Eastern Shore Sun

By KATE SAUNDERS

A GENTLE exercise program designed for 50-100 year olds, Fitness Can Be Fun, celebrated its first anniversary recently.

Clarence Mayor Jock Campbell, presents Ruth Rothery with a certificate of appreciation for her volunteer work with Fitness Can Be Fun – a gentle exercise program for 50 to 100 year olds.

Ruth Rothery, 77, volunteered to organise and run the program last year and was rewarded for her efforts with a Certificate of Appreciation from Clarence City Council as part of Australia Day celebrations. Mrs Rothery moved to Tasmania from New South Wales seven years ago and was once asked what she was going to do here and ‘set it on fire’ was her response. “I’ve done a lot of volunteer work but the Fitness Can Be Fun program has definitely been one of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved with,” she said.

“When I was considering organising the exercise program for older people, even my family thought it wouldn’t succeed and wondered if it was wise. “After all, I’m 77 and they felt it was time for me to relax. “However, I’ve always believed that it isn’t the number of years which are aging, but the state of mind, and so it was important to put that theory into practice.” So Mrs Rothery approached the YMCA with her idea and received a great response. “The YMCA were very excited about the program because they had been talking about running something similar for a long time and agreed to cover the cost of hiring the venue,” she said. “The National Fitness Association of Tasmania approved the program and have also been very supportive.”

Mrs Rothery then hand delivered more than 5000 flyers to promote the Fitness Can Be Fun program to Eastern Shore residents. “I walked the streets of nearly five suburbs over a three week period,” she said. “In March we also produced a DVD that shows some of the Fitness Can Be Fun exercises so people can practice at home. “It is wonderful to see how each participant has become more supple over the year and I teach a range of exercises to avoid repetition. “Numbers fluctuate each week because people are ill, have to care for grand children or are on holiday, but we usually have about 16 people on average. “I believe gentle exercise has greater long lasting effects for the mind and body than running yourself ragged.”

Mrs Rothery said all shapes and sizes are welcome to attend the class and she recommends participants wear loose fitting clothes and sneakers, bring a drink bottle and their sense of humour! For more information on the Fitness Can Be Fun program please call Ruth Rothery on 6245 1755.

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