Meet SLAM member Elaine speaking out about living with MS for #MSAwarenessWeek
Did you know that this week is #MSAwarenessWeek 2022
It's a condition that is close to our hearts here at SLAM as we have a friend and member who is living with this condition and has allowed us to share part of her story with you all and how the SLAM community and her love of exercising and keeping strong has helped her.
‘For many people like myself, going to the gym is more than just a physical exercise. For me, it’s more about keeping a healthy mind, and being part of a like-minded community of people, which is a great support network. For most of my adult life I’ve always been active; and holding down a fairly stressful job it’s always been the release for me to help me manage all the other aspects of my life.
At the age of 39 I had my little girl, which was a long and difficult journey spanning many years. As part of my postnatal recovery, I trained for a few months with Lyndsey which opened my eyes to what was possible in the gym as I’d never been a gym person. I loved it and I was able to take my little girl with me to the gym, and setting that example to her from such an early age was also really important to me.
A few days after my 40th birthday I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which was a devastating blow. I had also just returned to work full time after maternity leave and I could no longer find the time to train. Following my MS diagnosis, I was more determined than ever to be in control of my body as MS can have all sorts of physical symptoms as well as cognitive.
I wanted to be sure that I was going to be able to take part in sports days when my little girl gets to that age (particularly already being an “older” Mum). I also knew from the various forms of exercise that I had done previously, that exercise encouraged a healthy mind, and at that time I was really struggling with coming to terms with my diagnosis. This led me to signing up to the full SLAM membership which allows me to train in an amazing environment with an amazing community and support network. I’ve never looked back from that decision, and it’s a key part of my life now – I’d truly be lost without it.
I’m fortunate that my MS seems to be under control through medication, although I think that looking after myself and being holistically STRONG also has an equal part to play in that. I am forever grateful to Lyndsey and the SLAM community for giving me that opportunity.’
You can get involved in raising awareness and donating on the MS Society website
A huge special thank you to Elaine for sharing part of her journey with us, and we are all so honoured that you chose SLAM to be your haven and to help you be the bada$$ you are!
If you need proof of how amazing and strong and inspiring elaine is - just look at her strength and gym skills…