GLL, operating under the brand Better, is a social enterprise organisation which runs sport and leisure facilities, on behalf of local authorities across the UK.
With a focus on leisure facilities in Belfast, we are running a series of features looking at stories of members and how they got involved in their local leisure centre.
Next up is Allison Breadon who is a regular user of the gym at Belvoir Activity Centre and Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre.
Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre on Montgomery Road brings together Belfast's biggest pool complex and a large, modern gym under one roof. The gym has everything for cardio and strength training across a spacious floor, while three pools give you plenty of options – a 25-metre main pool for lane swimming, a learner pool, and a diving pool.
There are group cycle sessions, HIIT, Pilates, circuits, boxfit and dance fitness, plus aqua classes in the pool. Pickleball has taken off in the sports hall, and there are also diving programmes, gymnastics, junior fitness and swimming lessons.
Speaking to Belfast Media, Allison explained how nervous she was at the start about joining a gym to begin her weight-loss journey.
"About three and a half years ago I wanted to lose weight so I decided to join the gym," she explained. "I wasn't very active at all and had to use walking sticks.
"I struggled going into the gym at the start. I hated going in and not knowing anyone.
"I realised in Better Gyms people were welcoming. I then felt confident and the staff are amazing.
"I suffer from anxiety and spoke to some of the staff. They showed me around and how to use all the equipment safely. They made me feel really at ease."
Allison Breadon with Michael Upritchard, fitness instructor at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre 
Allison is encouraging anyone thinking of improving their health and fitness to consider joining Better gyms.
"I managed to get a bit of a fitness programme put together which really helped me. I have lost 12 stone," she added. "I went four times a week. I go twice a week at the minute. I still have a bit of weight to lose but I am on the right direction.
"Everyone at Better gyms are there for the same reason and that is to get healthy. Exercise has really improved my mental health too.
"I would encourage anyone thinking of signing up to do so today. The process is quick and easy. There is something for everyone, whether it is the gym, fitness classes or even swimming."
Become a member of Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre today. Call in or visit www.better.org.uk/lisnasharragh for more information.
