72-Year-Old Finds New Life at Halo Post Heart Bypass
“Halo has given me something I love. It’s made me feel better physically and helped me connect with new people in a way. It feels great!”
Three times a week Mark Symonds can be found in the gym at Hereford Leisure Centre, enjoying a mix of treadmill, cycling and weights. After that he heads to the Toning Suite for 20 minutes for a gentle wind down workout, and then it’s off to the cafe to share a coffee with the new found friends he’s made here.
None of this seemed likely or possible six years ago when Mark, now 72, had an urgent heart bypass to tackle damage to his arteries caused by decades of living with Type 1 diabetes.
“It took me nearly a year to get over the surgery. I had little choice but to have it done – nothing else was going to help in a lasting way. It was tough in those early months, but I feel so much better now, and I put a lot of that down to exercise. The doctor referred me suggesting it would be good for me. I had only retired a year before the operation and had never built exercise into my busy life, but I was keen to do all I could for my health.
“There was no room for nerves. The team at Halo do check ups to make sure the exercise they recommend is safe and suitable and they set you goals and are on hand to guide and help you. I’ve built up to over an hour of exercise each session – about 45 minutes in the gym and then 20 minutes in the Toning Suite. And I just feel better.”
There are other benefits, too, says Mark, not least from the bonds made by working out with other people. “Not just those with their own health problems, but with everyone who is there to be healthy. I remember I had a bit of a turn one day early on when I was in the cafe and there were people there, straight away, helping me. And we got chatting and became friends, too.
“None of us know how long we’ve got, but a big health issue and operation like this one changes your perspective. It only sunk in when I started to recover. It makes you appreciate life more. We have three grandchildren (all girls) and really love seeing them. And I go out to concerts with old friends. But it’s easy not to do anything regularly when you’re feeling poorly or after a setback. You can get stuck in your ways. But Halo has given me something I love. It’s made me feel better physically and helped me connect with new people in a way. It feels great.”
Ready for your own fresh start?
Our teams are here to support you, no matter where you are on your journey, just like they supported Mark. Find your local Halo centre and start today!
