August 2019 Member of the Month - Ingrid W.

We are excited to announce Ingrid from our Fernwood location as August’s Member of the Month! Ingrid shares with us her inspiring experiences through her journey at LIVE WELL, which started in September 2018 as a Founding Member.

For the past 35 to 40 years, I have not had consistent exercise of any kind. My sister went to LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic in Langley and she spoke highly of it. So when I heard they were opening one in Victoria, I thought this may be something I should pursue. I was hopeful but unsure as to whether this would be something I could do, or would enjoy enough to actually follow through on. I was in the process of semi-retiring, going half time, and one of my goals was to get more exercise with my extra time.

I was very unfit and had a variety of medical situations to overcome: atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, excess weight, knees that would give me trouble if I was not very careful, vertigo, etc. If I was to go anywhere to exercise it would require a place like LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic.

Well, this place has exceeded all my expectations and then some! The most important thing about LIVE WELL is that I want to go, and I do everything possible not to miss my class. I feel welcome, I am not made to feel embarrassed in any way regarding what I am able to do and what I am not able to do, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. So encouraging!

I was really pleased with my six month assessment. I did not lose any weight but I can now walk up stairs so much easier. I am not feeling like I will fall over just standing somewhere because my balance has greatly improved, my blood pressure has gone down into a much healthier range and I feel stronger and more able to just move.

I have had to overcome sore knees, not from the exercise, but from twisting and lifting boxes, etc. The staff has helped me to know what I can do safely and not cause more grief to my knees and also what exercises may help strengthen them for the future.

Being able to move around more, being more flexible, having greater endurance and feeling I can walk further has impacted all areas of my life. I have two daughters who are very active in the Special Olympics and I like to volunteer with them, so being more physically fit certainly helps. It also makes my job easier and I am not so exhausted at the end of the day.

Now that I am able to move more, I do hope to work on my weight in the next six months, as well as increase my ability to walk especially up slight inclines. But one thing I have learned is that if I show up to class, do my scheduled exercises, over time I will improve. As they say, we have to do the work. The best thing about LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic? It is fun and does not feel like work. LIVE WELL has given me hope physically for my future and for that I am truly grateful.

Congratulations and thank you to Ingrid for sharing your amazing journey with the LIVE WELL Community. We cannot wait to celebrate more of your WINS alongside with you!