‘Within four months I was totally off the medication’

Margaret Hendry, 62, a volunteer at the gym who lives on Greendykes Road, said: “I have been coming here for three years after being advised by my doctor to come. I had terrible problems with my spine and had basically no life.

“Now I have a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It’s actually helped to cut down the amount of pain that I feel and I have met lots of different people. Then I decided I wanted to give something back.

“This is the best social club in Edinburgh and with no alcohol attached to it. It may be a small group but we have big hearts. You don’t need brand name gear to come in here, you just come in with whatever is comfortable.”

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Marjorie White, 60, from Liberton, said: “I didn’t even know the gym was here until I was referred by my doctor.

“When I started coming I was taking eight high-strength co-codamol a day and within four months I was totally off the medication. The environment was non-judgemental and friendly and I took up Tai Chi and lifestyle relaxation. Now I run some of the classes.

“What I’m doing now is trying to help people who are lacking in enthusiasm, the same way I was helped when I joined the gym.

“There are always people around to chat with, like-minded people who have come through a bad time with health problems. I felt that the other gyms were interested in the younger members and not the older people. You don’t feel quite as conspicuous here.”

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Another volunteer, Caroline Crosby, 30, said: “I had bad depression and I think attending the gym has made my whole life better.

“Even if I’m not exercising in the gym I like to help people who are coming in. My whole family attends now.”

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