In the beautiful Paihia region, we arrive to a very bubbly energetic group of humans - average age mid-70’s, who are ready to move and groove.

The lovely Ann Green, a retired physio, and the instructor of the class met us at the door.  We introduced ourselves; Ashleigh Sport Northland’s Healthy Lifestyle support kaimahi for the Mid North and myself, Tania, Strength and Balance Coordinator at Sport Northland, and asked if we could join in the class. Ann replied “of course” and made us feel very welcome. She did warn us that her priority was to ensure everyone was having a good time. She did not disappoint.

Before the class started and while everyone was greeting each other, I noticed a set of exercises on some whiteboards up the front of the class. I thought that surely, they would not be for this group of 65 plus year old humans and it would be for another much younger exercise group that must be happening later in the day.

Well, I was so wrong, and if I had not seen these humans doing the exercises, I would not have believed it. I managed to take photos for proof.

There was a real energy in the room, and participants were bouncing up and down rearing to go. We did dance moves to Macarena and the Hokey Pokey, the usual standing strength and balance exercises, and yes as mentioned those exercises on the whiteboard which included planks, side planks, superman pose, hip raises, cat cows’ yoga movements, partial abdominal curls, sphinx pose to name a few.  Again, if I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it.

This class might sound like it is only for the super fit and capable, however, it caters to all levels of fitness. For example, there were participants who couldn’t do the floor movements. Ann, using her years of experience, created specific exercises that met the needs of each participant. Ann had created some exercises that required fine motor skill movements specifically for one such gentleman who had had a stroke recently and was partially paralyzed down one side of his body.

I spoke to an 83-year-old after the class who joined the group 2 months prior. She shared “I am pretty lazy, and I thought I had better do something other than just knitting. I just do what I can". Wow, I witnessed her doing all the movements on the floor and she would adjust her range of motion and the time she executed each exercise.

These humans show that it doesn’t matter where you are in life, age is but a number and if you believe you can still groove and move with the best of them, without a doubt you will. Humanity is resilient, incredibly capable, and inspiring.

Also, I would like to acknowledge that not only Ann but most of the instructors I’ve had the privilege to meet are also retired and don’t take payment, not even a koha. Any money they receive goes towards the hire of the venue.

These instructors say they feel grateful for being able to give back to the community that has served them well in the past.   You are all legends.

You can find more information regarding these classes on our Sport Northland Website at www.sportnorthland.co.nz on the Community Strength and Balance page under Get Active webpage.