After 20 years in the fitness game, the Raglan Light Exercise Group has done many kilometres on the exercycles, treadmills and rowing machines.
Renee Doig, Virginia Gallagher and Barbara Iti have been attending from the beginning when the classes were run out of the bowling club.
Renee says enjoying the company of her fellow workout buddies is an added bonus to the regular fitness sessions.
“We’re always joking and laughing.”
And although she won’t reveal her exact age, Renee says the hospital staff couldn’t believe she was over 80 when she was in for a hip replacement.
“The nurses couldn’t believe it when I lifted myself up. I’ve only got to this because of the exercise.”
“For those of us who have had to spend time in hospital our recovery has been a lot faster and it’s great for our basic fitness,” Virginia says.
Barbara fondly remembers taking IHC clients to the classes when they were in the bowling club and then in the church at Taipari Ave. “They would come to every session.”
Secretary/treasurer, Graham Hubert, says the group provides more than just exercise, and spending time in the company of others is great for older adults feeling isolated. They stay behind for a cuppa after Thursday’s workout to mix and mingle without the huff and puff.
“We are making a real difference in the community.”
Possibly one of the longest continuously running fitness groups in the Waikato, Graham says the group were formed under the guidance of Sports Waikato, Green Prescription, Raglan medical professionals and other interested parties in order to cater for the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Graham says they are lucky to have Krishna Gotty as an instructor and the yoga tutor takes the time to cater for the individual needs of the group.
The session starts with half an hour on various machines and the last half hour with light weights and stretching bands.
Ranging in age from 50 to 80 plus, the group meet every Monday and Thursday from 10-11am at the St Peter’s Hall, Main Road, Raglan. New members are always welcome.
Janine Jackson
Call Noleen McCathie 8258521 or Graham Hubert 8257244 for more information.
