“I didn’t think gyms were for me but it’s so important to me to be able to be active alongside my two grandchildren. I don’t want to be just a spectator.” – James – Fit for Life attendee.
James had no gym experience whatsoever before he started with us at Fit for Life.
When his daughter encouraged him to attend the sessions, he didn’t think the course was relevant for someone like him. He felt like a reasonably fit 72-year-old but had a lot of apprehensions.
He worried about meeting new people, not knowing his way around a gym, how to use equipment, whether he had the right kit, and even basic gym etiquette. All alongside the fear of being shown up as a beginner.
But a drive that ran far deeper than every worry James had got him through the door and into his first session.
“I wanted to show my adult children and grandchildren I’m trying to keep healthy and take on new challenges.” – James
When motivation like this is what pushes someone forward you can often expect good results. But neither the coaches, James, nor even his family could have expected the transformation we were so fortunate witness.
Gyms can be intimidating for anyone. Especially someone arriving later in life with no experience to lean on. This is true for so many of our Fit for Life attendees and why the first session is so important.
“The instructors were welcoming, reassuring and clearly very knowledgeable. They gave clear instructions and explained how to use equipment correctly and safely. They had high expectations of what we could achieve.” – James
When someone walks through the door and that initial sense of overwhelm hits, reassurance matters. But so is reinforcing what we believe they are capable of.
“In that first session, we show attendees that their age is not a ceiling. We focus on breaking down technical movements and showing exactly how ‘gym exercises’ translate to the real world. We are not just training for the gym, we are actively reducing the risk of falls and ensuring our attendees have the strength and confidence to live life to the fullest.” – Goda – Momentum Fitness Charity Exercise Therapist
James is perfect example of just how far you can come but that doesn’t mean it was easy.
“The first few sessions made me realise I wasn’t as fit as I thought. I felt a bit despondent, but over time I surprised myself how much I could do.” – James
Early sessions can be challenging. Breathlessness and high heart rates can be scary, especially if you lack exposure to them. That moment of realising how far there is to go can be disheartening.
But James tackled every challenge head on.
He began with weights and box heights well within his abilities, gradually progressing with encouragement from the coaches. He moved from PVC pipes to weighted barbells as his technique improved.
What started as doubt turned into perseverance far beyond what he thought possible.
“By week 3 I felt at ease. Like I was in a group with similar needs and abilities. I also felt we were making progress. I was coping well with each new stage.” – James
The difference between where James started and where he is now is remarkable. Not just physically but personally.
His apprehension about meeting new people has been replaced by friendships and a WhatsApp group that regularly meets outside the gym. His uncertainty around equipment and etiquette has given way to quiet confidence built through experience.
Most importantly, his days watching on as a spectator to his active grandchildren are over.
“Playing on the floor, playing football in park with a 4-year-old and swimming, cycling, 10 pin bowling, going to the beach with 12-year-old. Going to the gym has made this easier and will help me be able to carry on into the future.” – James
This is far from the end of James’ story either. Because his 12-week Fit for Life journey isn’t just something he looks back on with a smile. It became the foundation for a lasting habit.
He now trains with us every week.
His strength, balance and flexibility have all improved. He is fitter and more confident. He eats a healthier diet.
And at the very core of it all is someone who’s perception of the gym and living a healthy life has completely changed.
James now loves talking to his children, grandchildren, wider family and friends about gyms, exercise, healthy eating and the benefits of being active – Encouraging and advocating others to live the healthier life he once thought was irrelevant to someone like him.
“I am incredibly grateful to the gym for setting up the charity and making the courses available for older people such as myself. I have greatly benefitted from the sessions in so many ways.” – James
A human story like James’ 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.