Mytime Active stories - Amelia
Amelia, 28, has been a valued member of the Walnuts Community for several years. Joining the leisure centre has profoundly shaped her life, helping her navigate some key life events.
Amelia explains: “I moved to Orpington from the North of England just before the Covid lockdown to be with my partner. Moving away from my home was a big change. I really didn’t know anyone here, and once things had opened again I was keen to reboot my life, including getting fitter and healthier.
“I explored several gyms in the area, but Mytime Active stood out with its reasonable prices and wide range of activities. When I first joined I was nervous and extremely self-conscious, often hiding at the back of classes. However, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Walnuts Leisure Centre quickly put me at ease. From the moment I walked into a class someone would start chatting, making me feel relaxed and allowing me to enjoy the sessions.”
Getting engaged to her partner motivated Amelia to become even more active. She says: “I began working with a personal trainer, Sarah, who designed a bespoke programme for me. My initial goal was to lose weight and tone up for the wedding, but the experience brought so much more. Beyond improving my fitness, my overall health improved, I met incredible people, took on exciting challenges, and saw positive changes in every aspect of my life.
“Working with a personal trainer once a week gave me the confidence to be more independent in the gym. She introduced me to running, and since then I’ve completed a 10K race. Yes, I lost weight, around 16 kilos, and my clothes feel more comfortable, plus I loved how I looked on my wedding day, but the most life-changing impact was on my health. Having suffered from polycystic ovaries since my teenage years, I struggled with irregular periods and other linked conditions. Exercise helped regulate my menstrual cycle, and after fearing I might struggle to conceive, I’m overjoyed to be expecting a baby later this year!”
Amelia still works out at the gym with tailored exercises for pregnancy, and when the baby arrives in a couple months intends to join Mytime Active’s parent and baby activities, as well as getting back into the gym. She says: “Being a member of Mytime Active has seen me through a relocation, an engagement, a wedding and now a pregnancy. It’s given me a space to blossom and provided me with friendship and a community. It really has been a life changer for me in so many ways, and I am looking forward to it partnering with me as a venture into parenthood.”