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Fernwood has done wonders for us
Doctors told me that Jo had epilepsy before she was even one year old. It took years to find the correct dose of medication for her, but we got there in the end. As she got older, doctors realised she also had an intellectual disability – she’s 32 but has the behavioural patterns of a child. I knew both Jo and I needed to lose some kilos – Jo’s medication made her gain weight and her disabilities make it difficult for her to go out – so in January this year I signed us both up with Fernwood. I started off with a three-month membership as I wasn’t sure how Jo would cope, but she loved it. Jo’s always afraid she’s going to hurt herself, so at first she wouldn’t do anything except sit on the bikes. Now she’s much more active. She does some weights and the great girls at Fernwood have even persuaded her to give the treadmill a go.
The staff are truly fantastic with Jo. They spoil her rotten, from making her cups of coffee to braiding her hair. They make it easier for me to get the most out of the gym, too. Looking after Jo is a full-time job. She can’t really read or write, and her memory is not so good. She’s also easily scared by unfamiliar things. But thanks to the Fernwood girls I actually manage to get a bit of a workout, too. I’ve noticed real improvements in my fitness levels. I can run up the stairs now and I’m much more toned.
Jo is healthier too. She used to catch every bug doing the rounds and constantly had a cold, but since we joined Fernwood she’s only been ill once. She’s no longer sitting around waiting for the germs to find her. We go to Fernwood two or three times a week. Every day Jo asks me, ‘Are we going to the gym today?’ She loves it when I say yes. And she’ll ask, ‘Who have I got?’ referring to the lovely girls who help her. It’s great for me to see her shine. She’s so thrilled with her achievements, no matter how small. I love seeing her get off the treadmill saying ‘I burnt 30 calories today!’
Fernwood has done wonders for us both in a social and general wellbeing sense. It’s also a great bargaining tool. If Jo’s misbehaving I only have to tell her we won’t go to the gym and she soon does what she’s meant to!
Pat Conci, 58, and Jo Conci, 32, Epping, Victoria
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Against all odds
My life changed forever on January 5, 1997, when I had a stroke that left me paralysed down one side. I was only 36, married, with a three-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter. It felt like my world had ended and after three months in hospital the doctors seemed to agree. They said there was nothing else rehab could do for me and I should just go home and try to cope. By this point I was able to walk, in a fashion, but I still had no movement in my left arm and couldn’t look after myself, let alone my young family. It broke my heart when my little boy used to say he had two mummies – one before the stroke and one after, and he preferred the one before. I wanted to be the best wife and mother possible, but I felt my disability held me back. I knew I had to get back to my old self, I just wasn’t sure how.
I found the answer one day in a local shopping centre. A Fernwood rep was encouraging people to join up and somehow I felt this was what I needed. I spoke to her and she seemed to think Fernwood could help. I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much, but as soon as I walked into the club I was reassured by the staff. They said they saw no problem with me becoming a member, so I signed up. That was in 2004 and I started off slowly. I began with a personal trainer and we spent a lot of time on my arm. Gradually, over the months, I saw improvements. When I got ready for my first personal training session I couldn’t even put my own socks and shoes on, but as feeling and movement crept back into my arm I could eventually do it all by myself. I was on top of the world when I picked a knife and fork up for the first time in 10 years.
Since then I’ve been unstoppable and I’ve never felt fitter. I’m even taking part in the Get Real Results exercise challenge. I hope my story inspires other stroke survivors – I refuse to use the word victim as victims don’t run, walk and skip like I do. The experts said I’d never be able to walk in high heels, thongs or along a sandy beach. How wrong they were!
Suzie Wright, 49, Fernwood, Sunnybank, Qld
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My confidence is sky high!
I’m not sure exactly why, but when a Fernwood flyer came through my letterbox, something made me keep it. At 64, I assumed I was too old to join a gym, but 12 years later I know there’s nothing further from the truth. Walking through Fernwood’s doors on that first day was one of the hardest – and best – things I’ve ever done. I joined up and vowed to attend three times a week. And that’s what I’ve done ever since. I get more from my workouts by walking 20 minutes to the bus stop at either end, too. I’ve seen unbelievable benefits.
I see a cardiologist every six months and after I’d been going to the gym for a while she said whatever I was doing was working wonders as I had the body of someone 10 years younger. My children had often told me that, but to hear a health professional say it was fantastic. The gym has really helped me get the most out of life. For my 70th my family bought me a trip to Europe and there was no stopping me as I walked everywhere and saw everything. Knowing I am in great shape also makes me feel more confident tackling new things. And that includes the gym. I got so confident I asked the Fernwood girls if I could start doing weights! I’ve gone from being scared of walking through the doors to walking around as if I own the place. My confidence is sky high and I can handle anything, whether it’s overseas trips or running around after my grandkids. I know that being fit and healthy is the key to enjoying a better life.
Jean Brown, 76, Fernwood, Narre Warren, Victoria