At 67, Tony Hughes' life took an unexpected turn that led him to Transform Hub Clitheroe. After a health scare in August 2023 and being fitted with a pacemaker, Tony knew it was time for a significant lifestyle change. His journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the power of accountability coaching and community support in achieving health and fitness goals.

*A happy and healthy Tony Hughes outside Transform Hub Clitheroe*

A Chance Encounter With a Nurse Saved Tony’s Life

Tony got a stark wake-up call in August 2023 while at a music festival down south. After he and his friends set up camp, Tony found himself struggling to catch his breath. His friend Lewis headed back to their car, and Tony thought, “I’ll just sit here a minute and rest.” Luckily, a group of women happened to be passing by at that very moment.

“Hey, are you OK?” asked one of the ladies.

“No, not really,” was Tony’s laboured reply.

The woman said, “I’m a nurse. Can I check you out, please?”

Tony agreed, and she checked him over, realising something was wrong with his heart.

“I need you to take him to the medical tent immediately!” she told Tony’s friend Lewis. With Tony’s heart rate plummeting to only 25 beats per minute, he was blue-lighted to Exeter hospital by emergency ambulance. A heart attack was ruled out, but the next day, Tony underwent emergency surgery to have a pacemaker fitted.

This alarming experience, compounded by a history of poor diet and lifestyle choices, was a crucial turning point.

“Get your arse in the gym!”

Inspired by his friend Gary, a powerlifter, Tony decided to make a change. Despite initial medical clearance challenges, he joined Transform Hub Clitheroe in November 2023, a mere five minutes from his home. He launched into the 6 Week Challenge not really knowing what to expect.

“It was immediately different from any other gym I’d been to,” he said. Tony's expectations of the Hub were pleasantly shattered. Unlike other gyms filled with "teenagers throwing weights about and showing off," Transform Hub offered a welcoming and encouraging environment.

"I like coming here. I enjoy coming here. It is encouraging; the group of people you are exercising with are so supportive too," Tony shared. The supportive atmosphere, combined with expert guidance from the coaches, made all the difference.

Tony started off at 18.5 stone (117.2kg / 258 lbs) and set himself a target weight of 15 stone, focusing on health, strength, and conditioning. "Get your arse in the gym," Tony’s powerlifting friend Gary had said, a mantra that pushed Tony forward each session.

“I was eating too much junk and a lot of it!”

As a vegetarian who had been “eating too much junk food and my portion sizes were huge,” Tony made significant dietary changes. By reducing his portion sizes and focusing on nutritious and healthy foods packed with vitamins and nutrients, he now maintains a 2000-calorie daily intake and has lost an impressive 22.1 kilograms (almost 3.5 stone / 49 lbs).

His transformation is not just about weight loss. Tony has gained happiness, boosted self-confidence, and improved his overall well-being. He’s made great friends with people at Transform Hub and has got involved in the community events.

*Tony loves to fill up on nutritious and filling vegetarian food like this* *Hair Bikers recipe for smoked tofu salad*

“I can deadlift more than my body weight!”

Tony’s journey at Transform Hub isn’t just about the number on the scale. “We did a deadlift workshop focusing on technique and our mindset around the exercise. I was so happy to deadlift 100 kilos, which is more than my body weight! It was an incredible achievement and feeling.”

Tony has also seen a big reduction in his clothing sizes and has had to invest in a new wardrobe. His pant size has decreased from a 44 to a 36, and his shirt size has gone from 3XL to XL.

Non-Scale Victories

Tony's transformation extends beyond physical changes and a reduction in his measurements. He is now a happier person with significantly boosted self-confidence. His hobbies, including Tai Chi, meditation, motorbikes, painting, and walking his dog, have become more enjoyable and fulfilling. Retirement, which initially posed as a bit of an identity crisis after a career spanning many decades as a healthcare professional, has become a period of rediscovery and growth.

*Tony with Kieran Kelly, Transform Hub Clitheroe owner and coach*

The Role of Coaches

The coaches at Transform Hub have played a pivotal role in Tony’s journey. "They are all absolutely fantastic," Tony said and emphasised that the coaches “Encourage us all without pushing us too far. They are funny, positive, motivating, and so supportive.”

Coach Kieran, owner of Transform Hub Clitheroe, said, “Tony is a legend and such a good guy. I feel like he teaches me so much. He’s got a degree in biomechanics, so he really understands how the body works and moves, and his input is so fascinating and intelligent. Sometimes he’ll do a bit of Tai Chi with us in the cool down, which always goes down well with the community. He’s brilliant, and I’m so pleased we’ve been able to help him with his health, nutrition, fitness, and confidence. He’s proof that a pacemaker need not hold you back.”

“The goal is to stay alive!”

Tony’s goal is to maintain his current health and fitness levels while staying active and enjoying life. "Staying alive is the goal," he said with a chuckle, but the reality is his health scare last year really could’ve played out differently. Tony is now investing in himself and his future to give him the best quality of life.

His advice to others thinking of giving Transform Hub a try is straightforward: "You have got to try it. It is no good thinking about things too much. You will talk yourself out of it. Just get on with it, trust it, and you’ll do amazing."

Tony Hughes' journey at Transform Hub Clitheroe is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination, the right support, and a positive attitude. His story continues to inspire others at Transform Hub Clitheroe to take charge of their health and well-being, proving that it’s never too late to make a change.

If you’d like a free session at your local Transform Hub to try us out, click here to find your nearest Hub.

“The goal is to stay alive!” - Tony’s MOVING Story