Fitness is fun at any age... just ask octogenarian Eric
AGE is barrier to peak fitness and a new energy for life. That’s the message from a South Kerry fitness instructor who is 82 years young.
Former GAA trainer, South Kerry GAA medal winner, marathon runner, swimmer and all round fitness guru Eric Murphy from Caherciveen is dubbed Ireland’s oldest Fitness Instructor and his goal is to make South Kerry residents live longer, enjoy life and bring happiness into their lives.
For the past four decades Eric, a Kerry GAA minor football selector in 1980, holds twice weekly Fitness Classes which focus on crucial aspects of non-weight bearing exercises in the Bay View Hotel, Waterville. Well know in South Kerry for his football exploits with Waterville, Dromid, St. Marys and Foilmore, he draws his massive knowledge of fitness techniques from his long sporting career that saw him run 12 marathons including Dublin (3), London (6), New
York (2) and Cork (1). However in 1986 while training for the Boston Marathon he injured his knee and was forced to hang up his running shoes.
The Keep Fit sessions in Waterville were initially facilitated by Kerry GAA legend Mick O’Dwyer in 1978 with the help of the Kerry VEC. With large numbers attending, Mick asked his lifelong friend Eric to assist him.
“I have been involved in the Bay View Fitness Classes for the past 42 years,” said Eric. “My aim is to keep them going until I hit the 50 year milestone. The classes attract people aged between 40 and 60 on Monday and Thursday nights. I believe that keeping fit is the key to tackling issues such as isolation and weight gain among older people.”
A keen swimmer, he swam every day in Caherciveen for many years but curtailed this element of his life when he broke his elbow in 2009.
“General fitness is a big part of my life. Its good fun and enjoyment. This is a key element in my Fitness Classes. When you hit the 50 years of age mark its time to look after yourself. You are not as flexible and it’s important to keep the muscles and joints well toned. This will add years to your life and guide you through old age a healthy and happy person.”
The Waterville Fitness Class has also come to the attention of Cork University Hospital. They have encouraged patients to talk to Eric and discuss fitness programmes with him. He has also appeared on a number of TV shows over the years.
A teak tough fighter, Eric is a local celebrity in South Kerry but also endured his share of medical problems. “Seven years ago I went through a very bad patch with renal failure. My kidneys reacted badly to medicine. I had to re-learn to walk again and I eventually got back my high level of fitness. I have had both knees and hips replaced but this never stopped me from engaging in life to the full. People have the wrong attitude to life. It’s for living and fitness will go a long way to make it more enjoyable no matter what age you are.”