Innovative ‘Health Pod’ at Thistlemoor Medical Centre helping Peterborough Get Moving
With the Peterborough Get Moving campaign now in full swing, residents are becoming increasingly aware of various health and well-being initiatives that are available at venues around the city.
One of the most innovative – and increasingly popular – of these is The Health Pod exercise programme at Thistlemoor Medical Centre.
Set up by GP Partner Dr Neil Modha and his team of health and fitness experts, this small-group focused programme provides a friendly, safe and non-clinical space where people who may feel intimidated going to a normal gym or busy exercise class can receive tailored, proactive support around health and fitness, nutrition, smoking, alcohol and well-being activities.
One of those who has seen the benefits of using The Health Pod is a 73-year-old male who prefers not to be named.
“Before I started, I struggled with everyday tasks and needed help with things that most people take for granted, such as picking objects up from the floor or even bending down to tie my shoelaces,” he said.
“I often had to ask others to help me, which I found embarrassing.”
His life has changed drastically since he started attending sessions at Thistlemoor:
“I was over 22 stone and have already lost three stone since taking part in the structured exercise programme at The Health Pod,” he shared.
“I have found the programme amazing and it has made a real difference to my life.
“I feel physically stronger, more confident, and generally much better about myself.
“I have also increased my knowledge and awareness of my health, including the importance of diet and nutrition, and I am keen to encourage others to become more physically active by sharing my experience.”
The Peterborough Get Moving campaign aims to inspire individuals to boost levels of physical activity and maintain their strength and balance.
Dr Modha described offering health and well-being sessions for small groups at local GP practices is a “no-brainer,” and his team believe they are providing a distinct alternative to busy modern gyms:
“What we’re not trying to do here is build a gym – there are many other gyms available – it’s really [about] having a facility that’s protected [and] focused on small groups,” he said.
Giuseppe Polvere, a personal trainer at The Health Pod, took to Facebook to highlight why many people, especially those lacking in confidence, are more likely to benefit from visiting Thistelmoor:
“People don’t go to gyms because they’re scared of A; the environment, and B; they don’t know what to do from an exercise point of view,” he said.
“We’ve now created a Pod that offers an in-depth look at exercise, nutrition, lifestyle – all the aspects that people struggle with in the community but making sure it’s personalised for them.”