Colchester mum helping support mental health with exercise classes

The busy mum-of-three to Eldon, 21, Macey, ten and Arthur, two, had slowly started putting on weight.

When Macey was three-years-old, Jackie was diagnosed with post-natal depression - but before her diagnosis she assumed she was suffering with extreme tiredness.

Jackie, from Colchester, started to gain weight by using junk food as a “quick energy fix” which soon became an unhealthy habit.

She said: “One day I caught a glimpse of a photograph of myself and to my dismay I didn’t recognise the person I was looking at.

“I had always had a small slim frame due to an on-going illness I’ve had since the age of 12.”

Jackie was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 12, which is a debilitating autoimmune illness where parts of the digestive system become inflamed.

After seeing the picture of herself Jackie decided to take action and began her fitness journey.

“It was then I decided I had to do something for myself to make myself feel happier and healthier,” she added.

“I knew I had to get out of this unhealthy rut I was living in and that only I could take the first step.”

Jackie got talking to a friend about some nearby fitness classes they has seen advertised on Facebook, and decided to sign up to try and feel more confident.

“The first time I went along to a class I was so nervous I felt sick,” Jackie admitted.

“Nevertheless I got through the class with great difficulty as I didn’t realise how unfit I was.

“I thought about giving up as it seemed easier just to stay in the rut I was in, however my friend gave me a talking to and we carried on attending the classes.”

Fitness - Jackie Miller

A few months down the line Jackie started to notice small physical changes in her body and was feeling better and more energetic.

She carried on with the classes for a couple of years and started to develop a passion for fitness.

Jackie said: “I wasn’t just getting fitter, my mood was better, the black clouds were finally lifting.”

She then signed up to a fitness instructor course to teach others how to get in shape.

Since qualifying Jackie has helped people from all walks of life regain confidence, lose weight and keep depression at bay.

“Lockdowns have been tough for everyone but we’re lucky enough to have our amazing technology to allow us to follow exercise classes and personal training sessions in the comfort our own homes,” Jackie said.

“All my classes and personal training sessions were put online via Zoom, and we’ve had a great time doing them and staying connected with one another something which is so important during the current climate.”

Jackie focuses on supporting her clients’ physical and mental wellbeing.

“It’s great to see so many people benefitting from exercise, I even have children joining in so the benefits of exercise are regarded as the norm for them,” she added.

“I feel extremely proud that the community classes have built friendships and support for so many woman.”

Jackie has recently recovered from Covid-19, which was a worrying time for her as she was on the vulnerable list due to her illness.

However, she said: “I truly believe my lifestyle with health and fitness has helped my condition so much and helped me to fight Covid.

“After having to take five weeks off of teaching the classes I’m now slowly easing myself back into it all again.”