“Being active has also given me confidence and inspired my daughter also.”
By Dan, 58, from Mossley Hill
Diagnosed with diabetes, Dan was adamant he didn’t want to live the rest of his life on medication. But he also knew that, to achieve his goal, he needed to lose weight and get active.
“Being active for me is a constant thing; it’s something I want to do and, as I get better I realise I want to do more.”
"I try to do 10 minutes each day at least, achieving about 40 minutes now three times a week."
“But I don’t beat myself up if I don’t manage to do it. Time can be an issue but if I slip, it’s not a failure, I just start back again.
“I try to be active every day in some way, even if it’s doing the household chores or the gardening. For instance, if I walk to the station, that’s 10 minutes either way. It doesn’t have to be the gym, mowing the lawn or the climbing the stairs count too. Also, when I don’t have a lot of time I do stomach exercises when I get up in the morning.
“I’m a great believer in small steps too, once you take the first step, the second is easier.”
Paul didn't realise how important being active was until his son was born and he had the responsibility of a young family to look after. Now at 38, he's feeling happier and more fulfilled than ever and can run around with his children without getting out of breath.
Jayne finds karate really helps with her anxiety, as it makes her feel stronger, more relaxed and in control. She’s also made some great new friends and now has much more belief in herself.
James’ back and knee pain can make it hard for him to get active, but by sticking to low impact activities, like swimming and cycling, he’s able to enjoy an active life without injuring himself.
Being active has completely transformed Debi’s life. In the past she was the self-confessed ‘poster girl for being inactive’ and now she’s quite literally a ‘poster girl for being active’!
Betty hasn’t always been the positive and confident person that we see today. Being more active has taken Betty on a remarkable journey of empowerment, achievement and personal success. In 2014 Betty was very overweight. She was unhealthy and struggling with a number of other health issues.
Patricia used tai chi and dance as a way to ease her recovery from stress. Doing these activities regularly helps her feel calmer, stronger and more alert. Plus, she didn’t start until she was 52, so it’s never too late to join in.
