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Lending weight to campaign
A YOUNG fitness guru who models for one of Britain's top nutrition magazines has lent his weight to the 'Get Active, Get A Life!' campaign by helping to train a novice runner.
Daniel Nabipour (27) has teamed up with Holmesfield's dad-of-three Toby Lee (39) to help him get in gear for the Dronfield 10K later this month.
Toby, his wife Angie (35) and three children Sam (14) Georgia (12) and Acer (seven), have all been upping their exercise levels and making small changes to their diet in a bid to get healthier.
And after working out at the gym regularly, Toby became pals with Dan who has been into body building and keeping fit since he was 19.
Dan, of Dronfield, said having someone else to train with kept you motivated and helped on the days when you were not feeling in the mood.
"I've known Toby about six months now after we just started chatting in the Dronfield Leisure Centre gym," said the law graduate.
"He was asking me for a few tips on different routines, diet and nutrition so I gave him a bit of advice here and there. "He's really stuck at it and now it's paying off."
Toby and his family have been taking part in the "Get Active, Get A Life!" challenge with the Derbyshire Times and Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust for almost six months.
Angie and the children are to run the Dronfield Fun Run while Toby, who is classed as obese because his Body Mass Index is above 30, will tackle the 10k or 6.2 mile run.
After months of building up his fitness levels the dad can now comfortably run at least five miles on the road.
He put some of his success down to Dan whom he said gave him confidence and helped him see through the gym stereotype people often fear.
"It's so much better when you're with someone else," he said. "The nice thing I've found through working and training with Dan is that a lot of people might look at him and think he wouldn't want to help someone like me - but that's not the case.
"Dan's the nicest guy and has always been willing to listen to my concerns or help out with my regime - his tips have been invaluable."
Dan, who has lived in Dronfield for 13 years after four years living in Iran, has degrees in film studies and law but is getting ready to forge a business as a personal trainer.
He said: "I just think everyone should give exercise a go and stick at it for a while. A lot of people come to the gym because they feel guilty over Christmas. They come for a few weeks but then go back to their old routine. That's no good, it's about a lifestyle change.
"When you've got a goal like Toby's and you reach that goal it's the best thing ever."
Dan, who is currently modelling for Sci-MX nutrition, works out at the gym most days doing an hour in total, 30 minutes of running or cycling and 30 minutes of weight lifting for his muscles.
But he said his regime was extreme for his career and advised others to have a go for enjoyment and a feeling of wellness.
"It makes you feel so much healthier," he said. "I don't really drink alcohol because I don't like the hangovers!
"I eat six times a day in little amounts and drink lots of water - around six to seven litres a day and for my muscles I eat a lot of protein."
Derbyshire Times readers are being urged to pledge to make a change to become more active - and Dan has promised to support Toby in his goal for the 10K.
"I enjoy seeing Toby and how happy he is when he's improving. I'm pledging to support him in the run up to the 10K and his recovery afterwards," he added.
Everyone who pledges is in with a chance to win a fantastic prize including a holiday to Center Parcs, bikes for the family or a luxury gym pass, just log onto wwww.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
A subsidised gym-based exercise referral scheme for people who are overweight is available in Derbyshire. To find out more about it visit a health care professional at your GP surgery or call 01773 525000.
For anyone with a serious weight problem, a free NHS WaistWise service is available. Speak to any health professional about getting enrolled or call the WaistWise team on (01246) 868400.
Gym'll fix it: Dan Nabipour and Toby Lee take a break from their workout. SP77260
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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