Too accept free gym pass?

[OTTMummA]

I am obese, my BMI is over 40 and i have tried lots of diets etc to lose weight over the past 5 yrs ( haven't always been overweight) and recently i have just been making a conscious to eat better, and less as my idea of portion control was seriously deluded!
So in the last 2 months i have lost just over 10% of my weight, which im happy with espcially as i have done it alone, with sensible eating and excercise ( walking )

However i went to the Doctors the other week because my back is starting to play up from unresolved SPD and wondered if they could do anything, they weighed me, and saw that i was now not on AD's had lost weight ( still obese though ) and have been a lot more positive, they were very happy with this and offered me a free gym pass at my local sports centre!

I didn't know GP's could do this or anything about it, they talked to me about it and it seemed like a good idea as they could help me build up my core muscles to help with the back problems etc as i have no idea what would be best without assistance and could make it worse.

But i haven't really told anyone about it, although i will defiantely be going! because i feel a bit cheeky going for free :S

has anyone else had this offer before, or something similar and if so did you feel like this or anyone make negative comments about it?

AFAIk it is quite commonplace and absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. My local gym (a council gym) has got loads of leaflets around free gym sessions for people whose BMI is above a certain amount. In fact thre's adverts on bus shelters etc about it.

besides, it is probably cheaper for the NHS for yu to get active and go to the gym than it is for them to treat the side-effects of high BMI and inactive lifestyle, IMO.

You should feel proud of yourself fr being pro-active about your weight!

Why would you BU? Go and enjoy.

I want a free gym pass now . Time to get to the gym would be good too, I'd even pay for that

It is an appropriate therapy to treat your health issues, so what's to feel guilty about? TBH, I'm more than happy to see NHS money spent this way - helping people to help themselves.

Good on you, and I hope the weight loss continues and your health improves. Pilates is fab for core muscle strength, BTW, if your gym does classes.

yes Poledra they do, thats partly why the doctor has given me this as she had spd in pregnancy and went to that class aswell.

oh good, glad theres a lot of other places doing this then

I am glad im doing something about it, finally! i went from 9+1/2 stone to over 15st in just 2 and a bit years and then shot up another couple sts from pregnancy!
its shocking, i don't look like me at the moment, but hopefully thats going to change

I'm currently doing this, my GP has prescribed me a gym pass at local leisure centre for 3 months, with monthly reviews with a member of gym staff who will weigh/measure me and recommend training regimes.

I felt like a bit of a fool the first few times I attended but now am always trying to fit in some extra time at the gym (its peaceful you dont have to interact with others as most have headphones on and they dont allow kids in!)

I swipe my card to get in and the receptionist may be aware I'm a GP referral but has never acted as if she knew/cared, the other users are not aware