My Wellbeing Journey

This month's blog has been written by one of my amazing online ladies, Deb. This is her story...

On 1 May 2023, my journey towards a healthier life kicked off. Dealing with increasing joint pain, a diagnosis of arthritis in one hip and two shoulders (with other joints yet to be x-rayed), being prescribed statins for high cholesterol, and facing the threat of blood pressure tablets due to rising blood pressure, I received the wake-up call I needed to prioritise my health.

Carrying at least 8 stone of extra weight had been my reality for quite some time. Over the past fifteen years, I found myself stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting—losing three stone, gaining four, and so on. Avoiding mirrors and photos became routine, and my solution was continually buying larger-sized clothes. It took some personal therapy to confront the reasons behind my overeating, and that's when I discovered Rebecca and embarked on my weight loss journey. After a few months, I had shed a few stone. Not only did I look better, but I also felt better and more confident, leading me to increase my exercise and activity levels.

Joining Rebecca's group on Broccoli and Biceps has been a game-changer for me. The flexibility to choose the types of exercises I want to do has been a key motivator for staying consistent. I have a particular fondness for strengthening exercises, but I always enjoy a bit of cardio dance.

I aim to participate in at least one live class each week— an excellent way to commit to exercise and kickstart my day. Yet, the beauty lies in the numerous on-demand classes available, most of which are just half an hour long. As Rebecca often says, "You'll never regret a workout!" And for those days when time is tight, the snack attack sessions are only 10 or 20 minutes—no excuses.

The support I receive on the group chat is phenomenal. It's a community where everyone encourages and reassures each other, sharing helpful hints and tips. Sharing my exercise accomplishments and seeing others share theirs adds a layer of accountability that motivates me.

With nutritional advice, recipes, and regular online group meetings, the value I receive for my monthly fee is immense—Rebecca is a treasure.

While I've had gym experiences before (although I dislike the self-consciousness that often accompanies them), the structured classes on Broccoli and Biceps suit me perfectly.

Local leisure centres might not offer the classes I desire at convenient times, making the on-demand classes a lifesaver. Rebecca's teaching style is both human and professional, making every session enjoyable. I face challenges due to vertigo when on the floor, and I appreciate that Rebecca always provides standing alternatives. Thank you, Rebecca!

My smartwatch constantly notifies me of personal bests in steps, workouts, and calories burned—I'm absolutely loving it!

With just over a couple of stone left to lose, I find myself at a point where I'm genuinely enjoying the journey, and Broccoli and Biceps plays a vital role in actually making the journey enjoyable.