NHS gym referral

[AdultCat]

After an appointment with my GP about my depression / anxiety / prescription he has referred me for the Passport to Health service. Alot of my depression is linked to my weight and issues around food.
Today I had the call to go along and have a chat at a local gym in our towns Sports centre but I am literally SHITTING myself! I haven't been in a gym in years, have no idea what to wear and worried I'll see people I know... I know I need to do this but I could quite easily cancel! Has anyone done this? Please tell me your success stories! 😬

What you wear kind of depends on whether you are going just for an introductory chat or whether you think they might want to show you some exercises. You could ring up to find out. Otherwise I would suggest wearing something you could do some exercise in but won't feel idiotic in if it turns out just to be a chat. So basically leggings and a baggy T shirt, plus trainers.

Try not to worry about seeing people you know. There is no shame in turning up at a gym. Once at the gym you will find a huge range of body types on display. Everyone is interested in what they are doing and you will be ignored, except by the gym staff member who is there to explain what to do and sort out a training programme for you.

Be totally honest with the gym staff about your worries. They will have heard it all before and will be able to help you overcome any issues you have.

Go for it! Exercise has changed my life. I feel so much better and more confident in every aspect of what I do. I was never referred by a GP but decided to get a trainer to help me with weight training to stave off osteoporosis as I get older. Thought I would hate it and if you had told me 4 years ago that I would one day rank going to the gym as one of the most important, non-negotiable parts of my life I would have thought you were mad.