I joined the Green Prescription programme in June as a self- referral.  I had heard about the programme from family members and several friends.

Weight had never been an issue for me during my younger years and I have even escaped the middle - aged spread.

However over the past three years it had been creeping up to the point I felt uncomfortable, unfit and slightly depressed.

I have ridden and competed in equestrian events all my life and was noticing I didn't have the fitness I needed to ride my often challenging  mount as well as I should and was feeling the effects of the wear and tear of each day's ride.

It wasn't as if I was doing any less physical activity than I always had, nor  was I eating differently so  while I put  the problems down to the effects of old age, I wasn't  yet ready to give in to the way I was  feeling and looking.

The gym didn't really appeal as I had tried it before and got bored easily.

With a hectic workload it was always unwittingly easy to find a reason not to go, so after my GRx consultation with my Healthy Lifestyle Advisor – Ann-Marie Lambly, I joined up with a couple of family members and started going to body balance classes.  Being part of a group meant we motivated each other.  It created a bit of fun so we could laugh at each other   - usually at my expense as I tried to balance on one foot for any given point in time.

I noticed my body started to feel less tense, more flexible and the tasks easier. There was a little bit of toning starting to happen which was encouraging.  

I then asked Ann Marie about the gym and she assisted me with some suitable exercises which were easy to follow.

Again with family members, we joined up on a regular basis (at least twice a week and with body balance classes and a walk around the Hatea Loop).

I actually find myself enjoying the sessions and will even go on occasion by myself. Apart from the physical improvements I have also found the lifestyle changes a great de-stresser for the challenges work and life in general.

Ann Marie has suggested some home exercises to follow up and a number of dietary changes too.  Taking a planned lunch to work with me each day meant I didn't resort to grabbing something less healthy.

There is still a way to go before I get to an ideal weight but I am keen and willing to carry on.