Wigan Warriors are proud to have recently relaunched an early morning gym group that focuses on enhancing the mental wellbeing of our past players.
The Club is delighted to have welcomed many former players to our state-of-the-art gym at Robin Park Arena in recent months for weekly classes which are tailored to suit the individual completing the session.
Led by Academy Welfare Manager and Strength and Conditioning Coach Dean Lester, who joined Wigan Warriors earlier this season with an array of experience, the primary aim of programme is to boost the mental wellbeing of the Club’s former players.
Sessions generally take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings – 6:30-7:30am – although days may change depending on the week. All Past Players are welcome to attend, with the programme already seeing a core group of former players attending.
Speaking on the programme, Dean said: “Our main focus is building a community and environment where our Past Players can come together to train. As much as it will improve physical fitness, the main benefits will be mentally because of the social element.
“Past Players have spent their careers with a structured training plan and being around teammates, but when that stops it can hurt. Our gym programme creates that team ethos by being part of something which provides that all-important sense of belonging.”
Talking through the sessions, Dean added: “They are open to any Past Player to attend, no matter the fitness ability. I have ready to go templates that can be adjusted to suit the individual, but the aim isn’t to come in and bench press or squat a couple hundred kilos, it’s about working within your limits whether that’s with or without weight equipment or machines.
“Giving our Past Players something to keep hold of is really important. These individuals put their bodies on the line for our Club so it’s massive for us to be able to look after and bring them back together when their careers finish.”
Past Players from Wigan Rugby League Club, as well as other teams, are welcome to attend our sessions at Robin Park Arena. For more information on our Past Players Gym Programme, please contact [email protected].