Sheila’s Advance7 Review — Keeping Up With Her Grandchildren

Sheila Turner · Age 66 · Southampton

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I look after my grandchildren regularly — three of them, six, eight and ten. They’re with me three days a week and most school holidays. Their mum works, my husband’s still working, so I’m Nanny on call. I love it, but it does take it out of you.

What sort of issues were you having?

Stiffness in my knees and lower back, especially after a full day with them. And my feet — that was the surprise one. I’d be sat on the sofa at the end of the day with my feet absolutely throbbing, and I couldn’t think why. I hadn’t done anything unusual. But of course I’d been on them for ten hours.

How did that affect you?

I started looking for chances to sit down. You don’t want to be that grandma — the one who needs a rest while the kids carry on. I’d suggest a film instead of going out, or pick activities that meant I could stay put. Little things, but I noticed myself doing them, and it bothered me.

What did that feel like?

Frustrating, more than anything. You want to keep up, not feel like you’re holding things back. The youngest noticed once — said, “Nanny, are your legs hurting again?” That was a bit of a wake-up.

How did you find Advance7?

A friend at the church group recommended it. She’s grandma to four and runs around with them constantly, so I trust her opinion. She said, “If you take only one bit of advice from me this year, take this.”

What was your first impression?

She’d recommended I try the foot cream as well as the gel. I did the gel on my knees and back in the morning before they arrived, and I rubbed the foot cream in after my shower at night. The foot cream had a lovely cool feel going on, quite pleasant — almost a treat at the end of the day.

Did it make a difference?

The foot cream was the first thing I noticed, actually. By the end of the first week I’d realised I wasn’t slumping into the sofa with sore feet at the end of the day. I was just… sitting down normally. That sounds small, but it had been going on for months.

What about your knees and back?

That came on a bit slower, but by week two or three I was much more comfortable. I could chase the youngest around the park without thinking about it. I could carry the eldest’s bag and her water bottle and her coat without my back complaining all the way home.

What’s it like now?

I just get on with it. I can keep up — properly keep up — without thinking about it, which makes all the difference. We did a full day at the beach last weekend, walked the dog along the sand, played football with them, came home, and I was completely fine. A glass of wine and a hot bath, and that was that.

Has anyone noticed a change in you?

The grandchildren have, definitely. The youngest hasn’t asked about my legs in months. And my husband says I’m in better form generally. I think it’s all connected, isn’t it — when you’re not aching, you’re better company.

How does it fit into your day?

Gel on knees and back in the morning, foot cream after my shower at night. Two minutes total. Well worth it.

Would you recommend it?

I already do, every chance I get. I tell the other grandmas at the school gates. If you want to actually keep up with them — not just be there in the room, but keep up — this is the answer.