Get fit to retire with onePT

Date published: 10 September 2024

As of 2024, the average life expectancy in the UK is approximately 81 years, with women living around 83 years and men about 79 years.

Middle age isn’t 50... it’s more like 40.

Engaging in regular, structured exercise, particularly strength training, not only slows the ageing process but can even reverse it before it begins.

The message is clear: start now and never stop.

Dr. Neil Fell, PhD, co-founder and director of Rochdale’s multi-award-winning onePT gym, is passionate about the idea that tomorrow’s health and longevity start today.

Neil states, “One of the saddest things I encounter is hearing about someone who has just retired, eager to travel, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with grandchildren, but who hasn’t taken care of their health over the last 30 to 40 years.

"As a result, they’re unable to fully enjoy these pursuits in retirement. Prioritising your health now ensures you can spend your time and money on the things and people you love, rather than on preventable healthcare costs.”

He emphasises that this message isn’t meant to induce guilt but to highlight the harsh reality of neglecting one’s health for too long.

He added: “I lost my mother to a stroke just over two years ago at the age of 79. Her left carotid artery was completely blocked, most likely due to her heavy smoking for over 60 years, despite our best efforts to help her quit.

"My father suffered a severe stroke three years ago, a month after being diagnosed with severe heart failure at the age of 85.

"We’re fortunate to still have him with us; he turned 88 in May although he’s been left with significant disability on his right side.

"Thankfully, his mind remains sharp, but he can no longer do the things he once loved, like attending farm sales, dry stone walling, hedging, and pottering about in his garden.”

 

 

“My parents were lucky in many respects. They enjoyed over 20 happy years together in retirement, travelling the length and breadth of the country in their caravan. However, they could have taken better care of their health.”

“In less than two years, I’ll be eligible to draw from my private pension at the age of 55. This is something I’ve contributed to since my early twenties, alongside pensions from various companies I’ve worked for. I could use this money for home improvements, a trip of a lifetime, or further investment in my business.

“I’m not alone in planning for financial security in retirement – people like Martin Lewis constantly remind us to plan for the future through ISAs, pensions, or property. But how many of us are preparing for the future in terms of our health?

“Even if retirement is 20 to 30 years away, don’t fall into the trap of leaving it too late – better to start developing positive habits now. The state pension age for me will be 67, and I hope to slow down my business interests before then, achieving an even better work-life balance.”

He continues, “I’ve always wanted to enjoy holidays with my family. My daughter, who has just started secondary school, is now 11, so I’m an older dad. I’ve always loved sport and staying active, but in my mid to late thirties, my career took priority over my health. My family helped change that, as has my recent focus on onePT.”

 

 

“In the last 15 years, I’ve worked towards a better balance in terms of my health and wellbeing. I train most days, incorporating a mix of strength training, HYROX-focused sessions, lower-intensity cardio, and plenty of mobility work. For me, it’s about consistency and a balanced approach to fitness, a hybrid model.

"I prioritise sleep and aim to eat well 80% of the time. I don’t count calories, and I still enjoy flat whites, cherry bakewell flapjacks, and a good supply of ice cream on holiday.

"Life isn’t easy, and much of it is beyond our control. However, making an effort to prioritise your health in the areas you can control is truly worth it.

"If you’ve been considering a change in your health and wellbeing but don’t know where to start, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

 

 

A great place to start is the onePT personal challenge, beginning on Monday 16 September.

Registration is open until this Friday (13 September).

If your goal is to build strength, improve mobility, and get lean, there’s no better training programme for you.

The onePT 13-week personal challenge offers science-backed training designed to blend progressive strength training with conditioning, mobility, and injury prevention to deliver the best results possible.

Each challenger receives:

An initial health and movement assessment, including a functional movement screen to assess mobility and identify any areas of tightness or weakness.

• Three structured, coach-led small group strength sessions per week over 13 weeks
• Unlimited gym access to carry out two cardio sessions
• Unlimited 24/7 coach support
• Custom nutrition plans to maximise your results
• Monthly reviews
• Feel better, look better, and enjoy life more

The programme is led by Dr. Neil Fell, PhD, a sports scientist and strength and conditioning coach with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Fell has also been nominated for wellness leader of the year in the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2024.

If you have any questions or would like to book your free consultation, please use the link below:

www.onept.co.uk/the-onept-personal-challenge/

In addition to the gym-based option, there will be an online version of the challenge available this September for those who prefer to complete it in their own gym or at home.

In movement, health, and wellbeing.

www.onePT.co.uk
National Club of the Year 2021 & 2019
Regional Club of the Year (North) 2021 & 2019
ukactive Awards

onePT
Unit 1, Albion Road Industrial Estate
Albion Road, Rochdale
OL11 4JB

Email: enquiries@onept.co.uk
Tel: 01706 522233