Sultana's Story with Social Prescription

I have lived quite a sheltered life. I married young into a traditional family role and over the years of being a carer for other, I let myself go and piled on the pounds.

One day in 2019 I met with Naz, a Social Prescription Link Worker,  who told me about the work she was doing with GPs and the community. I told her about my situation and she suggested that I referred into the Social Prescription service with Total Wellbeing Luton. Which I did. After my initial assessment with Naz and Total Wellbeing, I was offered a three month membership  at our local gym in Lewsey Farm. . I was delighted with this offer as I’d wanted to get back into shape for some time. 
 
As a hijabi Muslim, the idea of attending a mixed gym had never crossed my mind, and with many cultural barriers, I thought it would be deemed unacceptable. 
Nevertheless, I grabbed the opportunity. 
 
I was very nervous the first time I entered the gym and self-conscious. I’m glad I continued as I found that no one was bothered by my appearance and people were encouraging me more than anything else. 
 
I enjoyed working out at the gym so much that when my free trial expired, I decided to pay for a full membership. 
 
Fast forward to March 2020, just as I was beginning to build a good routine of working out, lockdown struck. I was devastated, I really enjoyed the classes at the gym, they gave me a sense of accomplishment and I felt fitter. 
 
I soon found a fitness group in Luton (Revolution Women), dedicated to mobilising women in our community, to improve their health and fitness. 

My new found confidence from joining the gym, meant I was no longer shy about being seen exercising in public. So, I started running with a friend from this group. 
I made good progress and within a few weeks I worked up to a half marathon. 
Shortly after, an opportunity arose for a charity place at the London Marathon. My friends and I jumped at the chance and in Spring 2022 training began. 
 
With lockdown behind us, I had re-joined the gym to enhance my marathon training. 
Training for a marathon involves more than just running, it requires a lot of strength and conditioning, which is where the gym played an important part. 
 
I was a regular attendee at Deborah’s Body Pump with Active Luton. This is a class using weights and cardio training, working on all muscle groups of the body.I feel these classes really helped to strengthen my muscles for the long-distance running. 
 
I also used weight machines in the gym from time to time. I have arthritis in my knees, and was given a programme from one of the instructors to follow. These exercises were an essential part to strengthen my weak knees. 
 
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) was another brilliant class in preparation for the marathon. They improved my aerobic and anaerobic fitness, which was vital for distance running. 
 
On Sunday 2nd October 2022 , I completed my first ever marathon. I was overwhelmed with joy when I reached the finish line. It is an achievement to remember for the rest of my days, and I hope there will be many more. 
 
3 years ago I couldn’t imagine entering a gym, let alone running a marathon. I can truly say this journey has changed my life for the better. 

I have dropped a dress size and lost two inches off my waist. Most importantly, I am much healthier and happier with my life now. 
 
Thank you Total Wellbeing and Naz for introducing me to the world of fitness!  
 
Sultana Begum