Member story: Julia Poole

Julia came to us through our GP Healthwise programme at Appleby Pool and Gym in January 2023.

Julia started to attend not only the gym but Healthwise Aqua sessions too. At this time Julia was happy to get into water but unable to swim. After a few sessions her confidence improved and she asked for advice on how to swim using our equipment, attending Swim Doctor and getting advice from the coaching team.

Julia became more confident venturing up the deep end. The weight loss and improvements from Julia just by attending these sessions led her to enquire about adult swimming lessons. Julia was keen to learn as quick and as much as she could attending 2/3 times per week. Within the space of 4-6 Months, Julia has learnt how to swim front crawl and back crawl a skill she never though she could achieve. She has also gained confidence to try tumble turns and diving entries.

Julia latest goal is to take part in the next NPLQ course in February 2024 and hopefully help out with a few Lifeguard shifts.

Julie says: "Since joining the GP Referral scheme I’ve lost over 2 stone in weight, my overall fitness levels have increased loads this year, as well as my mental health. Swimming has been my biggest success this year, from when I started, I was unsure of being in the deep end of the pool now I am working towards being a lifeguard. Since starting my Health and fitness journey in January, I have vastly improved my Diabetes, going from 87 down to 47."

Well done from all staff at Appleby Pool an inspiration to us all.