Sixty-plus gym junkies converted at AUT Uni

While recovering from a heart valve replacement in hospital, Averil Denvers was handed a bundle of pamphlets offering programmes to aid her rehabilitation.

Without much thought, she selected AUT University’s Never2Old exercise programme for over-60s and it’s a decision that quickly turned her and her husband Trevor into gym junkies.

‘‘I have lymphoma, and I’d had chemotherapy in 2008 and I needed a valve replacement after that,’’ Denvers says.

‘‘I had been aware that I didn’t have the strength that I used to have.

‘‘There was a flyer about Never2Old and that it was here, which was convenient for us, and I thought ‘oh I might do that’.’’

The Never2Old programme originated from a project by a 69-year-old AUT University student back in 2002 who was conscious of the need for older people to maintain their strength and physical activity.

It involves a individualised weights programme at AUT University’s North Shore campus gym to aid core strength for people over 60.

The success of the trial Never2Old project meant it has kept it going ever since, and it was this month recognised by Age Concern North Shore with the 2016 Age-friendly Business Award.

The AUT Never2Old team was one of three North Shore businesses to receive the award, with an official presentation at their North Shore campus on October 10.

‘‘The evidence is just irrefutable that everyone needs to be more physically active,’’ Never2Old coordinator Phillipa Batts says.

‘‘We definitely try to make the programme a lifestyle rather than just an occasional event that you might participate in.’’

Trevor Denvers saw his wife’s success in Never2Old and decided to join prior to his own upcoming surgery.

‘‘Averil came along to the programme and I was having a knee operation so I came too for specific training to strengthen that knee before the operation and it worked a treat,’’ Trevor says.

‘‘I was back driving I think within three-and-a-half weeks.

‘‘We’ve never been gym people but now I wouldn’t bother going to the gym up the road, I’d recommend coming here.’’

TOM DILLANE/FAIRFAX NZ Fitness converts Trevor Danvers, left, Phillipa Batts and Averil Danvers at the AUT University North Shore gym.