David Doyle’s Weight Loss Journey with the National Exercise Referral Scheme
David Doyle, 40, had never stepped into a gym until five months ago. Now – having lost nearly six stone – he’s convinced it’s the best medicine he could have found. We caught up with him at the gym at Hereford Leisure Pool to find out more.
My journey to the gym
Up until 10 years ago I was quite fit, even if not a gym goer. But then I was diagnosed with ADHD and the medicine I was given to help (and we explored a few treatments) had an impact on my health. I put on weight, going from nine stone (I’m 5 ft 5″) to 18 and, not not surprisingly, stopped being as active as I was. Without the medication I found it hard to sleep, and was like a loose cannon – always on the go, but in a chaotic way. So the medicine helped me, but as it slowed me down my weight went up and, as a result, my blood pressure went up, too. Then I discovered at Christmas my cholesterol levels were way too high. When a friend told me she’d been referred to Halo by her GP for her blood pressure and found it helped, I booked an appointment with the doctor the same day to ask if it could help me, too.
What I found
Not what I’d expected. I was worried about coming in here when I was so overweight – worried what people would think. But the initial consultation was lovely and the staff were so supportive. I felt completely understood. The fitness instructor talked through what I wanted from the gym, the issues I needed to resolve. We talked diet and exercise and how I could be more active. We agreed a start date and the next Monday I was booked in and shown each piece of equipment and how it worked and the impact it would have – for my cardio health, my muscle strength, weight loss. The team in the gym encouraged me to choose the equipment I wanted to try, and showed me where to start. I decided I’d visit twice a week and swim twice a week, but I loved the gym so much I now just head straight here each visit, four times a week. I use the rowing machine, treadmill, bike and some traditional weights. It has surpassed my expectations. All my worries went away and, within weeks, I was loving it. Ginny Ryan and Teresa who work here are amazing, always checking in to see how I’m doing. I feel like I really belong.
Where I am now
It has completely transformed me. I’m down to 12 stone 4lb and heading for my goal of 11 stone or under in line with my BMI. The team showed me how to increase the effort as I progressed and now I’m lifting a lot more weights, can row further, cycle at higher levels and, when I’m on the treadmill, go at a pretty fast pace and on incline mode. I’m combining all this with much healthier eating. No more takeaways (not one since Christmas!), five fruit and veg a day, fish instead of red meat, red top skimmed milk (or no milk at all). I am not saying it’s always easy. I have to avoid certain aisles in the supermarket and it can be hard to resist takeaways when the family has one, but I am determined. By March my blood pressure and cholesterol were going in the right direction and I am due to have another check done soon so really hopeful. Last time I went to the GP she called my name but didn’t recognise me in the waiting room. She was amazed at the difference in me. I was able to tell her how much better I feel, too – not getting out of breath so quickly, entertaining my grandchildren for longer, and just enjoying life more. The only downside has been the clothes. When I got my summer stuff out none of it fitted and I’ve had to order new!
Advice for reluctant gym goers
It’s never too late to start. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. If you’re nervous about the gym, talk to the team at Halo. They are all lovely, and they remind me as they’ll remind you, that everyone is in here for a reason and everyone is welcome. There’s a slogan on the wall which says ‘exercise is the best medicine’. I love that. It’s become my mantra.