Confidence, Community, and Care: How Alan Found His Gym Buddy

When 88-year-old Alan walked into the centre recently, he was eager to get back into the gym, but also a little nervous about training on his own. Like many people returning to exercise, Alan’s biggest worry wasn’t motivation, but confidence.

After arranging and completing his gym induction, Alan shared his concerns about being alone in case he fell. Our team listened and wanted to make sure he had the reassurance and support he needed to move safely and comfortably.

That’s where our new Gym Buddy Volunteer, Becky, came in.

Becky, a recently qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer, joined Halo’s volunteer programme to gain experience in the gym environment while helping others feel more confident on their fitness journey. Passionate about health, movement, and making a difference, Becky was delighted to step in and support Alan during his session.

Alan said:

“I really enjoyed my session today, and it’s given me the confidence to use the gym again after a while. I’m going to book another session this week.”

Halo’s General Manager, Corina, added:

“This is the heart of what we do — helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their fitness goals. Supporting Alan through our volunteer programme really emphasises the impact of individuals dedicating their time to uplift others.”

The Gym Buddy Volunteer scheme is part of our Halo Helps community initiative, which connects friendly volunteers with members who might want an extra boost of confidence, encouragement, or support in the gym.

If, like Alan, you’d love a little help to get started, or know someone who might benefit from a friendly gym buddy, we’d love to hear from you.

To book a Gym Buddy session with Becky or to learn more about volunteering, you can contact the centre on 01793 762 602.