“I have Swimming lessons and a gym membership with activeNewham. I enjoy swimming lessons more. I think it’s fun and therapeutic and have been doing them for over a month now. I’ve learned how to dive, jump in the water and tread in case an emergency happens. It’s been great making friends and I get along really well with my instructor.”

“I mostly participate in weight lifting in the gym, occasionally Swimming, Boxing and Basketball. What I enjoy most is being able to improve on the last thing that I did when I was in there, seeing the number go up! That feeling of improvement, does a lot for me. I’ve finally managed to put on a muscle mass which was hard when I was younger, but being consistent and keeping improving has made me change for the better.“

“I use Newham Leisure Centre. I mainly go there for swimming and I started this before the pandemic and, after a break, I’m eventually back. I’m feeling very happy that I’m back to swimming because it’s a life skill, It could be useful anytime, It’s a nice feeling, you get to know more people and it also makes me feel that there are so many people back and getting healthier.”

“I’ve been coming over 20 years now to Atherton, East Ham and Newham. I do lots of weight training. It makes me feel, very confident and self-assured. Exercise for me has literally been a lifesaver and from my fitness journey, I think I’ve lost about 13 stone. I think it’s taken about 30 odd years to do that but yeah, it’s really changed my life. I haven’t had a drink for nine years now. Haven’t smoked 15 years. I live a very, very healthy lifestyle.”

“In the past, I’ve attended classes but now I attend the gym. I feel so energised afterward, so much so that I often walk home instead of getting the bus. I feel stronger and I’m more flexible. I do quite a lot of gardening and l’ve noticed it picking up heavy pots and things like that. I think the main benefit has been an improvement in my balance.”

“Normally I play Badminton at East Ham Leisure Centre and sometimes I go to the gym as well. I love the social aspect, making new friends and building relationships. I feel great, my overall heath is much better. I was really overweight, nearly obese, but now it’s much better. Personally, I would recommend exercise to anyone, it’s the best medic medicine, I would say.”