member's Stories

 Marilyn Weatherley

“I would like to thank the staff at Green Apple Wellness Centre for their ongoing support and encouragement since my doctor referred me to the Exercise Physiologists to help with my ongoing knee problem and difficulty in losing weight. I have since joined the gym and the Exercise Physiologists have worked out an exercise programme for me.

My doctor also referred me to the Type 2 Diabetes course which I have recently completed and enjoyed immensely. Combined with the exercise programme, the Diabetes course has been an invaluable source of information regarding diet, exercise and lifestyle modification. Thank you especially to Felicity, who not only conducts a very informative and enjoyable Diabetes course but has helped me get back on track again after a recent pleurisy attack

The exercise programme and Diabetes course have made a great difference in my life – carrying less weight and exercising has meant my knee and back have been strengthened and I am doing more than I have in a very long time. I am a passionate quilter and have been able to enjoy my craft a lot more since my fitness level has improved. It has also done wonders for my self confidence.

All in all I am feeling much better in myself and my doctor is more than happy with my results. Thanks again to the friendly staff at Green Apple.”

Sharon Ramah

It was suggested to me by my orthopedic specialist to try the 5 following ideas to help me with my health issues

1. back support (Bassett) for my car

2. Back brace for use at work (still to get)

3. Sorbothane inner soles for work shoes (due to a lot of walking in the job on hard floors)

4. Anti-inflammatories when needed

5. Pilates

It was the last that led me to the Green Apple Wellness Centre. I didn’t know what to expect, but after my interview and armed with a lot of information I found I was looking forward to starting my program.

I am really impressed with it, my exercise physiologist Felicity, and all the other staff for their knowledge, experience, skill and dedication. This has made it a lot easier for me to be fully committed to my program. I look at the itinerary each week to work out my personal itinerary of 3 Forever Active sessions, 1 night of stretches and meditation/relaxation an Friday night. I was concerned that when I retired, I wouldn’t be capable of doing much but I feel now that I am definitely on the right track to changing that. Due largely in part to Green Apple.

 Sandi Gibbs

“Hi. My name is Sandi and from the 8^th June I will be teaching a regular mid-week gentle yoga class. The class will suit beginners and those more experienced who would like to increase their awareness of their bodies, mind and breathing. I was a strong yoga practitioner till I turned 40 and then I developed a chronic condition. For some years I persisted with pain and kept pushing myself to do the more difficult postures. Now I am learning to do gentle yoga and I would like to share this approach in my class.

As yoga is a “body-mind and spirit” activity, I like to share yoga wisdom as well as give gentle movements in the class.  I am moving toward a style of yoga in my class known as restorative which is yoga using blankets, bricks, walls and chairs and other props helping the body to relax and stretch in restful supported postures. Yoga wisdom is a  collection of ideas from yoga philosophy, psychology and other medical and alternative disciplines which have made a difference to my journey. 

Teaching yoga is a very different learning compared with practicing yoga however I do that as well. Every day I try to do a short period of “sitting” or meditation and a few loosening yoga stretches.  In my class I will share a few simple ideas for home practice with you. Yoga is not a competitive sport or exercise.  It is about you becoming aware of your body and working within its limitations.   It is not about pushing your body into a shape like a pretzel. Your body may only be able to achieve the first stage of a posture.  To achieve a stretch it is about moving gently with the breath and guiding your body to a place where you feel is right.  Slowly you can build up to holding a stretch for 20-30 breaths.

For some postures I am only able to move in and out and not hold. For other postures I need to modify the arm movements due to my shoulders but with forward bends I have good flexibility in my leg muscles.  When I do backbends and sitting postures I need to use a bolster, blankets or bricks for support.  Accepting and working within my limitations continues to be my greatest learning.

For years I have persisted with pain and pushed myself, now I am listening to my body and being kinder to myself.  At the beginning of a class I often say “Our intention for this class is to be kind to ourselves and be aware of the body, breathing, energy, emotions  and the mind.”   Students in my class have told me after hearing me say this weekly, they are remembering to be kinder to themselves in all areas of their lives and their loved ones

Most mature students report there is a greater ease at moving from sitting to standing,  lying to sitting, sitting down to the floor and other daily movements and an improvement in balance and time in your week to learn about yourself, meet new friends and relax and stretch restfully. Please bring a blanket and towel to the class.

I look forward to helping you in your journey Sandi

P.S. If you have several medical issues, it may be difficult to give the individual attention required in a general class, please consult your health professional within the Green Apple so we can recommend an appropriate exercise.”

Delmay Whittington

“As a member of the Green Apple gym with Type 2 Diabetes I thought I would do the HEAL course to see if it would help with trying to lose weight and change my lifestyle. I found this very educational.

Courtney ran the course and I found it good as we discussed many aspects of a healthy lifestyle and exercise and the amount to eat and analysis the food that we were eating. It was hard work to self analyze but with Courtney’s

guidance this is the only way to see what you are eating. We also checked the amount of calories we burnt while doing our exercise programme to see what impact this had on what we were eating.

I now check what I am eating before I eat instead of just eating without thinking. This course helped me immensely. I am glad I did it. It just might help you on your journey too!”

Berniece King

"I hope you are well and happy.

Libby suggested I write to you to relate what has happened since I started at Green Apple.  One of my rolls here at Suncorp is, I manage meeting rooms.  The company had MBF come in and do health tests on its’ people.  I decided to run in and have mine done too, not even thinking of how my results would turn out.  The really good news is – they said I showed the fitness of someone 21 years younger than I am.  All the other tests were excellent and I was so happy that I had paid the price and joined the Gym.  I really just wanted to say thank you all for your time and effort in helping me reach my goals.

