THE POWER Is a smash at getting fit

 

BBC Midlands Sports Personality 2006 and 13 times World Darts Champion, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor continued his fitness drive on Monday 12^th March, when he tried his hand at badminton.

 

Phil, who lost out to Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in an epic world final last December, believes his stamina let him down and pledged to improve his fitness to ensure he added to his long list of world titles. As his fitness has improved, Phil’s already 'Powered' his way to the top of the Sky Sports Darts Super League - incidentally coming back from 5-1 down to win 8-6 against van Barneveld who beat him in that world final.

 

Sport England’s Regional Director, Steve Town, who challenged Phil to get fit, is amazed at his rapid and impressive progress, having lost over a stone in weight and greatly reduced his cholesterol levels.

 

Under the supervision of experts based at Staffordshire University’ Sports Performance Department, Phil has been a regular visitor to the gym and now follows a healthy eating plan. However, today’s activity was an opportunity to vary his training regime with a badminton session delivered by Rauf Mirza, Chair of the West Midlands Regional Sports Board.

 

Commenting after the session Rauf said: “We are delighted with Phil’s progress and today’s badminton session was an opportunity to introduce him to another means of getting fit. He’s incredibly committed to changing his lifestyle through increasing his activity levels and if he can serve as a role model to encourage others in the community to do the same it will be fantastic.”

 

Badminton is a great sport that can be enjoyed by all age groups and at all levels of ability. It is very accessible and facilities can be found in school halls, church halls and sports centres. It isn't expensive to take up and is a game that families can play together to help keep fit and healthy.

 

During his session Phil was also challenged to a badminton match by GCSE PE students from Thistley Hough High School along with some of the University’s PhD students. In return Phil gave them a Darts Master class.

 

Phil Taylor added: “I’ve taken up Sport England’s challenge, with the help of Staffordshire University and Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, to improve my fitness and I hope that my example will encourage others to get fit and make a real difference to their lives”.

 

Phil’s programme, which is being co-ordinated by the County Sports Partnership – Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, is the brainchild of Sport England West Midlands Director Steve Town. Sport England’s recent Active People Survey highlighted the West Midlands region as the least active in England.

 

BBC Midlands Today is following The Power’s Progress with regular monthly features. A copy of Phil’s programme can be found on the County Sports Partnership website

www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk along with other useful information on how to become more active.