Case study

MORE than 93pc of the population of Stamullen believe they are in ‘good’ or ‘very good’ health, and fitness fanatic Sean O’Donovan (30) isn’t surprised.

The former electrician fell in love with fitness in recent years after a stint living in Melbourne, a place where the ‘body beautiful’ seemed to be a full-time occupation for many Australian locals.

And it wasn’t long before he decided to quit his job to make the pursuit of a healthy body his professional calling.

“I came home, went to college and became a personal trainer,” said the owner of Atomic Fitness in the Co Meath town.

“Now I see most of the town’s people are all very into fitness. You see them every day, up and down the road, running, walking, cycling. People in Stamullen are really fit, and health is a bit priority.”

His personal training service is popular with locals, with members as young as 16 years right up to pension age.

“I think we have a young generation here and that’s part of the reason behind our preoccupation with fitness,” Sean said.

“The younger generation really get how to live healthily. And they share fitness online.

“I know if one person does well at my personal training sessions, they share it on social networks and that way it grows. Because this is a small community, people are also friends through fitness.

“They push each other on and it’s such a scenic area to go out for a jog or walk – that can only help.

“I think it’s great that fitness is a big deal for this community because health is so important to living longer and living a healthier life. It’s fantastic to know that as a community health is so important.”

He said young people also prioritised health and fitness, and they not only exercise but ate well too. “That’s a great way of life and one that so many adults across the country could follow.

“We have all ages exercising at the studio, and if they’re not with me, just look at the road any day of the week and people are all exercising outside.”