“I was a self-confessed middle-aged couch potato, you would have to bribe me with tea and cake at the end just to get me to agree to a walk, so this was a big step.”
“Anna, a St Albans Community Gym member, was keen to share the great experience she has had since joining a One YMCA gym. Our fitness instructor, Daniel, was delighted to hear that Anna has gained so much from her membership and has been impressed by her progress, and the improvement it has made to her health and wellbeing, in a short space of time. I joined One YMCA when my daughter suggested that we join together and I jumped at the chance to spend more time with my teen. I hadn’t been to a gym in years. I was a self-confessed middle-aged couch potato, you would have to bribe me with tea and cake at the end just to get me to agree to a walk, so this was a big step. I decided to go for it and commit to going 3-4 times a week. I thought it would be a chore so I was very surprised to find that I absolutely loved it.
Very quickly, within 5-6 weeks, I started noticing real changes. I would usually go for a lie down straight after work but suddenly I had more energy. I swapped afternoon naps for afternoon gym sessions. After years of high blood pressure, my blood pressure readings were in the normal range. My cardiovascular health improved, I was able to run without getting too out of breath. My resting heartbeat, which was mid 80s prior to joining, had reduced to mid 60s. All this in a matter of weeks. To top it off I lost 10lbs in the first 6 weeks but when I looked at all the other health benefits, the weight loss was just a bonus.
I continue to come 3-4 times a week, I follow a training programme that Dan kindly put together for me. Going to the gym regularly has changed my mindset. It’s made me think about my health and I’ve found that I’m not eating as much cake! The staff are super friendly and always happy to help, answer any questions about equipment, give tips on exercises or just pass the time of day.
“I’m so happy I joined One YMCA. It’s never too late to invest in your future health.”
