Got the spring back her step

Since Anne found the confidence to get out and start being more active, she hasn’t looked back.

A change from a very physical occupation to a much more sedentary job caused Anne to gain weight and lose fitness. Back and shoulder pain also limited her activities. However, a friend encouraged her to sign up for a Way2Go Pilates class at the Moutere Hills Community Centre. Since she started Anne says it’s been great for her aches and pains.

“I attend a class every week and seldom miss going - the Pilates started my path back to being active,” she says.

But Anne didn’t stop at taking up Pilates. At the beginning of the year she signed up for Way2Go Zumba as well.

Anne admits that initially she was very self-conscious about joining the programmes, but she was quickly reassured by the instructors and made to feel very welcome. Because the Moutere Hills Community Centre is close by, Anne doesn’t have to travel far, which is often a problem for rural areas.

“I like to meet up with friends who also go to the classes and who I wouldn’t otherwise see as I work outside the area.”

Since she started being more active Anne says her confidence and fitness levels have increased, she’s more flexible, she’s lost weight and now she’s got the hang of the Zumba dance steps, she’s taken to bopping around the house to music on the radio!

Jill's story is a common one  - she used to exercsie regularly, but family commitments and busy lifestyle got in the way and before she knew it, her weight went up and her fitness level went down. However, Jill decided to find time for herself again and get more active.
"I wanted to meet new people in the community, as my work often means alot of time at home on the computer, " Jill says.  " So I started with Pilates to help my back and neck problems, and as I felt better, I did more."

Jill says because there were so many options on offer on her doorstep she had no excuses, like travel or cost to stop her from getting active.  Now she has also joined a walking group and does two Zumba sessions a week.

"I have gone from finding excuses, to being active four times a week and  I love every minute -  I'd even like there to be another Pilates class!"

Linda used to be very active and fit,  but career, family and lifestyle changed all that. Over the years she lost her fitness and gained some weight, so she decided it was time to do something about it. She started with social volleyball, but then intensified her activity by joining the Moutere Hills Walkers once a week, and a ladies personal training group.

Linda says the Way2Go activities are not only convenient, fun and affordable but they fit in with her family and work.

"They gave me the confidence to come out again within a social team environment, and to join other activities  when I was ready to  - all close to home!"

Being more active,  has not only given Linda confidence, she's also lost  5 kgs,  completed five 10km walks and a half marathon.

"Now it's not a matter of being involved, it's about bettering my times."

Getting caught up in the Way2Go buzz at the Moutere Hub was enough to get Michelle active and out there again.

As a mother of three young boys, over the years Michelle had gradually gained weight, lost confidence and lost sight of her pre children fitness and healthy eating habits.

"Because I work at the Moutere Hills Community Centre I am around a lot of activity and I got my inspiration to make some lifestyle changes from the people around me - and especially our Way2Go Coordinator," Michelle says.

Starting with a couple of terms of pilates, Michelle gradually added more activities as they became available.

She joined a walking group, and added Zumba classes to give her a better cardio workout.

Now Michelle is making healthier eating choices as well as exercising three times a week and says she's feeling really good.

"My self-esteem is up, I have more energy to keep-up with my sons, my asthma is more controlled and my jeans are looser!"