A 95-year-old has defied her age and the odds to become a member of a fitness group in Nantwich.
Jean Boyns, from Audlem, first joined One You Cheshire East’s Stand Strong programme at the incredible age of 93 after breaking her hip.
She was determined to take positive steps to improve her physical strength after surgery.
At the start of the programme, Jean had noticed a decline in her leg strength and felt that her confidence was low, particularly when out and about.
She wanted to feel stronger, steadier, and more assured in her daily life.
Now aged 95, she has made remarkable progress and is now regularly taking part in “Move It or Lose It” classes at Nantwich Leisure Centre.
She said: “I really enjoyed the group, and when the class had finished, I needed to carry on exercising.
“To carry on exercising with others and to stay motivated, I joined the Everybody Gym and book each week with Ann, making the class lots of fun.
“I do believe the classes are helpful and essential for older people to keep motivated and active and stay as well as we can in our latter years.”
Her Thursday sessions with Ann have become an essential part of her weekly routine as it also allows her to engage with others, highlighting the important social benefits of the service.
Ann said she was proud of Jean’s progress, particularly seeing her transition into “Move it or Lose it” classes and staying active.
Jean added: “When at home, living in a confined space, I recall Ann’s exercises.
“That helps me to move and walk mindfully and to avoid falling.”
When asked what advice she would give to anyone who feels unsure about joining the programme, she added: “Don’t hesitate to sign up.
“If you feel nervous to begin a class like this, which is something probably new to you, we say that there’s a lot of camaraderie that goes on in the group, in a nice way, and you sort of encourage each other for what you’re doing.
“I had my birthday last month, everyone clapped, so I clapped them all round and they sent birthday cards, that was so nice.”
One You Cheshire East’s “Stand Strong” programme supports older adults to build strength, confidence, and independence.
Stand Strong is a free, 26-week evidence-based Otago exercise programme, to help Cheshire East residents increase their confidence, remain independent and in their own home for longer.
Residents receive weekly strength and balance classes, prescribed home exercises and education on how to reduce risk factors for falls.
If you would like to find out more, visit www.oneyoucheshireeast.org, call 0300 123 5026 or email [email protected]
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