David Lloyd Clubs has enrolled former Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson to help raise the profile of its new Team PB programme.

The six-week programme aims to motivate, encourage and support people to realise their health goals, specifically with the pandemic and its physical and mental effects in mind.

Team PB has been designed particularly those in mind who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic in some way – and are dealing with various mental wellbeing, nutritional and physical challenges.

Watson, who spent four years as Jeremy Corbyn's deputy in the run up to the 2019 general election, is one of six volunteers from across the country taking part in the pilot programme.

Between summer of 2017 and September 2018, Watson famously lost seven stone – and reversed his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes – after overhauling his diet and exercise regime.

He has since featured as a speaker at ukactive Summits and is currently training to become a PT.

During the third pandemic lockdown, however, Watson said he "hit a brick wall" when it came to his health and wants to get back to his health journey with the help of Team PB.

Watson said: "I've been on a life-changing health journey these last four years.

"Learning about the importance of good physical and mental health and putting what I've learned into practice has been quite literally life-saving for me.

"When the pandemic hit, like so many, I tried my best to keep active and keep positive and found exercise helped with this. I took regular runs with the DL Run Club and completed online classes at home.

“By the time the country reached the third lockdown, I had hit a brick wall, and my health took a bit of a nosedive.

"I know this has been a common occurrence for so many – not having access to a gym and the motivation that comes with access to good facilities and trainers has impacted my physical and mental health."

Watson, along with the five other volunteers, will share their Team PB stories, challenges and achievements via social media as part of a marketing campaign promoting the programme.

Team PB will see psychologist Dr Jessamay Hibberd, nutritionist Jenna Hope and David Lloyd fitness experts work together to devise a full, holistic programme to help people not only get back to their normal selves but "go on to be their personal best".

Taking a holistic, ‘360 degree’ approach to health and fitness, the six-week programme will start with an assessment with Hibberd and Hope, designed to help people understand how they have been affected by the pandemic, what has been holding them back in the past and identify any barriers or bad habits.

Alongside a session with one of David Lloyd's personal trainers, an in-depth and tailored support package will then be created.

For more information about the Team PB, click here.