I joined Phoenix Fitness in the summer of 2009 a few weeks after my husband. I was sceptical about how much I could do as I had very little mobility in my knees due to a medical condition which means that bony fragments become trapped in my knee joint, various operations had left them swollen and stiff, this restricted my movements and consequently I put on weight through inactivity.
I started with a gentle exercise programme using a Motomed machine, this enables me to create a cycling movement with my legs or arms whilst sat on a chair. The machine is designed for people with mobility problems. After a few months there was a huge improvement in bending and straightening my knees, which I didn’t think was possible. A few months after I joined I achieved my goal of being able to pedal an upright bike, using a bike with adjustable pedals to suit the capabilities of my knees.
Over the past 18 months I have increased the mobility in my knees, I can move them more now than I have been able to since I was 16!
I was in the gym when the Hour of Power was taking place, I mentioned to my trainer that everyone looks like their enjoying themselves and it’s a shame that I was unable to take part as I cannot stand for long periods of time. For my next session my trainer had adapted some of the exercises in the Hour of Power to suit my capabilities and I was able to complete the class, this was a turning point for my fitness. An Hour of Power class has now been established to suit people like me using the fitballs for support. I take part in the Hour of Power twice a week and have a mobility session once a week. My new goal is to start to lose weight through my new exercise regime and specific nutritional advice with my trainer. Although I will always have knee problems, the flexibility I now have will keep me out of a wheelchair which I had been heading for. Thanks to Simon and Melanie for encouraging me.