GP Exercise Referral Participants
Reading the real life stories of others can help us take the first steps to making positive changes in our lives.
Meet Theresa…
Theresa Wilson was referred through to the Y:Active GP Exercise Referral Programme, as she was struggling to maintain a healthy weight which was having a detrimental affect on her mental health.
With the support of her Y:Active Referral Officer throughout the 14 week programme, Theresa successfully lost over 11kgs and her new active lifestyle is helping her to cope with the demands of a hectic life.
We caught up with Theresa to see what she enjoyed the most and to find out if she had any advice for people starting on the programme.
- What did you enjoy the most about the 14 week scheme?
The sense of achievement as I felt myself becoming physically fitter. Also finding out I lost 4 inches off my waist - What activities did you take part in?
The Y:Active circuit class on Thursday afternoon at Thornton YMCA and I also attended the gym to workout to the fitness programme my Referral Officer had designed for me. - Were you exercising outside of the scheme as well?
I did also try to walk as often as I could. - How do you feel you have benefitted from the programme?
I find the exercise helps relieve stress and has certainly helped me lose weight. I also injured my back two years ago and lost my confidence. I now feel more confident physically and have found that I can do more than I expected. - What was your favourite exercise and why?
I enjoyed the circuit class because everyone was in the same boat and I did not feel self-conscious exercising in front of other people as I might have done in a conventional class. - What aspect of the programme did you find the hardest?
Initially getting back into doing exercise at all. The first week I was exhausted at the end of the warm up! Once I learned to pace myself though I was ok. - Is there any advice that you would give to someone just starting out on the programme?
Don’t try to do too much too soon and do things you enjoy. - What are your plans for the future?
I’ve now joined the YMCA as a member and try out different classes whilst also working out to a new fitness programme.
If you have any questions, just ask the Y:Active Programmes team or the reception teams at any of our Centres.
