Free weight-loss programme for women funded by Hampshire County Council – lose weight, get fitter and feel happier
Horizon Leisure might have a solution for you, with its free, women’s-only weight management programme designed around your lifestyle. The programme, which is funded by Hampshire County Council, has been designed to help you to develop a fresh perspective about what you eat, how to move more and how to think differently about your wellbeing. The course will support you in achieving a healthy weight and helps promote motivation and self-esteem.
This isn’t dieting
The 12-week Flourish programme isn't about dieting; it's a journey towards better wellbeing for your long term health
At Horizon Leisure they can help you to lose weight by joining a supportive community that understands your unique challenges. The free programme includes a health check, information sessions, talks and advice, exercise classes and wellbeing sessions at The Hub at the Meridien Shopping Centre. It also includes free access to exercise groups, including walking netball, Couch to 5k, low impact circuits and health walks. It’s a multi-layered approach to kick start a healthier lifestyle.
Real-life results
Michelle, 51, from Havant, recently completed the programme after a lifetime of yo-yo dieting. Michelle also has a number of long term conditions, including arthritis, asthma and pre-diabetes, as well as having a ‘dodgy' foot and knee. All her health conditions are made worse through being overweight. Before she started the FLOURISH programme her BMI was over 40.
I didn’t miss a single session!
Michelle explains: “The sessions were so helpful, and I felt confident in the care and the advice that was provided. They were motivational and made me realise that I wasn’t on a diet, that I was simply changing my lifestyle. The team helped me to set new habits and to not have that ‘all or nothing’ approach to food. They explained how my health, and being a woman, can impact weight fluctuations and my mood. I also started joining their gentle exercise circuit classes.
“However, for me, being in the pool was my happy place. So, alongside being more mindful about what I ate, I started swimming up to five times a week, an hour each time. I started to feel so much better. I have never regretted making the effort to go.
“Swimming is so relaxing, it’s time for just me. My body doesn’t ache in the pool, I love the feeling of being weightless, and I almost go into a meditative trance whilst swimming.
“During the 12-week programme I started to lose weight and could see my body starting to change. On completing the programme I signed up for a monthly membership with Horizon Leisure so I could keep up the good work.
“The programme has brought my BMI down to 38.6 and my soon-to-be husband, who has been eating the same food as me, has also lost three stone. My arms feel more toned and I am delighted with the sensible and steady changes. Being more mindful of my food and moving more still allows me to socialise and go out for dinner. It’s not a diet, it’s a way of life.
“It’s also been lovely to meet some new people on the programme and to help support them with their own wellbeing journey too.”
Sign up now
In order to join the programme, you need to be:
– A woman aged 18+
– Live in Havant or be registered with a GP in Havant
– Have a BMI 30+ or 27.5+ for women from black, Asian and other ethnic minorities
– Willing to invest your time
– Attend at least two sessions a week
– Take part in a 26 week follow up
Spaces are limited, so to be considered for the next course please visit: horizonlc.com/community/flourish