“My physical limitations were having an impact on my outlook to getting older. I started to feel a bit less. Less fit, less positive, less me.” – Helen, FitForLife attendee
Helen was at a crossroads before she started FitForLife.
One road led to accepting that back pain was just a part of life she would have to make peace with.
“I had issues with my back for many years. After trying physiotherapy, osteopaths, acupuncture and Pilates, I was resigned to nothing working and having to put up with it.” – Helen
Resigning to that road was made even more tempting after surgery.
“Surgery left me feeling worried about getting back into exercise after being told not to lift heavy weights, jump or run.” – Helen
Helen had tried gyms in the past but didn’t think they were a fun way to exercise. Even though she wanted to change her situation, the gym visits eventually fizzled out.
She would just say the same thing: “I’m not really a gym person.”
Despite ongoing back pain and post-surgery advice to be cautious, Helen saw the world around her changing and decided to do something about it.
“I was interacting with an ever-decreasing group of people. My world was shrinking. I felt it was time to take control and make some positive steps to improve my physical and social well-being.” – Helen
Helen decided to fight for the alternative road. Even though she knew it would be hard. This is the story of everything that came from that one determined decision.
Helen heard about FitForLife from her neighbour, and previous cohort attendee, Chrissy. It sounded like exactly what she had been looking for so she went straight into research mode, found our website, and signed up. Even though the cohort was already underway and in its third week, we were able to find her a space. So, it wasn’t nervousness that Helen walked in with.
“I was really grateful to be there! I wasn’t familiar with the session structure but I had a warm welcome. Kelcie was leading the group and Goda spent time with me 1:1 taking me through the base line tests and getting to know me. Once the tests were completed I was introduced to the group and just joined in, it was that simple.” – Helen
Helen’s potential was obvious from her very first session.
“From the moment Helen began our FitForLife programme we just knew she was going to be an unstoppable force. She began like most do, testing the waters from week to week to see what they are capable of. But Helen had an additional spark to her that you couldn’t deny. Her tenacity and willingness to push past her perceived limitations every single week quickly showed us she was going to achieve incredible things with us!” – Kelcie, Lead Exercise Therapist
But even though the coaches saw her potential, Helen wasn’t quite ready to see it herself…yet.
“The realisation that I could actually do this was gradual for me. Each week I gained more confidence. I could see that what was being asked was achievable and the options to regress or extend each exercise made everything possible.” – Helen
The “shrinking world” of Helen’s social experience began to open back up as a part of her involvement too.
“It was great to be part of a cohort. We got to know each other and had a bit of banter during sessions as well as encouraging each other to keep going and not give up if something was hard. I have made friends and met people outside of our sessions socially and for more fitness!” – Helen
“I was especially pleased to be shown how to lift weights safely. It is so important for us ‘women of a certain age.’ I started to feel more positive about getting older and focusing on what I could do rather than worrying about what I couldn’t.” – Helen
Helen walked in having been advised not to lift heavy weights. But once her self-belief caught up with her ability, the progress was undeniable.
“I have increased the weight I can lift in all movements. Some doubled and a few tripled!” – Helen
The cautious, uncertain approach Helen came in with.
Her fear around lifting weights safely.
The discomfort she very nearly accepted as a way of life.
All became completely unrecognisable by the end of the twelve-week programme.
“I feel more confident in knowing what my body can do now, instead of protecting it I have challenged it and I have been surprised at the results.” – Helen
Helen hasn’t needed to see an osteopath since she started, crushed every baseline test she set in week one, and regularly attends follow on classes with us.
Though, one thing hasn’t changed in her mind.
“I stand by that I’m still not really a gym person. But FitForLife classes don’t feel like going to a gym!” – Helen
Helen’s complete change of mindset towards where her life was heading and the way she viewed herself is something everyone in the charity feels so lucky to be able to witness.
“It’s always a pleasure to have Helen in classes. She constantly challenges herself to tackle the hardest option she can safely take on. The difference in her self-belief and confidence has been incredible. Despite her remarkable progress, I’m still not sure we’ve seen her full potential yet.” – Daryl, Exercise Therapist
But the biggest change came in the way Helen speaks to herself about her potential and her attitude towards the road she has chosen.
“I feel privileged to be part of the FitForLife programme. Why should we do less as we get older? We just need the right environment, encouragement and expertise to ensure we do things right, and here it is.” – Helen
A human story like Helen’s lies behind every single Fit for Life attendee at Momentum Fitness Charity. We’re only able to create these opportunities thanks to continued funding and donations. To support our work, please visit our donations page to make a one-off or monthly contribution. The difference it makes is genuinely life changing.