Covid-19 survivor Bill, 90, keeping fit in pop-up home gym

Bill Dobie, from St Annes, was the first man to be discharged from Blackpool Victoria Hospital after overcoming Covid-19.

The lifelong believer in staying in prime condition visited the YMCA gym in St Annes seven days a week and also played golf two or three times a week at Royal Lytham and St Annes until his illness and admission to hospital shortly before the current social distancing regulations were introduced.

After overcoming the virus which has claimed so many lives, Bill is determined to stick as close as possible to his regular fitness regime - alternating between upper body and cardiac work – and has been using dumbbells and stretch cords at home as well as doing up to 50 press-ups a day.

Now able to get out and about again following self-isolation after his return from hospital, he also walks two miles a day, ensures he drinks plenty of water and keeps his mind active with work on his computer.

“It’s vital not to become a couch potato,” said the retired company director who is a former captain of Royal Lytham and St Annes.

“I have always made a point of keeping fit and have regularly monitored my blood pressure and other vital statistics, to present to the doctor at my regular check-ups.

“I really miss the gym and playing golf but I am doing the best I can to make up for it with my workouts at home and regular walks.

“I used to have an actual gym in our previous home but there isn’t room in the flat so I am working with what’s available and sticking as near as I can to my daily routine.

“I have always been a great believer in staying positive and that helped me considerably through Covid-19, of course along with all the wonderful staff at the Vic.

“When they told me I had Covid-19, I thought ‘this is a blasted nuisance’ but I was determined I wasn’t going to die."