‘Never too late’: 94-year-old fighting fit

Ilma Sinclair might be only several months off her 95th birthday, but has not let age get between her and good health.

For 20 years, Ms Sinclair has been a regular at the gym and continues to hit up a gentle circuit class once a week.

Her efforts have led to staggering health benefits.

“I had a test taken recently with a lady and she put me down in the age group of 78,” Ms Sinclair said.

“The circuit class does something good for every part of your body.”

In between cardio and light weight-based exercises, Ms Sinclair can be found working up a sweat on her favourite piece of gym equipment.

“I just head for the rower when I come here,” she said.

“I have done up to 20 minutes (on the rower), but generally I do 15 minutes.

“(Exercise) helps you in every way. I want to be fit and healthy so I keep coming.”

Ms Sinclair’s gym routine is just one of many events in her busy weekly schedule.

“I belong to a lot of groups – I keep busy,” she said.

“I belong to Probus and quilting, the Laurel Club and Veteran’s Affairs. You name it.”

She encouraged others to follow her lead and keep moving in whatever way possible.

Her key to longevity was “not sitting at home doing nothing like a lot of older people do”.

Personal trainer Billie-Jean Raahauge runs the gentle circuit class and encouraged seniors not to be intimidated by the gym.

“It’s never too late to start and never too late to get fit,” Ms Raahauge said.

“(The class) is about keeping them moving and keeping the active. We had a morning tea to keep them thinking about what they’re eating, making sure they’re getting good nutrition.”

She believed consistency played a big part in the success of any fitness routine.

“Just being consistent – that's the main thing and that's what has kept (Ilma) moving so long,” she said.