Health vs Money - Gym

littlerat

Posting here as I think this is the best place. Long, confused post.

I've been to the physio and I've damaged a ligament in my ankle, recurring thing. I'm very obese and out of shape, need to do more exercise. Walking has its place, but right now at least I need to exercise while not putting weight on that ankle ideally, so, gym equipment. Generally while walking is good, it does have the issue of pressure on joints at my weight. I have hypermobility syndrome, including back ache, and also suffer with MH problems, so weight loss could help a lot. Am already focusing on diet, but exercise is obviously good too.


My issue is this, I'm on benefits, not overly well off. The local council run gyms now have a membership, covers:

Unlimited use of fitness suite, Induction, Unlimited swimming!during public sessions, Unlimited fitness classes (except courses), Unlimited!pool classes & fit swim, Free programmed assessments,Online booking (as available).

*original prices were wrong* - am waiting for exact prices, but £33 a month standard or £26 concession (including disabled), hoping my ESA or DLA would count me as a concession. Can use any of the 14 council owned places without limits for that. I don't think it's particularly bad, but is a lot to find. But of course, if I can get well and get to uni/work finally, that's an investment in a sense. Don't think exercise can magic me better, but meant to help.

I can get 12 sessions via doctor for £3.10 each, 24 sessions a week over 12 weeks and £3 induction. So about same as breeze's concession essentially, but with no contract.



Just unsure what to do. Will be around £3 a time petrol on top, bus isn't an option and wouldn't be much less anyway. A lot of money when on ESA. I love swimming too, so when I've lost enough to fit back into my costume I can go, not a great sight but good for you.

But, obviously it could help with my weight loss and overall health. By the way, most others seem to start at £34.99 a month, this is council owned and run by another company.


Just wondering what other people have done, if they think it's worth the money etc. Obviously I'd start with the doctor's to see if I'd do it. Also self conscious, but I guess I won't be the only fat person there.


Just needed to write this out and get opinions! Or donations Thanks if anyone has been there and can help.

~Chameleon~

It's a small price to pay for increased health and mobility. Sign up for the 12mth contract. It's only £25 a month and you will feel more motivated to go the more frequently you attend. Trust me

[Deleted User]

I've heard of people getting free membership to council owned gyms when being refered to by the Doctor?

~Chameleon~

Deleted_User wrote: »

I've heard of people getting free membership to council owned gyms when being refered to by the Doctor?

GP referrals are for 12 weeks only but at a very discounted rate. None that I'm aware of are free of charge.

Jordo

If losing weight is important, your diet is 95% the issue. Use the other 5% for exercise, but hours and hours of cardio and no diet will do nothing, except improve your heart and lungs.

Eat clean and eat less and the weight will drop, then when you're more mobile lift weights - far better than cardio for getting leaner.

littlerat

As I said, I'm already sorting my diet Not perfect yet but improving it, sadly years of comfort eating can't be undone overnight, nor can the root cause, but I've lost half a stone in the last month, just got to keep to it

The issue is I need to build/strengthen muscle and generally improve my fitness, I know exercise is also meant to enhance MH. Lifting weights with wrists may be an issue as I'm developing carpal tunnel in both wrists, left is already pretty bad.

If I don't somehow strenghten my ankle muscles I'm going to end up with permanent damage - well, already have some started in one, there's a lot of other factors as it's instability but any exercises that helps those muscles is good, but off my feet, which is the hard part for free. Balance issues mean a normal bicycle is out (hopefully not forever, having help to work on balance). So while any weight loss that comes from it will be good, I'm more worried about general health in terms of exercise.

Think after christmas I'll have to go for the reduced price. Only the same price as the 12 month contract, but I get an assessment first and no strings attached for 3 months.


Deleted_User - sadly nope, not down here anyway, think that's gone completely. Some of the private ones here will take a doctor's note and reduce cost, but still more than the council one is anyway! I know they may be quieter or look better/have more entertainment perhaps, but the council ones down here are pretty nice actually. Surprised there is no such option for people over a certain weight though, considering the government wants us all slimmer.


Thank you people

alleycat`

Go swimming.

It's going to help strengthen your muscles whilst helping with weight bearing.

That would be my advice, it is highly likely hitting the gym with an injury in your ankle is just going to put you out of action again.

Gold_Dust_2

Are you sure that your GP can't refer you for free? There is a scheme called the 'Healthwise' referral scheme whereby your GP can refer you for 12 weeks of membership for free. I'm not sure whether that would be available for you in Cornwall, but it won't hurt to ask about it by name.

littlerat

Not sure yet Gold Dust, am going to ask at my next appointment, there may be a particular scheme, my doctor will refer you to anything available, he's cool..

Can't currently fit into my swimming costume or afford more on top. Not miles away I don't think. Hope. Scared to try, I may get stuck...

The damage isn't recent as such, it's there for life but if I strengthen the rest of the ankle the pain niggles may go and it'd also help prevent future injury to both ankles - my weakest point by far.

Was looking at the wrong costs before, around £33 a month unless I can get concession rate, £26 a month, which I might.

Murphybear

I am on ESA and pay £19 ish per month for local council leisure centre unlimited classes, gym and decent swimming pool. With a bad knee swimming is one of the few things I can do - fortunately I enjoy it.

OP - title of this thread is Health vs Money. Health is the most important thing you have and with careful budgeting (loads of help, after all this is a money saving forum!) you should be able to afford the membership.

If you can buy a new swimming costume then start swimming now, don't wait! It is great for joint/mobility problems. Please don't worry about what you look like in the pool, nobody really cares.

Good luck with it, let us know you get on

:T

rojersequaria

I've heard of people receiving free membership to committee owned gyms when individual refered to by the Doctor?