A HIGHBRIDGE woman who has suffered with chronic back pain for the past 15 years said an exercise programme at her local gym has given her a new lease of life.

Julie Baker started suffering from back pain in 2003 after she fell on black ice and fractured her spine.

But now she is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to an exercise programme devised by 1610 staff at King Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge.

The exercise plan has helped Julie cut excess weight due to an underactive thyroid and reduced her severe anxiety which had become a real issue for her.

She said she now regularly works out with her new 'gym buddy' Joanne, who she met at the centre and said the plan has 'transformed' her life.

“A year ago I would attempt to go into the gym but I would stand at the gates hesitating and I just froze with anxiety but Tom Britton and Mel Teacy who work at the centre were so welcoming and patient," Julie said.

"They listened to me about my issues and helped me overcome my fears to tackle the right exercise programme.

"Now my back is so much more mobile and now I can lift it off the floor when I am working out doing planks and crunches, which I could not do before and my back pain is much less of a problem.”

It is estimated that almost half the adult population (43 per cent) or 28 million people in the UK are living with chronic pain.

Julie works out at the gym 2 or 3 times a week and attends 3 or 4 classes a week and said she aims to lose more weight and become fitter and stronger.

“I want to drop another dress size but the main thing is I feel so much better and more confident" Julie said.

"Gyms can be intimidating places but they are so friendly at King Alf's so you can’t let your anxiety get the better of you.

"I have so much more energy and meeting Jo at the gym has been so much fun which has been a real boost and makes me realise what I can achieve.”