Where my fitness journey started…
Macmillan Cancer Relief referred me to Hereford Leisure Centre after breast cancer. I was diagnosed during the pandemic and like others I've met through Macmillan I became rather reclusive - not only because we weren't allowed family with us as we went through treatments, but because nothing was open to help us socialise or get active in between them.
So when I was referred to Hereford Leisure Centre after lockdown was lifted I felt anxious and inactive to be honest. A gym environment can be a bit challenging for those new to it because you’re not really sure you belong and you’re not really sure what you’re capable of. I was even worried I wasn't wearing the right clothes. I had two surgeries and have some bad scarring across my shoulder and breast. But there was something different about this leisure centre. The staff reached out to me and now I feel they have my back as I walk through the door, like they're on this journey with me. They took me to the toning suite, showed me how it was done and got me started. And I thought ‘yeah, this is how to get me moving. This is how to do it’. The machines move you if you need help, allowing you to put in more effort as you progress and your strength increases. They offered me ten sessions so I thought I'd give it a go...By the last one I knew I wanted to be a member.
Then I was back in hospital. My knee this time. I'd been on the waiting list for a replacement when I was first diagnosed with cancer – and on crutches the whole way through my surgery and treatment. But then I was finally offered a knee operation in January of this year. Halo gave me a break in my membership as I had to take six weeks off after my surgery. But they also recommended what they called Prehab, work building strength before the operation at the same time as I was using the toning suite to get me active after cancer. It worked well. In fact, the physios in the hospital who helped me out of bed after my op (the knee surgery a complete success) commented on the strength in my legs.
The toning suite experience
I think it's amazing what exercising in the suite can do for your body, even when you feel like you're not putting in a lot of effort. I was back six weeks after surgery on crutches – taking my doctor’s advice about what I can and can't do and Wendy – the lead in the suite – gave me a new induction and talked me through the exercises that would work for me and what I should avoid in the early stages. The range of movement I have in my knee is incredible. I mean I was just on the bike up there and I’m just peddling away like someone who has never had knee problems!
I'm not the only one with a story to tell. Everyone has a reason for being in the toning suite and is benefiting from it. I'm working out alongside people who are stroke survivors, who've been in car accidents, who have had hips replaced...they all have their own goal. We all enjoy each other's company.
Now my goal is to lose some weight. The team here has given me so much confidence in where I am now, and in what I can do next. They don't push me. Everything on my journey is my choice, and my choice is to get to a healthy weight, to keep moving, and to get back to work. I feel emotional just saying it, knowing it's now possible…
We take immense pride in providing these services to our customers and members, and we're excited to continue doing so. Hereford Leisure Centre and Bridgend Life Centre provide these facilities to a diverse range of individuals with varying needs and abilities. We view this as a significant stride towards creating healthier communities.
A standout feature of our toning suite is that you'll find exercise equipment that is power assisted, this means they work with you, not against you. This is ideal for those who prefer low-intensity workouts or may have mobility challenges. We believe that these efforts represent a significant step toward creating healthier and more inclusive communities.
