Charlotte's Story
What was the reason you were referred to the exercise referral scheme?
I initially asked about seeing a dietician to help me with my unhealthy eating habits including binging and starving, and then the gym scheme was also recommended to complement this.
How do you think that being here has helped you?
Attending the gym has been the sole component in my recovery, I have been sober over 17 months, I have lost over 4 stone in weight, I now have much healthier coping strategies (previous ones including self harm), over the past decade I have been regularly admitted into hospital following suicide attempts and serious self injury, since last February I have not had any such attempts. I am much more aware of my warning signs and now that if my mood does start to dip that I need to attend a gym class or go for a run. I use to have to take a whole host of medications daily ranging from anti psychotics to mood stabilizers, instead of taking these meds with there associated potent side effects (including weight gain and insensitivity to the sun!) I now jump, run and lift weights with only positive side effects!
What do you do while you are here?
I attend the gym 5 to 6 times a week, exercise is my daily medication. I love participating in classes, having an instructor not only keeps you motivated but they also make sure you're not doing anything that could injure you (especially important when lifting weights), I love to workout in a group, I find myself quietly competing with other people to push myself harder and go faster! At the gym I can be whoever I want to be whether that be a professional boxer in BodyCombat, an olympic weightlifter in BodyPump, a ballerina in Barre Yoga or simply a lunatic in BodyAttack! I love the feeling of realising my fitness levels improve, and seeing the weights I can lift get heavier and heavier!
Would you recommend it?
I would a million percent recommend the gym to anyone who has difficulty with their mood, mental health, weight etc. It takes a while to learn what style of exercise works for you whether it be the gym, classes, running, swimming or simply walking, but once you find it stick with it and it will be the best move you've ever made! No matter your gender, weight, size or ability exercise is for everyone!