“Since starting the Fit4Life sessions, my Asthma has improved. I hadn’t run for 17 years, now I can run again.” – Christine, Fit for Life attendee
Chrissy tried memberships at gyms in the past, so she had a bit of experience. But traditional gyms never felt like the right fit.
“I had belonged to a gym in the past but found it a bit intimidating. So, when my son told me about the Momentum’s Fit4Life for over 55’s I thought I would give it a try.” – Christine
This is something we often hear from our Fit for Life attendees. It’s not that commercial gyms are doing anything wrong, but so many older adults just feel out of place there. Like it’s an environment that simply doesn’t feel comfortably accessible to them.
Because of her past gym experiences, Chrissy was understandably unsure when she first walked through our doors, for more than just one reason.
“I was nervous walking into the first session, meeting new people. I thought my age would be against me and I didn’t want to feel embarrassed if I wasn’t able to manage any of the exercises.” – Chrissy
Apprehension about what they will be able to achieve due to age and the potential embarrassment it might bring is an unspoken fear many of our Fit for Life attendees carry into their first session.
This is how Chrissy not only faced that fear but was able to run again for the first time in seventeen years because of it.
Every older adult we meet through Fit for Life is different. Some have pre-existing health conditions. Others, like Chrissy, have concerns unique to their experience.
“I am quite a short person and find it difficult to use some of the equipment.” – Chrissy
“Every person who decides to take the first, hardest step by signing up to FFL arrive with a unique set of experiences or expectations. Chrissy was not only intimidated by the idea of exercising after a long time away from structured classes, but she also is one of the shortest people we have ever had! As coaching staff, it’s just another adaptation we can provide for our participants. Chrissy will always be given a rower or ski erg instead of a bike, so she can get a good workout in with the rest of the group” – Kelcie, Lead Exercise Therapist
During our fully funded twelve-week program, every movement we learn is broken down to its most accessible version so everyone can achieve it. Every skill and lift with a barbell begins with a PVC pipe until confidence has been built.
No one is ever pushed to attempt anything they feel uncomfortable with.
“I needn’t have worried. Everyone has been so friendly. The coaches are very helpful and supportive. They are always willing to adapt so I can continue the exercise” – Chrissy
“As Chrissy’s confidence grew throughout her time attending classes, her confidence to push past the limitations she initially set for herself has increased dramatically! She does not shy away from movements she once thought impossible. She runs, gets upside for a wall walk, and uses more weight on dumbbell exercises than she ever thought she could do.” – Kelcie
Chrissy developed her strength, stamina and endurance week after week during the twelve weeks she spent with us and beat every single baseline test she set in week one.
“Since starting the Fit4Life sessions, my Asthma has improved. I hadn’t run for 17 years, now I can run again.” – Chrissy
Improvements to overall fitness and the positive impact it has on people’s lives outside the gym is a recurring impact we’re so proud to play a part in here at Momentum Fitness Charity.
But the most telling measure of Chrissy’s journey is in her own survey responses.
Q. How well do you understand the benefits of exercise and how to perform it safely?
Entry answer – 1 out of 5.
Exit answer – 5/5
Q. How confident do you feel exercising?
Entry answer – 1 out of 5.
Exit – 5/5
Q. How motivated are you to exercise?
Entry – 1
Exit – 5
This is the internal change that so often goes unmeasured or unseen. Because it can only be fully understood by the person experiencing it.
Chrissy trains with us every week now.
The intimidation she felt…
The fear of embarrassing herself…
The uncertainty about meeting new people…
They’re all gone.
In their place is a friendly community who value her, in a gym where she feels comfortable and safe. Where she is looked out for by coaches who adapt any aspect of the workout should she need it.
This is the difference we’re proud to make for older adults who feel like there isn’t a place for them in traditional gyms anymore. And what we continue to do with every new cohort we welcome through our doors.
“I would recommend Momentum Fit4Life to anyone of an older age. It’s friendly, sociable and you become fitter at the same time. I hope the Fit4Life charity and the coaches will continue for many years to come.” – Chrissy
A human story like Chrissy’s lies behind every single Fit for Life attendee at Momentum Fitness Charity. We’re only able to create these opportunities thanks to continued funding and donations. To support our work, please visit our donations page to make a one-off or monthly contribution. The difference it makes is genuinely life changing.