
Student Testimonial - How exercise helped me with my health issues
Following a Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and Arthritis diagnoses around 10 years ago exercise didn't enter into my week at all. I would get angry when the doctor would suggest it as just getting out of bed was exhausting.
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I was heading down the road of very powerful painkillers as nothing was working and I was withdrawing more and more and just not functioning. I was then also diagnosed with COPD-emphysema. I didn't want this anymore, so I went to a pain clinic and their suggestions of vitamins and joint cream seemed to be helping. The clinic was pushing for me to do exercise, but I couldn't see myself actually making it somewhere on time and every week, so I withdrew from the programme as I felt pressured.
One day my daughter tagged me in a Ballet Sculpt post on Facebook, and I thought “why not?”. I sent a message to Melissa not knowing if I could manage any of it, but I wanted to try. I went to my first class absolutely petrified, I wondered how much this would hurt and if it would be too much.
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I loved it! From the calming music to the exercises and movement. I am not going to pretend it is easy and I can tell you that getting your brain to follow Melissa and send the message to move in time can be the hardest part. I am not going to pretend it isn't tiring as some days it is, but I listen to my body.
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My progress has been amazing, my achievements, even if small are recognised. Melissa always offers an alternative movement and is never judgemental and puts you at ease. I never ever thought I would love my class each week, but I do! The movement I am regaining is brilliant and I no longer take strong pain killers.
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We laugh, we groan at times, but we always have fun and relax.
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If you have ever thought exercise will be too hard or make you worse, please just give it a go.
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My journey so far has been amazing, and I will be forever grateful to Melissa for her kindness and encouragement and cannot thank her enough for making such a difference to my life.
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Written by Kirsty C - Adult Ballet Sculpt Student
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