When 89-year-old Half Moon Bay resident Ron Jones first arrived at Marina Fitness, a serious back injury meant he couldn’t even lift his feet off the floor.
Although he could barely move, Ron was determined not to be stuck in a chair for the rest of his life. After a few months of physio he was referred to Auckland Council-owned Marina Fitness as part of his rehabilitation.
Six years later he’s still a member and the oldest one too! His back has now healed and he can walk freely with incredible agility for his age.
“Starting back at the gym was the best thing I ever did, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Marina staff,” Ron says.
“The team there saved my life. They supported me every step of the way. Firstly in conjunction with Marina Physio and, from there on, they supported me consistently through new programmes to keep me strong and agile. The back has never been better.”
Ron’s advice to others is to join Marina Fitness and get moving.
“I don’t really see this place as a stereotypical gym. It’s more like a health club. It’s a social place where people come for their health and well-being. The members get as much support and guidance as they need from the instructors.”
43 fitness centres across Auckland
Ron says starting back at the gym was the best thing he ever did and he has never looked back.
Marina Fitness manager Matt Nash says Ron is an inspiration to older people in the community faced with injuries that could reduce their quality of life.
“Ron’s a star. We developed a tailored programme for him, as we do for all our members, and he has stuck with it all the way. Now we can’t get him to slow down.”
Auckland Council owns and operates 43 fitness centres throughout Auckland. To find out more about Marina Fitness and other council-run gyms across Auckland visit www.aucklandleisure.co.nz
