While many people are still struggling to get out of bed, a group of weightlifting wonder women are powering through their morning exercise class.
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Each Tuesday morning, up to thirty women pack out the Batemans Bay CWA Hall for an hour-long session of strength and balance training (and some girl’s health gossip, for good measure).
Known as WEB (Weight Exercises for Balance), the classes cater for women aged from their late 50s to early 90s.
Instructor Bronwyn Dunn, who will celebrate her 72nd birthday this month, said the classes had provided great benefits for heart attack sufferers, women with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hip problems and general ageing issues.
“(The women) tailor the classes for themselves – they’re responsible for their own weights,” Ms Dunn said.
Don’t let the classical music fool you, she assured, the ladies sure do know how to work up a sweat.
“Don’t treat yourself like a princess. You really need to work to fatigue,” she said.
“If you lift wussy weights, you’ll get wussy results.”
In addition to the Tuesday classes, Ms Dunn said many participants met up for smaller local classes during the week.
At 90 years of age, Joone Thorpe is the eldest participant in the program, but is fighting fit.
If you lift wussy weights, you’ll get wussy results
- Bronwyn Dunn, WEB instructor
“I came to the class six years ago needing inspiration, which Bronwyn gave me,” Mrs Thorpe said.
“I had osteoporosis and now I’m walking and I don’t usually need a stick.
“I was going to the hospital for 18 months for rehabilitation and two weeks ago, they asked me to leave because I’m too healthy.
“I’m 91 in four months and I’m very fit.”
Fellow participant Heulwen Lane said the classes made for a good recovery after her hip replacements.
“I started coming to these classes in advance of my first hip operation, and after 12 months of doing the exercises, I had absolutely wonderful results,” Ms Lane said.
“I’m now 8.5 weeks down the track from the operation and I’m lifting 5 kilograms per leg.
“It’s been absolutely marvelous and I attribute my wonderful recovery to my attendance at these classes.”
WEB classes are held every Tuesday at the Batemans Bay CWA Hall, Sunshine Bay, from 8.30am-9.30am. Contact Bronwyn on 4472 6608 for more information.
