“I promised myself I was going to exercise more after retiring.” Paola – Fit for Life attendee.
When the moment Paola had been waiting for finally came, it wasn’t the workouts that made her nervous. Despite some previous gym experience, she still felt unsure walking into her first session. Because her biggest motivator to get involved and biggest barrier were the same: meeting new people.
After years spent busy with work and family life, meeting new people had taken a back seat. So, when Paola saw Momentum Fitness Charity’s Fit for Life sessions on Facebook – a free, friendly, and focused 12-week programme. She knew the time had come to keep her promise to herself.
But getting fitter and lifting weights was just the start for Paola. The real change would come from not just the workouts but her sense of belonging in a new community.
“Welcoming our very first Fit for Life cohort into the gym was nerve-racking for everyone. We went into the first session with a rough outline of what we wanted to accomplish as coaches but not having had this demographic before. We knew we might need to flex our programme as it would be an important element to the cohort’s experience.
We also understand that just walking through the door and agreeing to begin this journey with us was monumental. Our number one priority was making sure we eased any nerves as quickly as possible so that everyone wanted to return week to week. Creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone regardless of age or background is so important to us.”– Kelcie – Lead Coach and Exercise Therapist
We’re fortunate to have a huge space available to us at Momentum Fitness Charity. But big gym environments can be intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with them or only just being exposed to them later in life.
Part of our role as coaches is recognising those nerves and making sure everyone feels welcome.
“The coaches are amazing people who all brought different skills to the group. All were supportive, adaptable, friendly, approachable and professional. I was nervous, but the coaches were so welcoming it soon went.”- Paola
Our first cohort of twelve showed us something that has been repeated in every group since: people join us from completely different walks of life and with completely different stories.
Some question if it’s too late for them to start. Some feel their perceived lack of strength and fitness means they don’t belong. Some, like Paola, already know their way around a gym but are looking for connection at a turning point in life.
Despite the different routes they’ve taken to find us, each of them knows they want something more. And that shared desire, whether it’s for confidence, community, fitness or change, is exactly what binds them all together.
“Paola, like most people who initially join us, was a little bit timid to start with. It isn’t easy to put yourself into a new environment that also involves fitness. She quickly found her footing in the cohort classes and began to thrive in challenging herself and learning new skills.
She has made amazing strides in her fitness levels which has had huge health benefits for her outside the gym as well. We really got to know Paola for the incredible, encouraging person that she is during those first 12 weeks and have been so fortunate to have her as a huge support to others as they transition from the cohort classes into our “grad” classes since then.” – Kelcie – Lead Coach and Exercise Therapist
It’s been amazing to see Paola develop in so many ways and to hear her acknowledge them herself.
“I notice so much change in myself since starting. My confidence, my fitness, weight loss. And the Metformin dosage I take for my diabetes has halved.” – Paola
Her results are incredible. But as coaches, seeing the slow, quiet shift is so special. Because Paola’s first visit as a nervous first-timer feels like a world away now.
She attends every class she’s able to and carries herself in the gym with confidence. A confidence built from a feeling of not just belonging but also from contribution.
The coaching team have come to see Paola as not just a participant but more like our unofficial cheerleader and recognised social spokesperson. We rely on her as our point of contact to gauge group feedback.
Paola’s story encapsulates the full aim of the Fit for Life programme here at Momentum Fitness Charity. Because what we provide goes so far beyond just fitness.
It’s about seeing each participant as an individual with their own goals, drives and desires. It’s about recognising there is a person with their own story behind every attendee. And it’s about the unknown space for growth and improvement none of us can ever really predict.
Both retirement and an unkept promise to herself were looming when Paola first joined us. Now, the nervous, uncertain woman who walked in looking to meet new people is almost unrecognisable.
“Thank you. The variety has kept me interested, it has increased my stamina without me realising it was happening and has improved my mental health at an important time in my life. The bonus has been the social side, with other participants and coaches. I’ve made many new friends. I’m so proud to be a founding member of the group.” – Paola
A human story like Paola’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.