Lisa Evans used to weigh over 18 stone. Now, after losing weight and gaining confidence she is a fitness instructor at a local gym, all thanks to Positive Moves.

When all her attempts at dieting failed, Lisa went to her local surgery where a nurse told her about Positive Moves, a partnership initiative in Gedling, Nottinghamshire to reduce health inequalities and improve patients’ health and well-being by providing opportunities to participate in a variety of physical activities.

After consultation Lisa started on a three-month programme at Carlton Forum gym

“The first time I went I was petrified because I thought everyone there would be fit and slim," Lisa says. "I hated it at first but then the weight started coming off and my confidence grew. A personal trainer looks after you on a one-to-one basis and takes you through a programme of exercise which gradually increases in intensity while building up your confidence and motivation.”

So successful was the programme that after Lisa had completed it she enrolled at South Notts College on a one year Personal Trainer Course. She qualified as a gym instructor shortly after and began work at the Jesse Boot Wildcats Arena. Lisa said

“If I can do it, then anyone can. I hope to encourage other people to do what I did. It’s really daunting at first and I hope that I could help people overcome any fears they may have about exercising.

If you would like to find out more about Positive Moves, please contact exercise promotion officer, Charlotte Hilton, on 0115 901 3697 or email her at charlotte.hilton@gedling.gov.uk

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