VR STORIES

We’ve been helping people in and around Newton Abbot to keep fit and active since 1998. VAVA-VROOM!

Here we feature a selection of our super-cool members who deserve a BIG mention! To them and everyone like them we say a big VA VA VROOM!

Click a name to go direct.

Laura Gavaghan , Donna Baker, Pete Bartlett, Pauline Smith, Mark Soper

LAURA GAVAGHAN

Click here to read Laura's story

When did you start working out at VENNING RIDE?

I started SPINNING® and KETTLEFIT at the beginning of February this year!! A friend of mine suggested I came along, I had nothing to lose...so gave it a go!! I absolutely loved both classes!!

What inspiring qualities have you gained from participating in your classes?

I have benefited in so many ways from exercising regularly! I have dropped a stone in weight, which I was never able to achieve by dieting alone! I have toned up and now have much more confidence! I was always nervous of going to exercise classes before...but everyone is so friendly...I feel totally at ease!!

What advice would you give someone just starting classes at VENNING RIDE?

For anyone thinking of joining up....I'd say 'just go for it' I've not looked back and can't see myself not taking regular classes again!!

What do you look to achieve in your classes at VENNING RIDE?

I've already achieved so much in my 4 months of being with Venning Ride! So I'd like to carry on and keep seeing great results! I don't really have a favourite type of ride...I like the fact that there are various types of rides as I get quite bored easily... but these classes really keep me looking forward to my next class! I've found the early morning bank holiday classes really great fun!! Then I don't feel so bad having a few treats over the weekend!!

Favourite thing about VENNING RIDE?

My favourite thing about Venning ride is that it feels like a social group aswell as a fitness group, everyone is so friendly! It doesn't even feel like I'm working out!!

Tell us 3 " fun facts" about yourself?

I love food, my family and friends and now I love excercise too!

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DONNA BAKER

Click here to read Donna's story

When did you start working out at VENNING RIDE?

My first visit to Venning Ride was 27th January 2014, I had taken up the Introductory offer, I tried Indoor Cycling and Kettlefit.

What inspiring qualities have you gained from participating in your classes?

I have never really taken to exercise, I did not like a gym environment and I thought I did not not have the stamina for aerobic type classes, but I have found the fitness program that suits me. From day one I was inspired by all the fantastic teachers, I now attend 3 days a week, I have gained discipline, passion and also the fun factor with the class, good music and always a fantastic workout.

What advice would you give someone just starting classes at VENNING RIDE?

Try it...... I thought I would never love exercise. I actually look forward to going, and I love the way it makes me feel after a session, invigorated and that I have actually achieved something.

What goals do you look to accomplish in your classes?

Improving my physical fitness, 2 months ago i was overweight, sluggish and had aches and pains, 2 months later I feel so much better I have lost one and half stone feel so much fitter and more flexible.... my only goal is to keep training keep being inspired by the team and staying as fit as i can. I am 53 years old and had said to a close family member I feel horrid and fat, to be told it was my age and its what I should expect, but the new year has bought a new me and hopefully I can achieve anything I put my mind too.

Favourite thing about VENNING RIDE?

My favourite thing is the friendliness of the team particularly Sandra she knows everyone by name which is a quality that takes me a while to achieve, the other people that attend are friendly, it is a very mixed bag of people which is lovely. All the team are lovely put you at ease give you what you want and you leave class feeling good about yourself.

Tell us 3 " fun facts" about yourself?

Everything about me that is good comes from my wonderful partner Les he is very supportive and tells me I look good whatever.... thank you.

I work in holiday industry which can be stressful at times but the good outweigh the bad, I work with some amazing people who are also my best friends, and we have lots of good times.

A lifetime of thinking exercising is "too much like hard work" well it is hard work but the benefits are amazing.

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PETE BARTLETT

Click here to read Pete's story

When did you start riding at Venning Ride?

My first 'trial' ride was Saturday January 4th and then I began in earnest on Tuesday January 14th.

What inspiring qualities/values have you gained from attending Venning Ride?

I have never been great at motivating myself to do 'fitness', I can kid myself about my fitness 'until the cows come home' - what spinning has done is inspired me to work at my fitness as a group and a team with Sarah Potter as the motivator and instructor.

What advice would you give someone just starting classes at Venning ride?

Try it! If you're like me and need a 'kick up the backside' to get fit or lose weight, this is the best way of doing it and the instructors will help you all the way.

Favorite type of class/ride?

I think the variety of rides is brilliant and rewarding.

What goals do you look to accomplish?

What goals?-um! nothing technical or spiritual-just to get fitter, lose weight and keep pushing myself further.

Favorite thing about Venning ride?

The friendly people, great atmosphere and a cracking instructor. Sarah Potter-what an inspiration she is!

Tell us 3 'fun facts' about yourself?

Since starting out at Venning ride (now up to 8 rides), I have lost over 1/2 a stone in weight-result!!

A year ago I had the opportunity to donate a kidney to my mother, it motivated me to give up smoking and get myself fitter. It has taken a year to recover properly after a second operation in November! Now to get fit!

My partner, Tracy and I have just booked a week in August to cycle the Loire valley from Orleans to Nantes-can't wait!!!

The photo shows the reason I had to lose weight.

PAULINE SMITH

Click here to read Pauline's story

1. When did you start working out at VENNING RIDE?

I started at Venning ride about 5 years ago. I had been struggling to keep fit as I was suffering from osteoarthritis in both knees and not enjoying walking even short distances. I needed a lot of persuading, as I thought maybe it would be too hard or maybe damage my knees, but the opposite is true.

2. What benefits and values have you gained from participating in your classes?

After about 3 weeks I realised that my knee joints were much more comfortable after a workout. Eventually I had to have two total knees replacement operations, but I recovered quickly from both, and the specialist said that the fact that I kept the muscles strong by going to Venning Ride helped. After each operation I returned to the classes as soon as possible – taking it very easy to start with

3. What advice would you give someone just starting classes at VENNING RIDE?

Work at your own pace, don’t worry about anyone else – no-one knows if you turn down the resistance for a bit.

4. Favorite type of RIDE?

I love it when we mimic the stages on the Tour de France – it makes me feel that I could really be there!

5. What goals do you look to accomplish in your classes?

I wear a heart monitor when I exercise, which allows me to control how hard I work. I need to keep my new knees working, but some sessions my only goal is to make it to the end.

6. Favorite thing about VENNING RIDE?

The fact that I can work at my own rate, without getting left behind by younger fitter people.

7. Tell us 3 "fun facts" about yourselves.

I believe I’m 30 years younger than my body.

I had a very active outdoor career, and since retiring I struggle to keep my weight under control.

My husband and I are taking our granddaughters to Disneyland Florida this summer, so I’m relying on Venning Ride to get me fit enough to survive the trip.

MARK SOPER

Click here to read Mark's story

KERRIE POTTER

"The advice you receive in the classes on how to train smarter is very valuable"

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