The Best Decision I Made Was Walking (or Rolling) Through the Gym Doors

If you’d told me a year ago that I’d actually look forward to going to the gym, I’d have laughed.

For years I’d convinced myself it just wasn’t a place for me.

As a powered wheelchair user with Cerebral Palsy, I assumed gyms wouldn’t be accessible. I imagined equipment I couldn’t use, people staring, feeling out of place, and leaving more frustrated than motivated, so I simply didn’t go.

Looking back now, I realise how wrong I was.

That first step (or roll!) into the gym wasn’t easy, but I didn’t do it alone. My friend, Hannah encouraged me to give it a go, my brother-in-law James joins me for sessions and in those early weeks showed me that the gym wasn’t something to fear, and then there’s Claudia, finding the right personal trainer changed everything.

Almost a year later, I’m stronger than I ever imagined I’d be. I’ve hit personal bests that once felt impossible. I recover quicker, I have more energy, and I actually enjoy the feeling after a workout. The gym has gone from somewhere I dreaded to somewhere I genuinely want to be.

The biggest transformation hasn’t been physical, for me it’s been mental.

For years I worried about whether I belonged. Now I know I do.

One thing that surprised me most was how much my confidence has grown. Recently, during the hot weather, I wore shorts to the gym. That might sound insignificant to some people, but for me it was huge.

Before this year, I only ever wore shorts when I was abroad. I spent years worrying about what people thought of my legs. The funny thing is…my legs haven’t changed, but what changed was my mindset.

Claudia’s trademark eye rolls and facial expressions every time I doubted myself finally got through to me. She reminded me that being comfortable matters far more than worrying about what anyone else might think.

The truth? Nobody is looking.

Everyone is focused on their own workout, their own goals, and their own challenges. I wish I’d realised that years ago.

People often say personal trainers are expensive.

Yes, they’re an investment. However, what you’re paying for is so much more than someone counting your reps.

You’re investing in someone who believes in you when you don’t believe in yourself. Someone who motivates you on the days you don’t want to show up. Someone who adapts every exercise so you can succeed rather than struggle. Someone who celebrates every personal best like it’s their own achievement. Someone who somehow becomes your coach, therapist, biggest cheerleader… and, if you’re trying to create social media content, your videographer too!

Claudia has never tried to make me fit a programme, she’s built a programme around me, my disability, my goals and what makes me feel capable and that has made all the difference.

Looking back over this past year, I don’t just see stronger muscles, I see someone who stopped making excuses based on assumptions and someone who discovered that accessibility isn’t always perfect, but it’s often much better than we imagine. I’m now someone who chose to invest in themselves.

If you’ve been putting something off because you’re convinced you won’t belong, I hope my journey gives you the confidence to give it a try.

You might surprise yourself. I know I certainly did.

Here’s to another year of getting stronger, lifting heavier, building confidence and proving that the only person I needed to convince was myself.

Me at one of my early PT sessions happy to be lifting 5kg 🙂

Now look at my PB’s 💚💪