A popular former Coventry shopkeeper has shared how he lost eight stone after retiring.
Sanjay Sharma spent 45 years serving the people of Holbrooks from his shop on Lythalls Lane.
But his sedentary lifestyle, unlimited access to snacks and a household of relatives who wanted to feed him up meant his weight ballooned to 21 and a half stone.
After a turbulent few years, in which Sanjay lost both of his parents in the space of less than a week, as well as a beloved family dog, he decided to make a change. He signed up to the gym at CV Life’s Centre AT7 and started his weight-loss journey.
“We’d just leased out the shop, and my parents had been unwell for some time. Mum died of cancer just five days after my dad passed. It was really hard,” the 62-year-old shared.
“I started the gym in September 2022. Slowly at first, and building up gradually. I loved it.”
The weight started falling off, but Sanjay hit a blip after six months due to changes in his private life. He took a few months away, before making a return in November 2023. He hasn’t looked back since.
Using the treadmill on an incline, as well as weights and the rowing machines, Sanjay picked up where he left off, and now weighs in at a lythe 13 stone.
Talking about his health, Sanjay said: “Before I was on medication for diabetes, I was diagnosed 20 years ago, but also for cholesterol and high blood pressure.
“I would sit in the shop all day, if a customer came in and bought a Twix, then I’d go ‘oh, I quite fancy a Twix,’ and I wouldn’t be able to think of anything else until I ate a Twix. Then because I’d had something sweet, I’d want something savoury so I’d have a bag of crisps.
“On top of that, when I got married, my wife was making meals but my mum was too, so instead of disappointing one of them sometimes I’d end up eating two meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“I got bigger and bigger and people would comment calling me a fat elephant and stuff like that. So I’d hide myself, try not to have my photo taken. If I was out with my wife and she went into Next or River Island, I’d stand outside because I was in double or triple XL clothes – I knew nothing would fit.”
Within weeks of joining the gym, Sanjay started making acquaintances – people he started off saying ‘hello’ to soon blossomed into friendships. He also began interacting with staff and personal trainers who gave invaluable nutritional advice.
He said: “The social side of the gym at AT7 is amazing – you meet people, have a bit of banter and a laugh. But I’ve also found friendships, people that helped me on my journey – it’s nice to know you have that support.”
Sanjay is also quick to point out the role played by CV Life staff, including Scott Sowerby and Personal Trainer Harj.
“Scott was a big support showing me how to use the fantastic equipment at the beginning, and Harj who taught me the importance of a good diet and nutritional value – I wouldn’t have achieved what I have without these two.”
Another element Sanjay has enjoyed is the My Wellness app which comes as part of the Lifestyles package. The app allows members to track their progress and even compete with other members.
Sanjay has thrived at monthly challenges when he has burned the most calories, or travelled the furthest on one of the machines which has resulted in him winning multiple free monthly passes.
“I feel like a new person”, Sanjay shared. “I’m not on medication for high blood pressure or cholesterol any more. I only take one diabetes tablet a week, and that’s usually only after a food blowout at the chippy.
“My doctor told me if I keep up the way I’m going, I will completely reverse the diabetes diagnosis.”
But one of Sanjay’s milestone achievements, despite losing over eight stone or turning his life and health around, is a much simpler and tangible one.
“I went into Next the other day. I tried on a medium zip up hoodie. It was a bit baggy – so I tried the small on and it fit like a glove. It made me so happy.”
Find out more about Lifestyles memberships here.