90-year-old keep-fit instructor shows them how it's done
One of Age Concern's oldest volunteers has celebrated his 90th birthday by leading 'the old people' in his regular keep-fit class.
Gary Grimshaw, from Abington, who turns 90 tomorrow, was an army physical training instructor and later a PE teacher in a a string of schools in Northampton.
But since retiring, the Welshman just cannot seem to shake the exercise habit and gets his weekly fitness fix by teaching a class of over-50s at Abington Community Centre, demonstrating push-ups and stretches with ease.
He said: "It's just never something that I've wanted to give up. There's no real secret other than I think that being able to stay fit must be genetic.
"When the people from Age Concern came to see what I was up to I don't think they could quite get over a keep fit class with an average age of over 70. We're like a big family here and I love being able to help the old people like this."
After leaving the army Mr Grimshaw taught PE in a number of schools in Northamptonshire such as Trinity Technical High School, in Kingsthorpe Hollow, Quinton House School, in Upton and Lings Wood Park School.
When he joined Lings Wood Park School, aged in his 70s, he was believed to be the oldest PE teacher in the country.
Although no longer a school PE teacher, he still helps out at Cedar Road Primary School by helping teach the youngsters to read twice a week.
However, he still has more than enough time to devote to his first love with his over-50s group, which he presides over with relatively gentle games and excercise.
Hazel Hiam, of Age Concern Northampton, said: "I can't imagine how we'd get on without Gary, he's such a great character."
Not satisfied with being one of Age Concern's senior volunteers, Mr Grimshaw's next ambition is to get more men involved in the class.
He said: "I can start showing them the real tough stuff the commandos do."
Anyone interested in getting involved in the fitness classes led by Mr Grimshaw can call Abington Communuty Centre on Northampton 401222.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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