Member Spotlight: Gill B

Kidney Beam has been live for 2 months now, and we’re pleased to see so many of you enjoying classes. If you’re new to Beam, and need a bit of inspiration, check out Gill’s story of living with Polycystic Kidney Disease, and how Beam is helping her.

How do you feel about physical activity?

I was always active as a child, and loved playing netball and football.  I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease at 18, but during my teens and twenties exercise wasn't really important to me.  When I turned 30 I decided to take part in the Great South Run and raise money for the PKD Charity, which ignited my husband's love for running, but sadly not mine!  I play badminton, go to the gym, practice yoga meditation and walk lots, and some of that had to stop when lockdown began this year.  I enjoy keeping active, but at the back of my mind, I am always thinking that I have to keep my body fit and healthy for when I eventually need a kidney transplant

What barriers have you had to keeping active?

 I found the lack of time was the main barrier to keeping active, as I was always busy at work, and all I wanted to do at the weekend was have some fun, then rest and recuperate.  I used to enjoy Zumba, but the high intensity of the activity caused a few cyst pops, and pain, so I had to give that up.

What has helped you to overcome your barriers to moving more?

Making time to take exercise; fitting it in to my calendar, and doing low impact exercise has helped overcome these barriers.  I decided that I would actually take my hour lunch break and spend it walking round the local country park. I also took some swimming lessons, and I had a low impact programme written for me at the gym.

How has Beam helped you to keep active or changed your perspective on physical activity?

At the beginning of lockdown I put on a few pounds, and when I was furloughed I found myself feeling quite down about things.  My husband and I walk every morning, and since measures were eased we walk at lunchtime too, but I was missing the gym and my weekly yoga meditation class.  When I saw Kidney Beam advertised, I jumped at the chance to get involved.  It is something I look forward to every day, whether it be a live class or an on demand class.  I am also grateful and happy to be part of such a lovely community, which has certainly also helped my mental health.

What else makes you feel good? 

I really enjoy yoga, and meditation.  I've only come to practice this in the last couple of years, and it has had a big impact on how I view things.  Having a positive outlook on life can be quite hard, but it's amazing how much better I feel and how much more I can achieve when I am not being dragged down by negativity.

I now enjoy more active and adventurous holidays with my amazing, and supportive husband.  Most recently we climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge which was a huge moment for us both, as we're scared of heights!

I love my cats, and I am about to become a volunteer for my local branch of Cats Protection, although having only one cat I'm not sure I've made it to Crazy Cat Lady status just yet!

Feeling inspired by Gill and ready to try a new class? 

All classes can be taken at your own pace, and if you’re feeling nervous, let the instructor know and they’ll be sure to reassure you. You can start with an On Demand session, to get active with a Live Class and join the rest of the Kidney Beam community.

Remember, the Beam Team is here to support you too, so if you have any questions about starting classes, please feel free to get in touch with us hello@kidneybeam.com