Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
When 20 women applied to take part in a 20-week fitness programme in their home town of Merthyr, little did they know how much it would transform their lives.
Now on the fourth Phase of the scheme, with 130 ladies having taken part, there is no stopping them!
The first phase of Merthyr Girls Can was funded by Sport Wales, via Active Merthyr, and run by Inspire Fitness.
Dan Bufton, Sports Development Officer at Merthyr Active explains: a Girls Can has been a fantastic success. The social aspect of the programme has played a huge part, with women from similar backgrounds and experiences coming together to support and inspire each other.
Sarah Draper, Managing Director of Inspire Fitness Merthyr adds: By far the biggest improvement we have seen is the improvement in mental wellbeing. Many have found a new lease of life. One husband said that he has got his old wife back, after she suffered from post-natal depression for years. Personally, I got in to fitness 10 years ago and I run or train every day which is purely for my mental health. I'm mentally so much stronger when I exercise.
Nothing beats the feeling of smashing your goals whilst surrounded by your friends.
Networks, relationships and support help us to thrive, not just survive, when it comes to our mental health.
Here some of the ladies themselves tell us how getting fit as part of a group helped changed their lives for the better.
Before Merthyr Girls Can, physical activity was practically non-existent for me. For the past 3years I've found getting out of bed a real struggle, almost as if all the energy and motivation had been sucked out of me. Even doing a weekly shop felt very daunting. I have been attending classes for only 4 weeks now and already my confidence has had a boost.
Kirsty Jones
I was a 50yr old mum of 3 when I was accepted onto Merthyr Girls Can. A mum with no self-esteem, overweight and on so many tablets I rattled! Depression ruled my life. I never exercised! I didn't know if I'd survive the 20 weeks, but I lost 2 stone and 11 inches and felt awesome. As well as the weight loss and coming off medication, it has changed my lifestyle and I've made wonderful friends along the journey.
Michelle Donoghue-Lloyd
Before Merthyr Girls Can (2), I didn't do much physical activity. I suffered from post-natal depression after my first child was born. I hated the way I looked, some days I couldn't look in the mirror. As a mother of two young daughters I didn't feel like I was a positive role model for them. Now I'm healthier and fitter and dropped four dress sizes. I've now stopped my medication for my anxiety and depression, which I never thought would happen. I love going to classes. The support from the coaches is incredible. They don't judge you, they believe in you. They are with you every step of the way.
Kate Goddard Jenkins
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