The other thing she said you may want to hear is one of the ways I motivate myself to come sometimes when my feeling are telling me to stay at home!  I ask myself, (I have these conversations with myself!) :-

“Bernice are you able to dress in your Gym gear?” –“ Yes I can!”

“Bernice are you able to drive to Gym?” – “Yes I can do that!”

“Bernice are you able to get out of the car?” – “Yes I can do that!”  (While I am asking these questions I don’t even think about the hour I will be at Gym)

“Are you able to walk into the Gym?” –“Yes I can!”

And once I have walked in the door then you are all there and so is the other people and I no longer have any problems at going through the motions of doing my exercises. I hope this makes sense, what I am trying to say is I just take the next step, and I can easily take the next step.

Lots of love

Kind Regards 

Berniece King"

THE AMAZING GOOMERI PUMPKIN FESTIVAL TRIP

"All arrived on time and the bus got away at 7:30 Saturday morning.  We were heading to the first stop - Bunya Mountains with a stop on the way for a fabulous morning tea and slices provided by GAG social club committee.  Back on the bus, we continued on to Bunya Mountains singing the traditional GAG song for these trips "On the Road Again." When we arrived  at the National Park we took the opportunity to take a walk through the amazing bunya trees and natural water courses.  The tracks varied from 1 to 6 kms and and gave us the opportunity to walk off morning tea in preparation for lunch at adjacent Rice Cabins.  The owner, Peter Rice, provided a moorish lunch and a history of the area which was very informative.  Each table had an interesting item (puzzle) either interlocking metal or wooden shapes.  The mission was to separate the pieces which appeared to be an impossible task. Apparently these items were originally used by farmers in the area as locks on their farm gates and only trusted locals were privy to the 'key/solution'.  Sounds very effective!

Back 'on the road again' on our way to overnight accommodation in Murgon.  A quick stop at a dragon fruit farm where the owner gave us an informative talk about cultivating the crop as well as a tasting.  Apparently this fruit is exceptionally suited the Australia's dry inland areas and could become a major export crop of the future.  However, as Trevior Boyd can attest, don't dare let it attach itself to a tree as it will defy all attempts to be expunged!  "On the road again" to the Murgon Motor Inn with enough time to freshen up before being transported to the RSL for dinner.  I think I can speak for everyone - the meals were great but with one proviso.  Without divulging too many details, one of our three tables will be forever in gratitude to Brian for the two plates of garlic bread that miraculously appeared.  This may never be forgotten!

Woke refreshed on Sunday to an amazing buffet breakfast.  Motel owner provided a lucky seat prize of a bottle of local wine (a very nice touch).  On board the bus and on the road again with Murgon volunteers who took us on a tour of Cherbourg which was an inspiring incite into the local aboriginal community.  Then on to the Murgon Heritage Museum where much of the towns history was displayed.  The volunteers there were very welcoming and very committed to their jobs.

After another fabulous  morning tea we headed through the mountains (amazing views) to Goomeri.  The weather was fantastic and the place was teeming with stalls of craft, food, produce and entertainment.  Everyone did their own thing with much to see and do culminating in the great Australian pumpkin roll down Policeman's hill at 2pm.  I am sure that the economy of Goomeri was increased hugely not only by our contribution but the hundreds of others who turned up on the day. 

Tired GAG members returned to the bus at 2.30 for the return trip and to reminisce on the weekend.  I think we all agreed that our bus driver, Russell, did an exceptional job maneuvering the bus in and out of particularly tight spots (i.e. in and out of the dragon fruit farm).  

 Thanks to Judy Watters and the GAG Social Committee another great GAG Trip successfully completed."

Member Gail Dickson 

Member Genienne Aylett’s Bayside to Bald Hills Success Story

I had only been at the gym for a few months last year when I was challenged to do the 6km walk from Deagon to Bald Hills. I was horrified and felt as though it was too far and I would not make the distance. It took a lot of persuasion to get me to sign up.

What changed my mind was the fact that the instructors kept saying give it a go you will never know until you try. Therefore, I dusted my shoes and got myself involved. It started to be a good day until all these negative emotions started to creep in and I wondered what have I got myself into. Will I make it? What happens if I don’t? etc.

Once we got going, I was fine. Walking with a bunch of clowns made the day. It was so much fun. I felt as though all the negative emotions had disappeared. It was not very difficult to do when I look back. It gave me something to aim for and a sense of fulfillment. The instructors were right when they said give it a go. People say there is a light at the other end. Believe it! It changed my body and me forever. And in addition, when you get to the end you get a medallion, a delicious breakfast is waiting, making it all worthwhile. Challenge yourself, you will be surprised.

Cheers Genienne

Green Apple Member’s Thoughts

I was looking forward to joining Green Apple, but I didn’t realize how much I was actually going to enjoy it. As soon as I walk through the door I am greeted with smiling faces and I feel good about being there again.

I am about to start my 3rd programme but by the end of the 2nd programme, I could really notice the progress I was making.

I have always been an active kind of person, just not in a gym kind of way. I feel there is no quick fix for my problems, but slowly I can feel the difference. Sometimes I have minor setbacks, but you just have to be patient. Anything worthwhile doing sometimes takes a little longer.

The main thing is to stay committed. If you approach anything with a half hearted attitude you really can’t expect a good result. And you are only fooling yourself. I think of this as a lifestyle change, not for just 6 or 12 months but for as long as I can do it.

Sharon Ramah