Meet SJ
A national champion baton twirler and dancer, fitness was in SJ’s DNA before a series of events drastically changed her life.
The once physically active SJ was forced to focus less on her own needs and wellbeing and more on others when she became carer to her mother and then mum to an autistic child. Years later, when she did manage to find a little time to exercise, she was diagnosed with a stomach tumour and once again exercise was put on the back burner. After surgery, with her mental, emotional and physical health fragile, SJ knew she had to act.
The 51-year-old sought the advice of HealthWorks, working with them to devise a rehabilitation programme to get her back to fitness. Going at her own pace, she started weekly Steady and Strong classes and Low Level Circuit training to build up her strength and fitness.
A year on and the change in SJ’s life is vast. Not only does she feel physically stronger but she also feels empowered, her mental and emotional wellbeing back in balance. She has more energy, has made a fantastic new group of friends and has learned to have a more positive relationship with herself. Taking regular time out, looking after number one has, SJ says, helped her become a better mum as well as a better carer.
Her message to anyone struggling to get active or to keep motivated:
"Never give up because the only person who loses is you."
Is a long-term health condition impacting your ability to get active? Our Healthworks team can support you to get back to fitness...