Pauline was one of over 60 clients to join us just as the country locked down back in March.
Her aim to get fit and healthy was thrown into turmoil as Livewell’s face-to-face activities stopped and the stay at home message meant limited time for exercise outdoors.
Pauline’s resilience to overcome these obstacles and try different ways to tackle her weight loss was the key reason advisor, Andy nominated her for this month’s award.
“It was a difficult start to my weight loss journey. The world changed within days and my motivation was crushed. My plans for leading a health walk after completing the training were put on the back boiler as the walking programme was suspended. Not having a group to walk with and no real life activities to take part in really affected me.
My determination returned when Livewell started the weekly Skype support groups in June. Seeing other clients online and sharing our lockdown experiences made it all feel just that bit better. Andy encouraged us to discuss good and weak points and set short term goals for that week. He asked for text updates before the next session which kept me focussed and helped me stay on track. As a result, I drink more water, pack in more fruit and veg and I’ve introduced a portion of oily fish into my meal plans. My next aim is to improve my snacking habits.
Swimming has always been a challenge but since Queen’s Leisure Centre re-opened in July I really value having this as one of my free workout options. It’s also a good activity for my joints as I suffer with arthritis. Building up gradually I now swim 21-24 lengths in 45 minutes three times a week and include a two km walk from the bus stop to and from the pool. Now that my confidence is back, I’ve just done an induction at the gym so I can combine my swimming with a workout and a walk! At the weekends I head out for a 5km brisk walk to complete my weekly exercise routine. I feel so much fitter and better in myself both mentally and physically for doing it.
Seven months into my journey, I plan to do the virtual Lose Weight Feel Great course and I’ve just booked onto the Escape Pain course for clients with hip and knee troubles. I feel I’m getting armed with the right tools to reach my overall weight loss goal.
Advisor Andy says:
“Pauline is making the most of everything we have on offer. She is a regular at our Skype support group, barely missing a session. It shows that support from other clients, even virtually can help boost motivation.”