A year ago, Dawn never imagined she’d call the gym her happy place. Now, she’s four stone lighter, stronger and part of a community that’s transformed her life — both physically and mentally.
It all began a couple of years ago when Dawn became a member across several venues. She enjoyed it, especially Aquacise, but found herself travelling quite a lot. That’s when things began to change for Dawn.
From “It’s not for me” to finding her fit…
When Dawn first came to the gym, her first thought was simple: “I thought, it’s not for me!” Living with arthritis, she wasn’t sure what she could do or how she’d fit in.
Then the new pool was built — and the day the venue opened; Dawn didn’t hesitate. “I signed up to a monthly membership and had motivation to get involved.” She joined the very first Aquacise class and “absolutely loved it.”
From there, she began to enjoy other classes too with instructors such as Faye and Reece. But the gym still felt intimidating. “It was so scary up there. All the equipment and I don’t know how to use it all.”
That changed after an introduction with Kenny, who took the time to show her around. That’s when she discovered the EGYM. “You don’t have to set anything up, it does it all for you. And I thought OK maybe I can do this.”
Even then, Dawn admits she still wasn’t sure if the gym was really for her — until life made her rethink everything.
Finding strength in a tough time…
When her husband had a health scare, Dawn realised something had to change. “I need to take more care in my health.”
In April, she decided to properly start using the gym. “I’ve got addicted I think,” she laughs. She began gently — walking on the treadmills and working her way through the EGYM circuit. “Put my bracelet on and it sets it all up for me. I don’t have to worry about setting it up. I follow the little bouncy balls!”
Since March, Dawn has lost an incredible four stone. But for her, the number on the scale is only part of the story.
“I have met so many people. You see the same sort of faces which is nice.” That sense of community has become one of her biggest motivations. She now wants to try new things like the introduction to cycle and virtual classes.
“You’ve got to learn your own capabilities, your own strengths and your own likes and dislikes, I think I have sort of done that now.”
A safe space and a supportive community…
For Dawn, Aquacise is more than a workout. “Aquacise is a great community. Everyone is supportive. Doesn’t matter what size, what age, what shape, what ability you are. Just do what you can!”
She’s grateful to have such a supportive environment close to home. “I just feel so grateful that this is here in Mablethorpe. It has made such a massive difference to me personally but also other people…I feel stronger, more flexible, everything.”
When she first joined last year, Dawn admits she wasn’t in her best place. There was a lot happening at home and she was struggling. “Coming and doing this, in the water I felt I could hide a little bit, it wasn’t so exposing.” It was a safe space where she could progress and focus on her.
What started as a tentative return to exercise has now become “a massive part of my life.”
Making time for herself…
These days, Dawn aims for 10,000 steps a day and makes her gym sessions a non-negotiable part of her week. “I can’t not come to the gym. That is my time. Looking after me. Making me healthier to look after both my parents and now my husband.”
She praises the team for their kindness and encouragement. “All the staff are lovely. Politely encouraging and motivating, always offering tips and things to try.”
“I can’t rate it highly enough. It has changed my life.”
And when the motivation dips, Dawn reminds herself to simply show up. “Just keep going. Some days when I have been mentally low I have taken part — if you turn up you feel so much better.”
Looking ahead
Alongside her fitness, Dawn has also embraced healthier habits at home, using an app to track nutrition. She started this when her husband became unwell — “It made me think about what we were putting in our body.”
Now, she’s sharing her story in the hope it inspires others. “If somebody can benefit from hearing other stories, I ought to get involved!”
Her message to anyone struggling is simple but powerful:
“Whatever people are going through it is important to know that people are out there. You are not alone.”
Dawn’s story is a reminder that fitness is about more than exercise — it’s about community, confidence, and care. Whether you’re just starting out or finding your way back to wellness, there’s a place for you here at Magna Vitae too.
