“Helping Me Be a Better Me”
Taking the First Step
When Paolo first visited 3-1-5, he carried a mix of nerves, humour, self-consciousness, and a genuine desire for change. Even the car park made him doubt himself — but stepping through the door brought an unexpected shift:
“As I walked in, the anxiety strangely changed to a ‘let’s go’ rush.”
He navigated the entry barriers, found his way upstairs, and discovered a space that felt big but not intimidating, energetic but not overwhelming. His first session — a mix of cycling and rowing — was the beginning of something new.
Despite body image worries and years of battling low confidence, he felt welcomed, comfortable, and encouraged.
“I did not at all feel intimidated despite being unfit and suffering body image issues.”
“Thank you 3-1-5 Health Club — helping me be a better me.”
Paolo left that first session not only proud, but determined. He’d taken the first step, and he wanted more.
The Emotional Journey: Strength Through Vulnerability
His second week brought a deeper, more emotional challenge — and one he bravely chose to share.
After a difficult day and an uncomfortable conversation, Paolo arrived for a workout but unexpectedly hit a wall.
Midway through the session, he simply stopped.
“F#@k it, I can’t be arsed,” he told himself, and walked out.
Frustrated, confused, and annoyed at himself, he went home and started asking why.
What surfaced was powerful: long-buried memories, emotional wounds, and unresolved experiences from childhood that had shaped his self-worth and the way he interpreted compliments, kindness, and even his own potential.
“Compliments do not match my view of ‘self’. Never have.”
“Forty-five, fifty years later, the effects are still being lived.”
It wasn’t “stropping off.”
It wasn’t laziness.
It was emotional overload — years of baggage stirred up in the middle of a workout.
But what matters most?
He came back.
Stronger, clearer, and even more determined.
“Today, I didn’t care if my belly was bouncing or my moobs were moving. I wanted to finish what I started… One day at a time.”
Paolo’s honesty has already resonated deeply with other members — showing that fitness journeys are rarely linear, and that emotional wellbeing is every bit as important as physical progress.
Growing Confidence, New Connections, and New Challenges
By week three, Paolo had visited the club three times, tried new equipment, met new people, and deepened his connection to the 3-1-5 community.
Reconnecting & Encouragement
A long-lost friend, Lindsey, kindly offered to help motivate him after his “Tuesday stroppage.” They trained together, and she introduced him to new kit, including the Stair Master — which, of course, led to a classic Paolo moment:
“I tried climbing the Stair Master unaware that the stairs would move… backwards, rather unceremoniously, I went.”
But he got back on.
And he got it.
Persistence in action.
Meeting His PT
He also met Maddy, his dedicated PT, who will be guiding him more closely through upper body work and balanced programming. Even though she headed off on holiday straight after (a trend Paolo has hilariously noticed), their upcoming sessions mark the next phase of his journey.
Holistic Wellness: Discovering RE:SET Mind Body Soul
Paolo’s third post introduces an important new dimension to his wellbeing journey:
his visit to RE:SET Mind Body Soul, 3-1-5’s local wellness collaboration partner.
Curious and open-minded, he explored the studio and tried several treatments.
🔹 Red Light Therapy (RLT)
Apprehensive at first — especially with anything “coffin-like” — he found the experience surprisingly soothing, warm, and deeply relaxing.
“I made myself comfortable, ensuring the belly and moobs were positioned so the red light could get everywhere…”
“When the light went out, there was a complete sense of disappointment — I had almost fallen asleep.”
The next day brought a noticeable improvement in his skin, something Paolo has struggled with since his teenage years.
🔹 The 4D Massage Chair
Described by owner Neil as “four masseurs” working on him at once, the chair experience surprised Paolo:
“Initially it felt like four Russian shot putters, but eventually, my whole body gave in and relaxed.”
He left feeling loose, light, and curious about what the other treatments could offer.
🔹 Exploring Holistic Options
Paolo toured the full RE:SET facility, discovering:
-Cryotherapy ❄️
-EMS muscle stimulation
-EMS facial sculpting
-Float Therapy
-Specialist recovery equipment
-High-tech wellness treatments
He’s already planning to explore more — though he’s made it clear he’s not a fan of the cold:
“I don’t like COLD, Mr Spooner.”
Paolo’s blend of humour and honesty makes even the most advanced treatments feel accessible to others considering them.
A Journey Still Unfolding
In just a few short weeks, Paolo has:
-built confidence
-returned to exercise
-explored new equipment
-deepened self-awareness
-been open about mental health
-tried holistic therapies
-reconnected with old friends
-begun working with a PT
-and rediscovered the joy of looking after himself
His journey is real, raw, emotional, funny, and incredibly relatable.
Most importantly, it’s his — built one visit, one challenge, one discovery, and one step at a time.
From all of us at 3-1-5 Health Club:
💙 We’re proud of you, Paolo, and we’re honoured to be part of your journey. You can also follow Paolo’s journey via the Totally Local Lancaster Facebook page