“I felt that I was totally alone and couldn’t imagine ever feeling happy again. Widowed at 57 was something I never envisaged happening.” – Tina, FitForLife attendee
It was more than just fitness that bought Tina to us. She already had a love of keeping fit that spanned decades.
“I’ve always enjoyed fitness. Lots of high impact aerobics in the 80’s, ha ha!! I’ve always had dogs as well so love long walks.” – Tina
But losing her husband in 2024 meant Tina’s drive understandably fell away.
“I was feeling very low and lonely. I needed a new hobby or possibility of making new friends.” – Tina
After being advised she was border line pre-diabetic, her health and happiness felt like they were pulling in the same negative direction. So, Tina made a decision.
She heard about us through Facebook, knew it sounded like the type of exercise she would enjoy, and booked onto our very first cohort determined to make a difference.
“I decided I had to take control of my life and enjoy the time I have left in this world.” — Tina
That session was a first for everybody. The coaches, the charity that was still in its infancy, and our first ever cohort attendees.
“Tina was an absolute pleasure to work with right from the start. She has always come to classes with a ‘can do’ attitude, willingness to give anything a go, and always ready to push herself. She brought a wonderfully positive vibe to our first cohort group and really helped to form the basis of our community in the years that have followed.” – Kelcie, Lead Exercise Therapist
Tina knew she had made the right decision straight away and instantly felt at home in classes.
“The coaches and staff were really patient and consistent. They explain things clearly. I’ve never felt treated like an ‘older person.’” – Tina
But despite the programme being aimed at adults over 55, Tina was surprised at the encouragement she received to push herself.
“It was harder than I thought it would be. I thought they’d go easy on us oldies, but no, they really encourage us to push ourselves, which I absolutely love.” – Tina
Before she knew it, Tina’s love for fitness came flooding back.
“Every time I attend, I get such a high during and after the class.” – Tina
And the friends she made during the programme, the people of the same age she hoped to meet through her experience, ended up helping Tina through a massive life change she would have to face.
“I retired in June 2025. The whole group were very supportive. I met up with several of them.” – Tina.
Even though Tina came to us with a love for fitness and a good knowledge of gym spaces, she still learned some things along the way.
“I’m more confident using gym equipment now. Loading bars with weights, setting up rowers, skiers and bikes.” – Tina
Tina’s time with us didn’t stop after the twelve-week programme either, despite facing challenges along the way. She still trains with us every week and has renewed her love of fitness once again.
“In March this year (2026) I had a hip replacement. All the staff have been so helpful, giving me advice and showing alternatives to any movement, I find difficult.” – Tina
Now Tina is a popular and valued member of our FitForLife community who welcomes new attendees who were once in her position. The difference to who she was when she started and who she is now is something they can all aspire to.
“I’m definitely stronger. Not just with weights but mentally. I’m more confident and enjoy meeting new members all the time.” – Tina
Improving the fitness levels of adults over 55 is one of reasons Momentum Fitness Charity was created. But stories like Tina’s go to show that often, fitness is just the beginning of a process that improves the people’s lives on levels you could never imagine.
“The sessions gave me the confidence to move on with my life. I’m excited about my future now. – Tina
A human story like Tina’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.