SMA provides all of the elements for my training.

As an A&E doctor, I have an exceptionally busy, challenging and stressful job. I work long, erratic hours which makes having a healthy eating and exercise routine a little bit of a nightmare. This said, I still have a ridiculously high energy level (as my housemates will attest!!) and I always need to have a positive focus into which I can channel excess energy (otherwise silly videos and photos appear on facebook!).

Up until two years ago I was an extremely competitive swimmer. I would train up to nine sessions per week (that’s about 18 miles) with the Newcastle masters squad and a local triathlon club. I loved the swimming, the club spirit and the fact I could eat and drink anything I liked. Sadly, due to recurrent injury I found my fitness and stamina dropping and weight increasing until I had to eventually stop swimming at the same level. I took up boxing at a local gym. It was great exercise and had a certain level of camaraderie, but there was always something missing. Now I’m sure that those of you who have got to know me over the last few months will be expecting me to produce a list of flippant and shallow things that were missing, but alas this is not the case. Fulfilment! (ah, you see, I can be philosophical sometimes!) That’s what was lacking. For me, exercise is not just about fitness and weight loss, it’s about global wellbeing; a feeling of emotional, physical and social challenge.

Now, I live opposite SMA and often noticed the steamed windows and the black clad people entering and leaving. Curiosity eventually got the better of me and I contacted some bloke called Darren. He was ridiculously enthusiastic about everything and suggested I come along and see for myself. That was February, and since then I haven’t looked back. It wasn’t until I started training that I began to appreciate just how much I had let my fitness and weight deteriorate. As I said earlier, exercise encompasses more than just weight loss and fitness. SMA provides all of the elements that are important to me. I’ve made some fantastic new friends, I’m more fulfilled, I’m much less grumpy, every session is different so I have variety, I have the goal of working towards the different belts, and for me, the best of all.......I get to see Darren pummel Craig at least once week!! Oh, and getting back to the superficial me, I’ve also lost a shed load of weight and size too (good times, bring on the beer!). SMA has become such a big part of my life that I can’t really envisage not being a member and not hearing that ear shattering laugh (and deliciously inappropriate humour) of Dee’s. I am however; slightly nauseous at the prospect of how much pain I’m going to suffer when I get back to training in the next few weeks (although Darren has assured me that he does indeed have a sympathetic, and possibly slightly warm and fuzzy side!).

I want to say Cheers to Daren and Dee for their endless energy and enthusiasm. We all appreciate that it has been an extremely sad and difficult few months for them both, but they have continued to provide motivation and support to us all with a humbling level of dignity and selflessness.

Luvs ya loads guys!!!

sas