Age is just a number for two 90-year-olds who love nothing better than working out surrounded by their friends at their Nantwich gym.
Before most people of similar age have finished their morning cuppa, grandmothers Irene Blunstone and Delia Cooke have completed their strength and cardio programme at Gymophobics off Beam Street.
With remarkable energy and the motivation of gym-goers half their age, the pair are an inspiration to anyone thinking of ditching the TV for time on the treadmill.
Both joined the ladies-only gym a couple of years ago and have smashed their personalised targets, increasing their stamina and reps on a range of air resistance exercise machines arranged in a ten-station circuit.
After a warm-up on the bike, it’s on to the bicep, tri-cep and ab machines before chest press, leg curls and pull downs as part of a routine designed to work different muscle groups and improve bone density.
Not for the faint-hearted, Irene also takes part in a step box challenge and has given younger members a run for their money increasing their total moves month after month.
With impressive get-up-and go, they each combine attending the gym two to three times a week with grandparent duties.
And they were raring to go when Nantwich Life caught up with them during a morning session. As Irene worked her quads on the leg raise and Delia gave it some on the shoulder press, they extolled the virtues of maintaining an exercise regime into their 90s and beyond.
For Irene, who celebrated her 90th birthday on May 22nd, going to the gym has helped recovery from a heart attack two years ago.
After a busy career as a shorthand typist, working at the Ministry of Agriculture in the former Berkeley Towers in Crewe, she took up swimming in retirement, going to the pool with her brother. When he passed away she joined Gymophobics.
“I like doing steps but it’s more than the physical side. Going gives me something to get up for and I’ve made lovely friends,” she said.
A mother of three, grandmother of five, great gran of 11 and great-great gran to a little girl of three months, she gets plenty of encouragement. “I’d say to anyone my age just do it!”
Meanwhile Delia, who has two daughters and six grandchildren, has found a new spring in her step and the energy for gardening. She’s currently digging out and planting her large garden.
The former medical secretary at Leighton Hospital said: “It just keeps me going. I’d recommend doing what you can and building up.”
Both enjoy the social side and have no intention of hanging up their trainers anytime soon. “I’ll go on for as long as I can,” Delia added.
Gym owner Tracy Turner said other members, around 200 in total, marvel at the nonagenarians. “Here, we often say that age is just a number — and Irene and Delia prove it beautifully!
“This year, these two incredible ladies celebrated their 90th birthdays, but their journey with us began back in 2023 when they joined our ladies-only gym at the wonderful ages of 87 and 88 years young.
“From the very beginning, they embraced their personalised programmes with determination, enthusiasm and plenty of laughter along the way.
“Irene even goes the extra mile — quite literally — by adding an extra 100 steps to her routine at least twice a week!
“What makes Gymophobics different from a conventional gym is that our instructors are always by our members’ side, offering encouragement, care, support, and of course, the art of conversation — something both Irene and Delia are brilliant at bringing to the circuit.
“They’re shining examples that you are never too old to exercise, to stay active, or to enjoy all the mental and physical benefits that movement can bring.
“More than that, they bring a cheeky sparkle and wonderful energy every time they walk through our doors.”
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