"Good moves, good company"
Tracy didn’t believe she’d ever be able to exercise again due to her health. Tracy’s long-term conditions means she lives with pain, tiredness and often finds herself out of breath. Her reduced mobility meant she rarely left the house. Tracy‘s GP suggested a chair based exercise class held at her local community hall, just a few minutes away. She admits she was initially sceptical but felt like she had to try it.
The first couple of weeks were hard, but she kept returning and after a while it became "so much easier," now the one-hour session is a highlight of her week. It’s allowed her to do some everyday things again, like having the energy to do her own shopping. And some big things too, being on the dance floor at a friend’s party is a real achievement, something she couldn’t see happening before the classes.
How Tracy Moves
Tracy attends a chair exercise class, hosted by Sport in the Community. She describes it as a "gentle introduction." In the class the group move through the different muscles of the body, with moves designed to increase mobility and strength, including arm punches and leg raises. Everyone takes it at their own pace, and the moves are adaptable to suit people coming for the very first time. Each session includes time for games as well, from seated football practice to a quick volleyball match-Tracy’s favourite part of the session. It’s about fun as much as it’s about moving your body.
The group didn’t know each other before, and there are regularly new people joining.
"Everyone is there for the same reasons," she says. "You feel a real camaraderie; it really lifts your spirits.”
Tracy was referred through Be Active Hampshire. They run sessions on behalf of Hampshire County Council which are designed to support those who have never exercised before and those who would like to get back into an activity routine. For Tracy being able to move her body again has changed her mindset.
"The exercise I thought would exhaust me, energises me,” she said.
Get moving like Tracy:
- You can speak to a GP or refer yourself to classes through Be Active Hampshire.
- The We Are Undefeatable App is completely free with activity designed especially for people with long term health conditions
- The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Activity Finder can help you find something local to you
If you would like to share your experience about being active with a long-term condition, to help inspire and encourage others to get moving, please contact marketing@energiseme.org.
