Share a Story - Rachel Buckley

Our Share a Story submissions

Rachel's story - High blood pressure

Last May I had a health scare that revealed I had got high blood pressure so had to be referred to the GP. I had to have my blood pressure checked over several weeks/months and if it didn't come down it meant going on medication.

I knew my weight had got to the heaviest it had ever been so this gave me the kick up the bum I needed to change my lifestyle. I'd been an annual member for years but hadn't been to the gym all through COVID-19. I started to make food changes and managed to lose a stone but knew I needed to incorporate exercise. Thankfully, when COVID-19 restrictions eased, I returned to the gym on 26th July 2021.

I was so scared to come back but was determined to make positive changes and knew exercise was key. I set a target of coming four times a week and I can't believe I've stuck to it - some weeks even doing a 5th session. Until January I stuck to cardio alone, but now do resistance work each session too. Fast forward a few months and I've lost five stone! I love exercise and the way it makes me feel. I'm a bit crazy and regularly do two hours on the cross trainer!

The changes to my visual appearance are incredible but it's all the other benefits too, BP down, less fat around my organs. I feel so much better physically and mentally and have a lot more energy. My journey isn't over, and I can't wait to see where it goes. The staff at Alfreton have been so supportive too which has really spurred me on!