Elderly fitness challenge benefits Alzheimer's Society

Elderly members of the Phoenix Fitness gym in Chard proved that their lives were far from over by taking on a fitness challenge to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. The 25 participants ranged from 60 to 85 years old and collectively “travelled” 2,044 miles over six weeks.

The challenge was completed with the use of the gym’s cardiovascular equipment, where the elderly enthusiasts cycled, rowed, and walked to reach their initial target of 2,028 miles; the distance between John o’Goat’s and Land’s End.

Starting on 8 March, the participants were thrilled when they exceeded their original target by the end of April.

Personal trainer Melanie Clarke launched the challenged, and was herself very happy with the results. She said: “Our other gym members were really supportive and always cheered them on - it created a lot of friendships.”

In addition to the £470 that the group handed to the Alzheimer’s Society, the challenge had the advantage of motivating the group to keep active.

This is why many of the group members already suggested to Ms Clarke that they should start a new challenge – something “to keep them motivated,” according to Chard and Ilminster News.

Melanie’s only job now is to find ideas for the next challenge – the enthusiasm is already there.

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