Nicky’s story: Joining Be Well
has been a godsend

Nicky joined Be Well four years ago, feeling a little lost after the death of her husband. But with the help of a low circuit class at Standish Leisure Centre, she’s found community and connection – as well as improving her physical and mental health. This is her story…

Dave had ill for quite a long time and, when he died, there was a big gap that I didn’t know how to fill.

I’d retired when he’d got ill. Before that I’d been working really hard, and even after retiring I had a lot of caring responsibilities.

But after he died I became quite socially isolated, and I definitely needed to more physical activity too.

So, I decided to join the gym to do some meditation and yoga, and after a while I wanted to do something more physical – and that’s when I started low circuit class.

Low circuit is primarily aimed at over 50s, which has been great for me. I’ve made new friends and we have a laugh, we have a dance. There’s a really good social structure.

One of the great things about this gym is that it’s dead inclusive.

It’s for people doing rehab, it’s for people who aren’t gym bunnies… people who just like getting out, getting fit, having a good time and chatting to people.

I was a bit nervous when I started, and I was a bit concerned that everybody would be taking pictures of each other, and I’d look a bit fat. But once I’d got here, everybody makes you welcome.

There’s no judgment on anybody, and I just think it’s really inclusive.

The low circuit classes are on twice a week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and we have three different instructors – Ade, Simone and Andy – who are all absolutely fantastic.

Having those different instructors mixes it up a bit and keeps it fresh, so we’re not sort of stuck doing the same things. We do different exercises and they have different music. Andy’s music’s the best, I think… because I’m a bit of a rock chick!

But, whoever it is, we end up dancing, chatting, laughing and having a good time. We take the mickey out of the instructors… and they seek their revenge!

Like I say, I was quite isolated after Dave died and there was a big gap, but coming here filled that gap for me and has slowly improved my mental health.

My physical health’s improved too. My upper body strength is so much better because I’ve been doing a lot of weights in the class.

The class is inclusive of everybody – new people, and people who’ve been coming a long time – so you can choose what weights you do… one kilogram, two kilograms, five kilograms. You can start slowly and, because you’re coming every week, you can build up as you go.

And because it’s fun, it doesn’t feel like exercise sometimes… but you go home and you can really feel the benefit of it.

I’m much fitter generally, and I find I can lift things now that I couldn’t lift before, so I’m stronger and I feel better.

It really has been a godsend.

Nicky Speakman – Be Well member at Standish Leisure Centre

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If you’re entitled to certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance, you could be eligible for a discount on Be Well memberships and activities.

With a Be Well For Less Pass, you can save 33% on pay-as-you-go activities, memberships and subscriptions (including Be Well Fitness, Fitness Flex, Junior Fitness, Student Fitness, Senior Swim, Learn to Swim, Gymnastics and Tennis).

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