the ride of her life

19.08.2024

Debbie Fry literally can’t wait to get back on the horse.  

An avid rider for the past 18 years on the Eton farm stay property she runs with her husband Steve, Debbie hasn’t been able to ride because of crippling arthritis in her knees. 

“I’ve been going back and forth to the doctors now for around 3 years about my knees, and he’s agreed to do the surgery now, so I am just waiting for my surgery date,’ she said. “If my health is ok, they’ll replace both knees at the same time.” 

Meantime, Debbie was approached by My health for life to help get her health on track before the surgery. 

Debbie, 64, was assigned a personal telephone health coach, Danni, and over the course of the coaching series, the pair talked about Debbie’s eating habits and exercise. She says the best part of the My health for life initiative was having someone to talk to.  

“Danni was lovely to talk to and she was really encouraging – it was really good,” she said. “It gave me the support I needed to lose weight and get more active.” 

When Debbie started the coaching series, she was 98kgs, and she’s now down to 88kgs. She credits more walking in short, faster bursts of 10 minutes (rather than just counting her steps across the day) and cutting down on the sweets for her weight loss. 

“I love chocolate and ice cream, but now we just have them as a treat instead of all the time,” she said.  

Debbie, a mother of five and grandmother of 16, said she’s noticed a big difference in her knees and general health already. 

“My knees are not as bad now, and I’ve noticed I have more energy. I’m feeling a lot happier and it’s great to be getting in and doing more and helping my husband more on the farm,” she said. 

Debbie is still working towards her weight loss goal of 80kgs and will continue to walk and avoid the sweets. “Danni and I talked about what to do if I get off track – I don’t want to get big again.” 

Post surgery and recovery, Debbie can’t wait to start riding again.  

“Horses are a big part of my life, but I haven’t been able to ride for a while now because of my knees,” she said. “I’ve been missing it and so I can’t wait to get back on the horses and do more with my grandkids.” 

If you would like support to create healthier habits like Debbie, your simple steps start with an online Health Check to see if health coaching is right for you.

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