‘I became a fitness instructor’
Sian Bain has found a new lease of life – and the reward of helping others – by becoming a fitness instructor
“I started doing Move it or Lose it just after my mum passed away and as my dad loves fitness, I thought this would be something lovely for us to do together”
When Sian Bain had breast cancer 13 years ago, fitness was a real lifeline in her recovery and quickly became her passion. So a few years later when, by chance, Sian spotted a poster looking for new instructors for Move It or Lose It, a nationwide fitness programme for older adults, she knew she had to sign up. “I wanted to give something back because I’d had such a lot of support when I was poorly,” says Sian who started the training aged 61. “I was also retired from my busy job in the Department of Education but found retirement wasn’t for me.” Having signed up, she went through an online course learning all about the body and age-related health conditions, as well as a programme of exercise routines. She then had an assessed practical while teaching people and at last was awarded a Move it or Lose it fitness instructor qualification, meaning she could set up her own classes. Today, Sian (64) runs nine classes a week for different groups, including one for people with breathing problems. All classes begin with a warm-up, followed by cardiovascular exercises sitting down then standing up, a few games, strength exercises, stretches and a cool down.
The men and women in Sian’s classes are aged 50 upwards but one of her most regular – and oldest – customers is her 95-year old dad. “I started doing Move it or Lose it just after my mum passed away and as my dad loves fitness, I thought this would be something lovely for us to do together.” Sian says it’s such a privilege to help. “It’s so rewarding to think I’m helping people stay fit and keep their mobility later in life. Many of them ask me for advice on staying well, too, and while I explain I’m not a doctor, I try my best to pass on my knowledge.” As Sian is self-employed with Move it or Lose it, her classes also generate a small income for her. But she insists it’s about so much more. “Doing this keeps me so fit. After years of sitting down at a desk for work, I can honestly say I’ve never felt as good in myself. And I love meeting so many different people, many of whom may be at risk of being lonely, so it’s nice to think they can come to my class and have that interaction with people. There are just benefits all round! I only wish I’d done this sooner.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Move It or Lose It instructor or want to find out more about their classes, call 0800 612 7785 or visit www.moveitorloseit.co.uk