Local resident Lisle Crossing is showing that there is no such thing as too old. 

Lisle who is about to celebrate his 90th birthday and his wife Norma have been regulars to TLC Gentle Exercise Class at the LUSC for some years.

Program creator and exercise Guru Tim Thomas is full of admiration and respect not just for Lisle but all his chargers that span an age range from late 50s through to Lisle now at 90.

“One of the things I often do when I am talking about these classes is ask for a show of hands. 'Who thinks they are too old for this class?' This is usually followed by quite a few raised hands. I then say all those in their 60’s put your hands down, you're still babies in this class. 

"70’s is the new 30’s and 8o’s, well you're just starting to hit your prime. 

“The truth is, I am actually looking for someone to rival Lisle because despite his advanced years he is one of the fittest I have and shows no signs of slowing down.”

Tim explains that the emphasis is on balance and mobility.

 “Keeping people confident on their feet is the most important aim. Being confident changing direction, stepping onto uneven surfaces, even the little things can make a big difference. 

“I remember one lady telling me how much difference it made to be able to stand on one leg while she dried herself with a towel instead of having to hang onto the towel rail for dear life and of course there is the social aspect.

In fact, he muses he has created the Laurieton Social Coffee Club that also exercises.  Participants are known to kick on after class upstairs at the Deck Coffee Lounge.

Not that he is concerned, as it encapsulates the class motto nicely - “fun, fitness and friendship”.

These classes are low impact and low to moderate intensity. 

Tim explains “The best way to describe the intensity of these classes is, that it is a bit like taking the car out and just turning the engine over once or twice a week to prevent it from seizing up. 

“This class on its own probably won’t have you winning any races but the mobility, the emphasis on balance and functional movement should keep the engine ticking over nicely.”

So why not join Lisle and Tim every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30am at LUSC and give your engine a rev.

Need more information? Call Tim on 0457 118 714.