Membership

Member Testimonial

Liz is 74 and started using the Gym a few months ago.  She has a complex peripheral neuropathy which has gradually progressed over a number of years (possibly from chemotherapy quite a few years ago but the doctors are unsure).  In the last year she became disabled as the disease has taken feeling from both feet, as high as her knees.  She now struggles to balance and is unable to walk independently.  Liz lives one road away from the Gym.  She says:

I enjoy walking and my husband accompanies me to walk 10,000 steps each day, as far as possible. The physiotherapist at UCLH recommended that I use an exercise bike.  So when the gym opened it made sense to check it out.  I waited until a recumbent bike was purchased before I joined. A friend, Susanna, now walks me to the Gym and back.

From my first visit the Chapel Gym Manager has been amazing:  he could not have been more helpful.  He is patient, professional and reassuring.  I could not use the equipment without his help.  What was great was that last time I went to the gym he said try this……and I followed a strength programme and felt I had achieved more and I’m thinking that I will challenge myself in the new year.

I don’t know the name of the piece of equipment I use.  The Gym Manager chose it because I was struggling to keep my feet on the recumbent bike.  There is no question that going to the gym makes me happy in the way that walking does.  It’s the only cardiovascular exercise that I can do so I am sure it is helping me.  On the days I go to the gym my husband gets an hour of freedom too.

December 2022