He wasn't aware of the exercise options open to him in his area and was reluctant to get involved in the community.

With support, David and his wife Ann joined the Richmond Way2Go Hub for the Shape Up exercise circuit, they attended Sit & Be Fit classes and also went to the pool each week.

"The people taking the sessions are great," David says. "They're helpful, friendly and knowledgeable - they made us feel welcome and are always very encouraging."

Now David says he is feeling great, he's more confident, his mobility has improved and he is no longer relying on pain killers.

I'm so much more involved in life now - I am moving freely with less arthritis pain, we are both very happy with our success and will keep going as long as we can.

 Joyce went along to the group and met up with the programme coordinator, Jacqui Hardy and hasn’t looked back since.

“The people were friendly, it was easy to fit in and there’s no cost to walking,” says Joyce. “And you don’t have to make a commitment to be there every week.”
 
Joyce is walking regularly and enjoys the social aspect as much as the exercise.

She says since she became more active she ‘feels alive’.