by Crisitie T (Glenfield member)
My Mum and her sister had joined what was then known as Health and Beauty, and in the early 1980’s after my daughter Nicole was born, we all continued to exercise to piano music. Oh, how times and the music and the names have changed. From Health and Beauty to Health & Fitness to Fitness League and now to FLexercise.
At this time there was a big following of committed ladies who attended special events held at the Royal Albert Hall in London and at the ASB Centre Kohimarama.
The participants practiced and rehearsed to perfect their routines so each demonstration could be presented with precision and excellence. As a spectator, watching my Mum perform, I could see how special these times were for the members. Not only making unique memories but also experiencing the joy and the pleasure of the friendships that are formed in the classes and observing the different styles of each individual teacher.
After many years off I returned to a class in Glenfield and since getting back I have found that nothing can hold you back. Searching Fitness League on Google gives you all the information and classes available.
At every class I am always made to feel so welcome. This is definitely a wonderful way to meet enthusiastic ladies who do what they can to their own ability levels. The opportunities are endless to improve your balance, stamina, flexibility and memory, with the lovely bonus of meeting friendly, positive people and making new friends.
I love the comradeship and friendships which develop and grow at all the social occasions. The fundraising events, the luncheons, the weekends away and the regular social get togethers after class every week are so important especially for those widowed ladies amongst us.
For the next couple of months I am house sitting at Omaha and I have been privileged to attend three classes a week in the Rodney area run by a super positive lady who works everyone very hard for a solid hour.
I leave you with a few suggestions that have helped me progress and to remember the moves:
When teachers are on stage and they start the exercise with their left foot, as participants we start on our right foot (it’s the mirror effect), and vice versa – teacher starts on the right we start on the left.
When exercising in a circle move the same feet, legs, arms and way as the teacher.
Moves I struggle with I will come home and go over to help make my life easier next time in class – doing this in front of a ranch slider or mirror often helps.
Working on your balance, or if you become distracted, focus on a spot on the wall and then as you become more familiar and have taken to memory the routine trust yourself to be performing it correctly.
As we endeavour to use nearly every part of our anatomy in a class session, always push yourself a little more each time to gain the most from the specific, targeted exercises.
And always have fun ladies, I know I do!
Final suggestion – maybe we could rebrand to ‘Never too Old to FLexercise’
This is our Glenfield Tuesday class. The ladies say the hardest thing about getting on the floor is trying to get up again. I am sure a lot of our members will agree with them.
