Tag: exercise

I’ve been really fortunate in my life to be part of some epic communities. There’s been the roller derby community and New Town Roller Derby, Sing West Lothian, Heriot Watt Uni Girls and The Friday Night Karaoke Crew.

Today I am writing about you, the wonderful community at Scope Health and Fitness, both coaches and clients. Scope is a smallish gym in Bathgate; it doesn’t look like much from the outside but inside…..something special lives.

I never joined the gym to be part of a community. In fact, at my induction session, I said I was not interested in any of the social aspects of the gym. I just wanted to do my workout, get told what calories to eat and go home.

However, you had other plans, didn’t you?

You complimented my leggings, you talked to me about every topic under the sun, you talked me into my first cardio class, you encouraged me to attend the cardio classes. When I asked what you were talking about when you mentioned a Gauntlet, I was forced to sign up.

I am so very glad you did all of that.

It didn’t end there. Every time I questioned myself, you told me I could. Every time I struggled, you helped me. Every time I fell, both literally and figuratively, you picked me up. Every time I needed a hug, you gave one.

Because of you, I started to believe in myself. Because of you I started to try things (scary things). Because of you, I began to succeed.

I lost weight, I got fitter and I grew bolder. I completed a Tough Mudder, 3 Scope Games, 2 Hyrox doubles and then something mad entered my head. Instead of having a normal mid-life crisis, I decided to do 24-hours of cardio and try to raise money for charity. (It seemed completely reasonable when I dreamed it up!)

Again, you told me I could. So I worked hard.

The gym was offered up for 24 hours to let me complete the challenge. I asked for volunteers and boy, did you deliver. 61 of you turned up!! Some for 2 hours. Some of you in the middle of the night (nutters). Some of you before work. Some of you after work. Some reorganising shifts to support me. Some juggling caring responsibilities. Some on maternity leave. Some choked with the cold. Some who didn’t even know me. All of you incredible.

And the stuff you brought was totally unnecessary but very much appreciated. Cards drawn by your kids, flowers, doughnuts, Lucozade, prosecco, chocolate, snacks, drinks and more Haribo than I can count.

Together, we talked, we gossiped, we laughed, we shared stories, we sang, we danced and we cardio-d our way through 24 hours. At times it felt like I was on a night out. Other, like I was with people I’d known forever and at other times, I was beginning new friendships.

And you made the time pass quickly, took my mind off fleeting pains, reminded me to eat drink and pee. Every single one of you was just what I needed.

There are things I’ll never forget from those 24 hours: The best playlist, we formed a West Lothian version of Take That (Take This?), we came up with new ideas for the gym, I had a bouncer for an hour, it was epic!

I can’t believe how many of you turned up for the final hour of the challenge. I was struggling to hold my tears in when I saw you all.

I’m not going to lie, I was in real physical pain for the last 30 minutes of the challenge, but I kept glancing around and seeing you all and I never doubted that I would get the job done.

After all, you had all told me I could do whatever I set my mind to. And I can. And I did!

So, one final thing from me. I couldn’t have done this without you. And I’m not just talking about those 24-hours. They were important but so was all the advice, encouragement, support, silliness and hugs that came before.

I have admired every single one of you at some point in my journey you are all my inspiration, and I am very proud to be one of you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Kerry