Finding Me Again Through Movement: Anas' Story

"My name is Anas and I live in the Park Ward area with my mum and brother. Growing up, I’ve always had an interest in being active, but it wasn’t something I prioritised consistently until the last few years. Recently, I’ve taken more deliberate steps to incorporate physical activity into my daily routine.

One of the biggest barriers I’ve faced has been back pain, which sometimes made even basic movement challenging and affected my overall motivation.

This physical discomfort, combined with dips in my mental health, made it even harder to maintain an active lifestyle.

Fortunately, I don't struggle to find accessible facilities in my area. However, affordability has sometimes been an issue.

Gym memberships can be expensive, and at times, that has made it harder to commit to regular workouts, especially when balancing other financial responsibilities.

I’ve been really lucky to have a strong support system around me.

My friends and family have played a big role in encouraging me to stay active, especially those involved in the Unique Community Hub.

That environment has not only provided a space where I feel welcome and motivated, but it’s also given me a sense of accountability.

Additionally, my faith and involvement in religious practices have brought a sense of discipline and purpose to my routine, which naturally supports a healthier lifestyle. Going to the gym has now become more than just a physical activity for me – it’s a space for mental reset and community connection.

That combination of emotional, social, and spiritual support has been key in helping me stay on track.

I feel really optimistic about my future in terms of physical activity. I’ve started to build habits that are not only manageable but also enjoyable, which makes me feel confident that I’ll stick with them.

Being active has helped me reconnect with myself in a really positive way – it’s no longer something I see as a chore, but rather a lifestyle I want to maintain.

I’m motivated to keep progressing, and even when challenges come up, I believe I have the mindset and the support around me to keep going.

I’m determined to make physical activity a consistent part of my life moving forward.

Becoming more active has had a profound impact on my life in many areas. Physically, it has helped ease the back pain I used to struggle with and has given me more energy throughout the day. Mentally, it’s been one of the most effective tools for managing stress and improving my mood.

I’ve noticed a real improvement in my mental health – feeling more balanced, clear-headed, and emotionally resilient.

Being active has also had a positive impact on my self-esteem and how I view my body. I feel more confident, both in how I look and in how I carry myself.

These changes have improved how I interact with others, how I approach challenges, and even how I view my future. It’s really shown me that small changes in lifestyle can lead to big changes in mindset and wellbeing."