Bridge of Don-based Mike Elrick is grateful that Sport Aberdeen’s Active Lifestyles classes have helped him stay active following a personal health scare. 

Mike had a heart attack in 2004 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999. He suffered a stroke on 31^st January 2021 and had blood clots in his lungs whilst in hospital.

Susan – Mike’s fiancée of 32 years – saved his life when she noticed something was up and phoned the paramedics, then Mike was taken into Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI).

After his stroke, Mike’s daughter looked into available exercise classes.

He initially attended Seated Yoga at Get active @ Alex Collie: “It was really good. I met a girl there Linda who said that she was doing table tennis, so I started coming to that too.

“I now play on a Monday afternoon and a Thursday afternoon.”

After participating in seated yoga classes for around six months and noticing his overall fitness was beginning to improve, Mike commented: “I was starting to get better and feel better. When I came out of the hospital, I was walking with a stick.

“Gradually I got fitter and I got rid of the stick!

“I was able to start going to Stable and Able classes at Get active @ Jesmond on a Tuesday morning as I was looking for something a bit more intense.

“I also started the Steady Steps classes on a Wednesday morning – the staff there are a friendly bunch.”

As an active person by nature, Mike shares details about the exercise he used to participate in when he was younger.

“When I was 45 years old, I used to swim three mornings per week at Northfield Swimming Pool. Then I used to play ice hockey recreationally – my son was the goalkeeper for Aberdeen U12s.

“I also used to play golf at Kings Links Golf Course and I was a member of the Caledonian Golf Club.”

Speaking about his enjoyment of his exercise routine now, Mike said: “It’s great finding this facility [Get active @ Jesmond] that’s here.

“The staff are all great, and so is everyone in the classes.

“It does make me tired by lunchtime, but I just tell Susan I’m too tired to do the hoovering.

“I wouldn’t miss the classes ever now – I look forward to getting up in the morning to come along.”

Image above: Mike in the gym at Get active @ Jesmond

Mike’s current exercise routine consists of the following:

• Monday morning Active Lifestyles Seated Exercise class at Get active @ Jesmond from 11:30 – 12:30
• Monday afternoon table tennis at Get active @ Jesmond from 13:00 – 16:00
• Tuesday morning yoga at Bridge of Don Academy
• Wednesday morning Steady Steps class at Get active @ Jesmond
• Thursday afternoon table tennis at Get active @ Jesmond from 13:45 – 16:00

Grateful for all that he is able to physically do during a week, Mike commented:

“I’ve been lucky – I had a good stroke. I’ve been able to recover by coming to the gym. A lot of people might just stay sitting down.

“The stroke I took was a right-sided stroke so there’s still a bit of numbness there and sometimes I feel unstable when I’m walking. I’m careful when I’m going up and down stairs.

“I’m getting better, fitter – everyone can see that. I notice a big difference in my mobility.”

Mike shares his advice for anyone thinking about trying out the gym or a fitness class: “Just come along and give it a go! You can try out a free guest pass.

“It’s great value for money, I’m on a Fitness membership now. If I can inspire someone and they read this, then that’s a bonus.

“The membership is brilliant; it has improved my health and fitness.

“My car is like me, old but it’s in good condition.

“As well as the fitness classes, I really enjoy table tennis; I’ve become more competitive as I have become healthier and more able.

“We have a good laugh and I enjoy the banter and camaraderie.

“I get excited at the occasional good shot. They call me lucky Mike as I have a habit of it hitting the net and it goes over!”

Find out more about Sport Aberdeen’s membership options here.