Often walking 20 minutes from her Manningham home, the former tap dancer attends up to three fitness classes each week at College Grove, a wellness centre operated by retirement living and in-home care services provider ECH.
“You have to keep moving as you get older,” Molly recommends.
“I took up ECH’s fitness classes 15 years ago when my husband passed away and rain, hail or shine, I’ve been coming every week since.
“If you don’t exercise, you’ll get weak and you won’t be able to get up from your own chair. You can’t just sit at home and do nothing.”
“The instructors make sure the exercises are suited to me and my strengths. I really enjoyed doing weights, and I like riding the bike and using the rowing machine too.”
ECH’s expert team offer strength and balance, conditioning and circuit-based fitness programs each week day at the Walkerville site on North East Road.
Clients are assessed by one of ECH’s exercise physiologists who tailor a program to support their individual wellbeing and lifestyle goals. Then, the clients complete the program in a group setting under the supervision of ECH’s accredited fitness instructors.
Benefits for clients can include improved balance and reduced risk of falling, more muscle and less fat, increased self-esteem and confidence, enhanced mental health, reduced lower back pain, and alleviation from the effects of chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease.
“Coming to ECH has helped me build up my muscles and given me the confidence and ability to keep doing the things I love,” Molly says.
Those things include a weekly homecooked dinner for her family, including five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and, until recently, tap dancing, which she only stopped because she is “too busy”.
While the exercise has been vital to Molly staying fit and healthy, she admits the social element of working out is a big motivator too.
“Once per week we stay back after the fitness class and we all get together for a cup of coffee and a chat,” Molly says. “Then, once per month, we all go out for breakfast.
“We have become good friends. We come from all ages and stages of life, so we can share our experiences and support each other through the good and the bad times.”
More than 1000 clients attend ECH’s fitness classes across its five wellness centres in Henley Beach, Modbury, Victor Harbor, Morphett Vale, and College Grove for help staying active and to get more out of life.
ECH Chief Executive Officer Claire Scapinello says ECH supports its clients with every part of their health and wellness.
“Our wellness centres are designed with community at the heart to provide a warm and inviting space to live well and enjoy social connections,” she said.
“Molly is one of thousands of people across our five wellness centres who rely on us for support with maintaining their health and wellbeing.
“Regular attendance at fitness classes is proven to improve strength and balance and support better overall health for those aged 50 and over.”
“By coming to ECH, we want our clients to have the best possible life regardless of their age or stage of life.”
