Age just a number says 75-year-old fitness enthusiast from Smethwick
A 75-year-old Smethwick lady is living proof that staying active has no age limit!
Jacqueline Warhurst began her later-life fitness journey over 20 years ago with an Aqua class - not long after she learned to swim, at the age of 40, in the small pool of the former Grade II Listed Smethwick Baths – and she’s hardly been out of the water since.
She now spends all her leisure time at the state-of-the-art facility that replaced it, Sandwell Aquatics Centre (SAC) on Londonderry Lane - one of eight facilities run and maintained by Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) for Sandwell Council - and her latest favourite activity is the recently launched HydroHex.
HydroHex is an innovative new aquatic fitness experience using visual screens to guide movements through a virtual instructor. Jacqueline was among the first to try it – and she’s been multiple times since. She finds the technologically advanced underwater and above-water video demonstrations easy to follow, providing clarity and structure to each session. For her it's the perfect complement to instructor-led classes.
Jacqueline says: “At my age, strength and stability are vital. The HydroHex exercises focus on balance, and I can already feel a difference when I’m in the water. It’s a great addition to the older adult classes at SAC and it helps me get the most from my time in the water.
“I always look forward to coming here as it’s a strong, family community. – I know the friendly staff and members, it’s convenient and local, plus now I’ve found a new class I love that keeps me moving in all the right ways.”
Alongside HydroHex, Jacqueline also takes part in GRIT workouts and Body Pump classes, following her doctor’s advice to maintain strength and mobility. She adds: “So many women I know have had hip or knee replacements. I want to stay as mobile as I can, for as long as I can. Plus, if I can do it then anyone can. A lot of ladies I know weren’t sure about starting to get fit and active, but once they tried it, they came back for more.”
For enquiries about HydroHex and all SAC bookings, events, feedback or other general enquiries, email SACinfo@slt-leisure.co.uk
