People always told me that I should go on walks to help my mental health and go out more, I don’t believe that for a moment but I do believe the right activity can help greatly change the way your life is going. It took a while to find what I wanted, now I’ve found it, it feels like I’m partly healing some of myself.

I decided just over a month ago to go to the gym, properly, the last time I was at this specific one I was maybe 13. It’s stupid but returning felt like coming home. It brought me closer to my past life. Even better though, I have gym and swim. I’m not the most passionate swimmer in the world must admit. If the pools cold, I’m put off easily unless I’ve steamed or been in the sauna first, then you really want some cooling down. Potentially cooling down if you’ve worked hard in the gym, I would say I’m not the most hard working in there due to being a bit paranoid that I will lose weight instead of gaining muscle. I’m already the size of a 13 year old.

I’m proud I’m sticking at it though, I’ve managed to squat with 40kg, I can lift 25kg multiple times which is just over half of my weight. I’m stronger, healthier, my high kicks are higher and stronger. I’m aiming to master the bar so I can hold on for 5 minutes or so but at the moment, my aim is to master the plank. Back in 2012-2013 I did dance in school, every lesson, one of our starting war ups was to plank for 5 minutes. Most of the class never could manage it. I could as my background was gymnastics, I could lift myself into a chin stand, I could contort, it was strange. I can’t do that now, I’m certainly trying. I love a random party trick.

One thing that isn’t talked about is, how amazing staff can really change your experience, I feel blessed to go to a Clarion hotel where customer service is amazing. It always starts my sessions with happy and good vibes. It gives a little boost to the day.

I feel like it’s such a positive zone to be in, it’s escapism from the outside world, everything is laid back, everyone around you is in their own world. It’s the definition of peace when elsewhere is chaotic. If you want to have time away from reality, I urge you to take a chance.