Suffering from a rare form of arthritis, Mandy could not get relief - until she turned to Curves!
50 and Fabulous?
Shortly after turning the big 5-oh, Mandy Shuker began to feel that her arthritis was beginning to take over her life. Not that she could be blamed for this - Mandy suffers from a rare form of arthritis called Ankylosing Spondylitis, which causes fusion in the joints, and can cause eventual fusion of the spine. Mandy had pain moving around her body and through her joints on a daily basis, and worryingly found that her upper spine was often stiff.
A Painful Decision
Mandy knew that because of her medical condition while exercise would help, getting into a regime would be tough - and painful. Deciding to persevere she joined Curves Carindale in January 2010, and encouraged by the staff and other members she continued despite the intense pain that she experienced during and after every workout.
No More Meds!
Amazingly, just three months later Mandy is off all medication and pain relief. Her body grew stronger through her workouts, and she now attends Curves at least three times a week. Mandy has also regained some flexibility in her upper spine, which she attributes the Curves upper body strength training machines. She says: "It is incredible to be able to move freely again and to know that I am looking after myself!"
