Morning military fitness is the tops
Three Hamilton pensioners have been braving the cold mornings to take part in an outdoor fitness scheme.
Committed gym users Brian Carolan (77), Elspeth Cunningham (74), and Jill Rutherford (66), all look forward to their military morning fitness class.
It takes place at Hamilton Palace Grounds with South Lanarkshire Leisure’s Patrick Murphy and attracts a diverse audience – from teenagers right through to pensioners.
Patrick said: “It’s a class I look forward to teaching and it’s encouraging that the members also look forward to taking part.
“It speaks volumes that members have been coming for eight years and more, hardly missing a week – that’s a commitment no matter what age they are.”
Brian will be 78 years old later this year and has been attending Patrick’s class each week for over two years.
He said: “It’s a great class. Pat is a fantastic coach and keeps everyone going.”
Brian, from Burnbank, also goes to spin classes and regularly swims and attends the gym.
He added: “I’ve always been a fit man and used to help arrange charity sports runs. In fact, the longest run I took part on was 11 miles long. I did this when I was 70.”
But for Brian, the most challenging workout he faces is looking after his great-grandchild and keeping fit for the imminent arrival of another. “Now that’s hard work,” he added. Elspeth Cunningham, from Bothwell, has been attending Patrick’s class for five years and says the social side of things is just as important as the fitness. She was touched when the class gave her a surprise birthday party when she was 70 years old, complete with cake and balloons, all at 7am.
She said: “It really is a great bunch of people at the class and we keep each other going when we find it tough. It’s a total body workout and keeps me fit, active and healthy.
“My GP has told me that I only have a 12.5 per cent risk of a heart attack, which at 74 is not bad going!
“There are some mornings I feel bone weary and I do think twice about going to Patrick’s military fitness class, but I always drag myself there and by the end of the class I’m not only ready to face the day – I’m ready to party.”
Jill Rutherford, of Hamilton, has been going Patrick’s military fitness class for eight years now.
She said: “In my middle years, I did let my fitness go and when I first started at the class I could hardly walk up the stairs after it because I found it so tough going.
“However, I quickly noticed an improvement, which initially spurred me on and I now feel toned, lean and strong.
“It’s a really social class and encouraging and motivating.
“It’s something I look forward to each week. It’s part of my routine.”
Jill also goes to yoga and walks her dog regularly. She says: “I really notice the difference and these classes have helped me with everyday life activities. If I hadn’t taken action a few years ago, I know I wouldn’t be able to take the dog out as much or keep on top of the garden. “It’s never too late to take action.” For more information on this, or any class, log on to www.slleisureandculture.co.uk or visit your local leisure centre. everyone is to very