When Martin returned to Horsley after six months in Cornwall, he and his wife were searching for more than just a gym. They missed the camaraderie of moving with others and the sense of belonging that comes with it.
Rebuilding with Care:
But life had other plans. After managing increasing discomfort for years, Martin underwent a full hip replacement in November.
He came back to us in January, not to “bounce back” but to rebuild with care and intention.
“It’s always that balance,” he says. “Doing something active, but doing it with people. That was the bit we were missing.”
A neighbour recommended Amovida, and before long Martin was joining our group classes two, sometimes three times a week. It became a rhythm, a routine and a quiet anchor in his week.
Navigating the Recovery Journey:
Recovery is never a straight line. A few weeks ago, Martin and Ally adjusted their plan.
“We realised we’d pushed a bit far in one direction, so we dialled it back. It’s like tacking in sailing, you’re still going forward, just shifting the angle.”
And forward he has gone.
“I’m already ahead of where I was before surgery. Truth is, I hadn’t felt this stable in ten years. You don’t realise how much you were compensating until you don’t have to anymore.”
Finding Strength in Community:
One of the biggest surprises for Martin has been the power of community.
“I thought the social side would be a nice bonus. I didn’t expect it to be half the reason I come. It’s not just the movement, it’s the people. People like me, at a similar stage of life, showing up. We motivate each other, hold each other accountable, and laugh more than you’d think.”
Martin lives on a street where four or five neighbours all come to Amovida. They often carpool, remind each other who’s coming to class and celebrate the small wins together.
Our Movement for Life Philosophy:
Martin’s story reflects what we believe at Amovida: that true strength is built steadily, with care, community and support. It is not about rushing or proving anything, but about regaining confidence, moving with ease and enjoying life fully again. This is the essence of our Movement for Life philosophy — helping you rebuild after setbacks, keep moving forward and continue doing the things you love for years to come.
Advice for Someone Hesitating to Start:
When asked what he’d say to someone, especially a man, who’s hesitating to begin, Martin is direct.
“We’re not great at acting on the stuff we know we need to do. But this isn’t some hyper masculine space. You won’t be the only bloke here. And you certainly won’t be judged. It’s just real people, doing what they need to do to feel better. So just take that first step.”
That first step, as Martin knows, can be the beginning of something quietly life changing.
“I started PT with Ally about six weeks after surgery. The bones had healed, but now it was about the muscles, getting stronger without rushing it.”
There was no urgency or pressure, only precision, patience and a steady return to confidence.
“What’s been so reassuring is how seriously you take the process. You don’t just dive in. You research. You speak to physios. You understand how the joint works before you even begin the work. That level of knowledge, it really matters.”