Marie Sullivan had always been a fairly active person, however after suffering some health problems and a very painful back condition her exercise took a backseat.  Marie heard about Green Prescription (GRx) from a stranger and then asked her Doctor about it and accessed a referral to the programme.  “I was apprehensive at first but after meeting my GRx advisor (Mark Burkill) the enthusiasm and common sense that I was given was truly exciting.”

Marie says “I have always enjoyed physical activity, but like a lot of people had let it slide, so I wasn’t doing very much”. She describes her experiences at the aquatic centre - “the hydrotherapy pool in particular, gets me out of bed in the morning, ready to get going and exercise.  The feeling of water surrounding you while you exercise is so beneficial to the body and particularly the mind – it really is incredible.  There are classes to suit all types from the slow and calming to the really let’s go for it.  There’s a variety of classes and time, so somewhere there will be something suitable.”

Marie now attends the gym three times a week coupled with three to four hydrotherapy classes a week too.  Marie says, “I’m now able to walk the dog and do general exercise that I was unable to achieve before joining the programme.”  She goes on to say that she’s noticed benefits such as a definite improvement in her outlook on life, and that her physical activity is showing with the toning and strengthening of her body.  She adds, “the fact that I really miss the gym and the pools if I haven’t gone is such a rewarding feeling as it allows me to acknowledge that I am now on the right track to keep my body healthier”.

Marie describes the changes she’s made as a commitment to herself, and an awesome opportunity to help her live longer in a healthier mental and physical state.  Marie’s family are also very proud of what she is achieving, and she feels well supported by the friendly, helpful team at the aquatic centre too. 

Marie’s got some great advice for anyone who’s considering becoming more active:

“What have you got to lose by trying some of the programmes that are available to anyone who wants to stay healthier mentally and physically?  You will only be supported along the road with people who care whether you are helping yourself and feeling better for it. I was concerned about the cost – but I pay a set amount each month which is totally affordable and this allows me to access all hydro classes at all times as much or as little I want, the same applies to the gym, the spa area and the sauna.  I personally believe we are very spoilt for choices we can make to attend any of these activities.

Green Prescription has literally opened my world for me and given me choices I didn’t realise were available here.

GIVE IT A GO, NOTHING TO LOSE AND EVERYTHING TO GAIN!”

If you or anyone you know would benefit from a Green Prescription and would like to know more, please contact the Green Prescription Team at Sport Northland on 0800 ACTIVE (0800 22 8483).

“I just feel so much happier and now have little goals that I can work towards.”
Marie Sullivan