7 things I learnt being a member of David Lloyd

You can read Penny’s review of David Lloyd (middle front of this photograph) HERE.

Well I am 4 months into my 6 month membership of David Lloyd and I thought it would be useful to look back at what I’ve learnt during that time. It seems strange the thought of not being a member to be honest now. Its become part of my weekly routine.  I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity, and I’ve learnt a lot!

Ok, so here were my goals :

Amanda : To do a Aqua Aerobics session and Yoga session every week that I am in the UK (I’m away for 4 weeks over the summer ) I’d like to boost my energy, and feel better about myself.  To attend all of the many induction sessions available, and then use that to look at what other sessions I’d like to try.

Nia : One more PT session, and then attend the FIT 11-15 yrs SAQ.  To swim in the outdoor pool. Meet up with friends in the school holidays, to play tennis and have active fun.

Miss A : More confidence in the water, and to attend the children’s club.

1. Its all about me!

One thing I learnt right from the beginning, is signing up to be a member of a gym doesn’t give you the instant ‘I must go to the gym and get fit’ vibe.  For me it was much more about determination, I really had to will myself to go. The positive impact that this has had on my mindset though, has been immeasurable.  I actually did it (remember I was a complete gym virgin) and it’s been amazing.

     2. Get Involved

When I first visited on my own, I sat down with a guy who worked at David Lloyd, and he said to me ‘get involved’ and ‘try to do as many of the introductory sessions as you possibly can, right from the start’  His reasoning was that people, who really immersed themselves into it, are the ones who will stick with it.  I’ve since spoken to people who are also member of gyms and all of them agreed that this was the key. You don’t need to do lots of things within a week, just make sure you try everything.

     3. Lets get wet!

One of the goals I set my family was that Miss A could grow in confidence in the water. I’m so proud of her progress. We have been given a SwimFin to try out and so we have been using this every time she’s been in the pool, instead of a more traditional flotation aid.  She has gone from being a non swimmer to being so confident in the water, even being able to swim unaided. I put that down completely to having unlimited access to the pool, but most importantly her SwimFin. She has had great fun and made friends at the pool, she dives in to retrieve things, has gotten stronger physically because of it. Its been such a game changer for us.

    4. Sociable

One thing I’d not really thought about was the sociable aspect of being a member of David Lloyd.  As soon as the sun started shining, the BBQ was out at our local club, and we received notifications on the app telling us of this and other social events happening.  I actually think joining David Lloyd would be great if you were a new family to the area. Even though I was really nervous in the beginning (I’m not sure why now) everyone was very friendly.

    5. You got to werk, werk, werk.

In the past couple of weeks, I’ve actually started using David Lloyd as a place to get some work done.  Armed with my laptop, and the on site cafe supplying the coffee.  I’ve combined work, with a work out! It’s been a great change of scene, and nice to be able to combine the two. I’ve decided yoga (though I love it) is going to be a slow burner for me, as I’m not very balanced or agile. I’m not giving up though.   Aqua Aerobics however is my new love, again I’ve no rhythm, but I think that’s all part of the fun. I’ve also loved swimming, and this has definitely made me feel fitter generally.

6. Teen Fun

I’d been a little hesitant about letting my 14 yr old go to the gym on her own. I’m not sure why, but she wanted to do it, so we made sure she did her appropriate initial classes. She’s already very fit because of the Cheerleading she does.  Shes used her membership at David Lloyd in a sociable way to meet up with friends, Sunday being a time they meet to do homework sometimes, as well as the gym and swimming being her favourite things to do.

7. Feeling good

Finally I wanted to say, even though I have my limitations because an ongoing issue I have, the last 4 months, have helped me with my confidence.  I think I had put up a real barrier about joining a gym, however everyone in our family during this experience has been enriched by the membership.  Its been great to spend time together as well as apart there.

P.S So sorry for the lack of photographs, I feel a little awkward as I’m invading people’s private time by taking photos.