Mark’s story:
A message of hope

Before being referred to Be Well by his NHS physio, Mark had suffered five separate heart attacks and was struggling with his weight, mobility issues, social anxiety and severe mental health problems.

While life remains challenging, as part of the Month of Hope (10 September – 10 October), his message to others is one of hope and encouragement. This is his story…

When I first came to Be Well I was isolated, suffering with depression and anxiety, and putting on a lot of weight because I wasn’t going out.

It was my home physio who suggested I get in touch. I’d never even heard of Be Well before that!

I was given an appointment with a health coach, Alex, at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre. I’m always a bit on edge going into new places, but Alex was a really nice guy and he really put me at ease.

We went through my medical history and what I wanted to achieve. And, once I’d cleared everything with my cardiologist, Alex started taking me to Leigh Leisure Centre, not far from where I live.

I remember my first visit was on a Monday, and I had a one-to-one with one of the instructors who was really good.

A male instructor leads a Be Well exercise class

I joined a weekly cardiac rehab class and Alex accompanied me for a few weeks until I started getting into it and felt more comfortable, at which point I asked about going to the gym to help me lose some weight.

So again, Alex took me around, showed me everything, did an induction, showed me all the equipment and set out a plan for me to achieve my goals… and I’ve been going ever since!

I do my class on a Monday and the gym on Wednesday and Friday mornings. I see the same friendly faces and the staff – who are amazing – are always there to help if you need them.

Now I find going and talking to people a lot easier. I’m still very worried about going to new places, especially when I’m on my own, but having other people around does help.

In fact, Be Well has helped me in ways I’d never even thought about. It’s helping me with my heart health, and I’ve been losing weight, getting fitter and being able to do a lot more.

My sleep’s improved as well. I suffer with sleep apnoea and severe nightmares. But my sleep is so much better.

I wasn’t expecting that to change, it’s just happened. But reading up on it, being overweight is a big factor in it. Now I’m losing a little weight, slow and steady, and I’ll get there eventually.

And also being able to talk to people as well and getting out the house… Because apart from those three days, I don’t go out. So those three days I actually look forward to, I enjoy.

My confidence is starting to come back a bit as well. My neighbour, John, has noticed. He also said I walk differently because I’m more upright, and not so slouched. I think that’s through the exercise.

It’s only gentle exercises, but it makes a massive difference. The first time I came, I enjoyed the class but I left thinking: ‘What’s the point? It’s not really doing anything.’ But it does! And that surprised me.

Everything’s sort of improving. It works your body and your mind, and I’m not getting as down as often as I was.

Like, 18 months ago I’d have been reaching for tablets or something else. That’s how bad I was. But I’ve got coping mechanisms and they’re working.

Even though I still get really down, I’m not going as far as I would have done.

To anyone who’s in the same situation that I was in… if you’re not going out, if you get a lot of depression, anxiety and that, my message is come to one of these classes. Seriously, I mean that.

As a kid I was always in the gym, but I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do it again. I’ve been to private gyms and they’re just muscle guys who look at you… but here nobody cares.

Everyone’s there for the same goal. Everyone’s in the same boat, everyone’s included. No one’s looking at you, no one’s laughing at you. It’s just a really nice environment to be in.

You’ve got to want to do it and the time’s got to be right. It’s no good someone forcing you to come. But everyone’s great, you feel included and the instructors will take you through, at your own pace.

If you want to sit down and rest, sit down and rest; nobody’s forcing you. Just do what you’re comfortable with and slowly build it up.

Try it. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Mark, Be Well member

Find Your Movement with Be Well

If your health is getting in the way of you being active, Be Well can support you to overcome some of the barriers you’re facing so you can find your movement.

Whether you’re living with a long-term health condition or disability, or are experiencing issues with mobility, our friendly and knowledgeable team can offer the guidance and support you need to begin your journey.

Find out more

Book a tour

We’re confident you’ll love our facilities, but if you’d like to know more about what you can expect at our leisure centres before you join you can book a tour around your leisure centre of choice at a time that’s convenient to you, or even get a free* 7-day leisure pass so you can try before you buy (*T&Cs apply).

Book a leisure centre tour

Get a free* 7-day pass

Read our T&Cs

Could you Be Well… For Less?

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).

Find out more