The Secret to a Healthy Life: Viginia's Strength for Life Journey

This is Virginia one of our participants who has been doing the Strength for Life program.  Below is her story of how the Strength for Life program has helped her.

How did you find out about Strength for Life?

I found out through a friend, and we went together.  They had also found out through a friend!  I went onto the website and researched it a little bit. I saw my GP then had my initial appointment with Lorraine.

Did you find the referral process easy?

EASY!!  I don’t really like going to the doctor. I only go the doctor if I have to but getting the referral form wasn’t a hassle at all.

How long have you been doing Strength for Life for?

About 3 years

How has the program benefited you?

I am much fitter!!  Mental health wise, if you have any issues it does help with stress relief – the exercising and the socialising.  It helps to keep up your motivation and routine – I know on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday I have Strength for Life.  These are my days and I am in a routine every week.

Having individual exercise helps to.  I can work on what I want.  I just let the instructors know.

I also do other exercise classes such as abs and stretch.  This helps when I do my Strength for Life workout.  I like to keep fit and active.  Nursing is my background so I’ve seen the effects of not exercising and keeping fit.

As a bonus, I also get a rebate from my private health insurance!

How do you find the exercise?

I always feel more active after the exercises.  Some days I have to push myself to go but once I’ve done it, I feel better for myself.  That’s the reward!!  Making the effort and feeling good about myself.

I can’t say enough about the instructors!!  The instructors we have at Morley are really good.  It varies between instructors so we get a variety of exercises.  Some will do floor exercises and some will do standing up.  We have the choice to attend whichever one suits our needs and capabilities.

What is your favourite part about Strength for Life?

Instructor Sheree’s stretching.  We do a 10 min warm up before the session and 10 min cool down at the end.  All the trainers are great and they correct you if you aren’t doing it the right way.  Also the feeling of doing the exercise knowing it’s going to benefit me.

Have you managed to make new friends?

YES!!!  We go out socially during the week/weekends/nights.  We celebrate birthdays together and we often have coffee after the exercise.

What would you say to someone who wants to join but isn’t sure?

“Come along to one of the classes and see what it’s like!”