June 2018 Member of the Month – Robin K.

We are pleased to announce Robin as the member of the month for June! Robin takes us through her journey at LIVE WELL and shares with us how determination can lead us to a healthier lifestyle.

My doctor first introduced me to LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic in 2015. At that time, I had to travel from Langley to White Rock to experience the benefits of the LIVE WELL program. In the spring of 2017 I was very pleased to hear that there was a LIVE WELL opening up in Langley and I have now been attending regularly for four months.

In 2002 I was diagnosed with a neurological disorder called Cranial Dystonia (Meige’s Syndrome). The associated muscle spasms affect my vision, speech, and breathing and as a result I was unable to continue working and had difficulty completing simple daily tasks. Osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and the associated pain as well as high blood sugar are other chronic conditions that I live with. Although there is no cure for Dystonia, I have learned to manage my symptoms. Exercise is a huge component to my remission and progress.

LIVE WELL’s approach to lifestyle and exercise is exactly what I needed to help me thrive. The staff are exceptional and the detailed focus on my personal challenges and issues ensure that I am well looked after. The environment in the clinic is upbeat, positive and respectful. Even though I love to dance and move, exercise in a traditional gym was not my forte. However, at LIVE WELL my peer group is well represented and I feel challenged and rewarded for the work and effort that I put in. The greatest benefit of LIVE WELL for me is the inspiration that I get coming to exercise and to continue exercising regularly. After only four months I can feel myself getting stronger and more able to do the things that I want to do in my life. I recently got a bike and have started riding it. This is a huge accomplishment for me.

Other things that motivate me include:

The members: It is inspiring to see the other members as they work hard to do the best they can. All have challenges and struggles. There is a power in sharing and caring with other like-minded people. It has been positive to meet others who share the same goals as me. I especially enjoy reading the member’s success comments on the wall, the ‘wins’ on the bubbles.

The Staff: They employ a variety of tools to keep us motivated and interested, which include daily and weekly lessons, customized exercise plans and a continual review of the exercise and how it is working for each person. Online weekly lessons, setting goals and just talking with the staff all function to help keep us motivated and moving forward. Relaxation, dance, flexibility and circuit days are other ways that the program and staff help keep us moving and experiencing success. It just makes sense to have the expertise, support and encouragement that we get from LIVE WELL. I have recommended others join and experience first-hand the difference that LIVE WELL has to offer.