Audrey

Audrey attends Healthy and Active East Kilbride’s, Meeting Place Café each week, this warm and inviting space provides a place for the community to be themselves. It was upon one of her visits that Audrey came across details of the upcoming MorphFit Gentle Movement sessions. Chair based and accessible exercise immediately appealed to her, so she decided to sign up.

Audrey was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 14 years ago. MS is a condition that affects your brain and spinal cord. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged. This causes a range of symptoms like blurred vision and problems with how we move think and feel. Diagnosing MS is complicated because no single test can positively diagnose it. Other possible causes of symptoms may need to be ruled out first. It took almost 4 years for specialists to diagnose Audrey. Her symptoms include very limited mobility, loss of feeling in one leg and fatigue.

Audrey has found these classes so accessible, highlighting that other exercise settings can feel intimidating and judgemental. Even though sessions are taught in a group setting, Instructor, Cara adapts the movements in line with each individuals needs. These classes motivate Audrey, and she grows in confidence week on week. Knowing she is exercising with a Fitness Specialist who has knowledge and experience in working with people with acknowledged health conditions reassures Audrey that she is exercising safely and gaining as much as possible from each movement.

“I really enjoy stretching in different ways, moving all parts of my body in a controlled and safe manner”.

Beyond the physical benefits of the gentle movement class, Audrey has met new friends and looks forward to catching up and laughing with everyone weekly. She describes the group as her ‘own wee community’ and discusses how they support and encourage one another.

“It’s fantastic, no other word for it!”.