don’t forget to rehydrate throughout the day.”
TOP TIP
“Alternate cardio with weights and be sure you are working hard enough,” said Richard.
Let the leisure centre help you Love Yourself Healthy. No contract, simply take an induction (followed by your first session for free) to be able to use the gym whenever it’s open – click for opening times.