When Chris Cooper turned up at the Stealth Fitness Centre in Coalville 18 months ago, it took him 40 minutes to pluck up the courage to walk through the front door.

He thought he would be out of place, in a room full of 'fit people'.

But nothing could have been further from the truth.

And now, seven stones lighter, Coalville-born Chris has just taken part - and won - his first - Kickboxing bout.

The reason he came to the Brunel Way-based gym was as a result of an advert placed by owner Craig Smith.

Looking to get people back into the gym again, he urged new dads to come and get the exercise they might not otherwise be doing while looking after the kids.

Some others responded as well - and Stealth was emerging from lockdown strongly.

But the message was a clear one, you do not have to be bodybuilder standard to get involved - and you can change your life as a result.

As well as martial arts, Stealth also offers a Crossfit programme.

Chris admitted he was uncertain about taking the plunge when he first arrived.

He told Coalville Nub News: "For me, it was purely weight loss. I was 34 years old and 23 stone.

"I was a really big lad, and I couldn't keep up with my little boy. I was in a right mess, I wasn't feeling great either

Chris has lost seven stone in 18 months. Photo: Stealth Fitness Centre

"Then I saw a post that Craig had put on Facebook, it was aimed dads.

"Dads that were feeling exactly the same way I was.

"I sent a message, and the first time I came here, I sat outside for 40 minutes because I didn't want to come in.

"I just didn't want to come into a room full of fit people. I thought I might be embarrassed, but the support I received was amazing.

"I lost seven stone in 18 months - five of that was in six months.

"But I'd never done anything like this before, ever

"I come here predominantly for the training in to keep myself fit.

Stealth Gym in Coalville is based in Brunel Way on the Stephenson Industrial Estate. Photos and videos: Coalville Nub News

"But I found I've fallen in love with the sport as I'm doing it, 

"I had my first fight this month, and I was victorious as well so that was good.

"It was real progress for me. I'm feeling good about myself."

Chris is not the only one to find a new lease of life at Stealth.

Gary Coleman, from Nailstone, was looking to get involved for different reasons - but he also responded to the 'dads' appeal.

He said: "I used to do a lot of boxing in the army and did some afterwards, but it wasn't really the right environment

"I also saw the advert about dads coming down here.

"I also thought I'd give it a go and I've been here ever since

"But I'd also agree that it is nerve-wracking the first time you come in.

"You don't know what to expect, there's a room full of people. You think everyone's staring at you.

"But it's just a big family, and everyone's really friendly

"I can't tell people enough how good it is.

"It's not just about fighting, it's about discipline, and confidence

"My progress has been good, I've really noticed the fitness side of it.

Stealth also offers members Crossfit training

"You don't realise how fit you're getting because you're enjoying what you're doing.

"The benefits afterwards are tremendous.

"I quit smoking! Because I want to do better here.

"I want to get fitter and I want to show my lad that if I can do it, he can do it."

Stealth is attracting new members all the time - and some of the younger ones are being tipped as future Olympic squad members via UK Sport's Fighting Chance pathway.

But membership is open to all abilities.

Liam Capel and Ryan Murray had been involved in martial arts before and wanted to get back into it.

And they found Stealth proved to be the ideal venue.

Liam said: "We've been here about a month now, we both used to do martial arts a while ago.

"We wanted to get back into it years ago.

"I did Taekwondo and Ryan was into kickboxing. This is local to both of us and we also wanted to get some physical activity again.

"It's good for physical health and mental health, and we've both really enjoyed it so far."

Ryan added: "I used to be involved about 10 years ago, then I stopped.

"I just thought now is the time to start again, I found about found out about this through a friend and came along.

"Our wives are able to go to the swimming pool at the Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre, so it's the best of both worlds 

"This is the third time this week we've been here, we are both enjoying it, and I'd really recommend it

"We'd definitely recommend it, we're able to pick up where we'd left off."