This is the case for the \u201cLegends\u201d who gather at CrossFit OL1 in Delker every Monday and Wednesday morning.\n<\/p>\n
Most of the members are between the ages of 55 and 82 and joined the group after experiencing health problems such as knee replacements, heart attacks and cancer.\n<\/p>\n
We were invited to meet them during their morning training to find out more about how this group has helped them and how it can help change the lives of others their age.\n<\/p>\n
\n John Roberts is almost 70 years old. Over the past 10 years, I have only been cancer-free for about 2 1\/2 years and continue to receive regular chemotherapy.\n<\/p>\n He has always tried to stay fit, but joining the Legends gym group was a completely new experience for him.\n<\/p>\n John told the Oldham Times: “I think it saved my life. When I was diagnosed with cancer at 60, I never expected to be 70. I’ve been here for about four years now and for me personally it’s been a godsend.”\n<\/p>\n \n For John, the gym group is a family affair, and he attends with his wife, Kath, 67, a breast cancer survivor.\n<\/p>\n When asked what the group means to her, Cath said:\n<\/p>\n “And we made a lot of good friends. Even though they went through different things in their lives, we were all there for each other. That means a lot.”\n<\/p>\n Her daughter, Angie Thewlis, 47, is a CrossFit coach and group leader. She came up with the idea to start the group several years ago after leading a three-month Fight Against Cancer program, which her mother also participated in.\n<\/p>\n Angie said: \u201cI teach 20- to 50-year-olds in my regular classes, and they inspire me every time they come to class.\u201d\n<\/p>\n She explained that the workout is designed to help you improve your core control and strength, as well as everyday tasks like picking up shopping bags and reaching into the cupboard.\n<\/p>\n \n All exercises can be tailored to each person’s abilities, so everyone can work at their own pace.\n<\/p>\n These workouts definitely helped the group’s “glamour queen”, 82-year-old Irene Lorenzelli.\n<\/p>\n After undergoing two knee replacements in 2023, she feared she would not be able to see her family in Brisbane.\n<\/p>\n “When I got on the plane, I felt faint because I couldn’t sit properly.My left knee in particular was a pain, but at 82 years old, I’m very happy to say that I’m healthier than I was 25 years ago.”\n<\/p>\n Eileen arrived in Australia and returned in time for a trip to Hawaii. She is now able to do what she loves, including gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and everyone is “amazed” at her accomplishments.\n<\/p>\n \n James Price, another cancer survivor in the group, has had a similarly transformative experience since he started going to the gym.\n<\/p>\n He told the Oldham Times that he had reduced and even stopped some of the medications he was previously taking and was now combining gym classes with daily cold showers, inspired by Wim Hof.\n<\/p>\n In addition to the physical benefits of going to the gym, James has also improved his mental health thanks to the friends he has made at the gym.\n<\/p>\n James said, “For me, it’s a social thing. I mean, we work hard, believe me, and it’s tiring, but we come out, have coffee, chat, and just talk about our day.”\n<\/p>\n “We joke to each other, ‘Angie’s trying to kill us again.’ But it works. It works for all of us.”\n<\/p>\n \n The same goes for Jackie Hartley, 63, who joined the group after suffering a heart attack.\n<\/p>\n Jackie said: ‘If you’ve had cancer or a heart attack, you need the confidence again to get up and be active, and you need the independence to go out and meet other people, so it’s good for your mental health too.\n<\/p>\n “That’s why we’re all doing well. We’re all there to support each other. Some weeks we have bad weeks, but we still get through it together.”\n<\/p>\n Jackie’s daughter, Danielle Hartley-Teuil, who runs the gym, said the group was a “great addition” to the community.\n<\/p>\n She was especially proud of Legend, who participated in the CrossFit Open along with other members of the gym.\n<\/p>\n Daniel says: \u201cIt really inspired the younger generation to see this and they continue to do it.\n<\/p>\n “Just because you’re over 60 or 65 doesn’t mean you have to stop training. Everyone really benefits from having them here and they’re a huge asset to us.”\n<\/p>\n \n All of the group members we spoke to said they would encourage others their age to start their own fitness journeys.\n<\/p>\n John said: \u201cWhen you walk through these doors, you’ll never feel more at home.\n<\/p>\n “It’s a really great place. It’s not scary. It’s not like walking into a regular gym and showing off your muscles. As well as training, there’s laughter and a lot of banter.”\n<\/p>\n Eileen said: “The social aspect is great. It’s all great. For someone who’s been through knee surgery, hip surgery, lower back, cancer, any kind of recovery, it’s great. What you get out of it is great.”\n<\/p>\n \n James said: \u201cI would never say that I am at the same fitness level as people my age, but one thing I can say is that it has given me a new lease of life.\n<\/p>\n \u201cI think my mental health has really improved tremendously. How many people can say they go to the gym just for their mental health?\n<\/p>\n “We’ve had a lot of conversations about how this helps with mental focus, and that includes physical and mental health.”\n<\/p>\n The Legends group is recruiting new members and the first session is free for anyone who wants to try it out.\n<\/p>\n For more information about Cross Fit OL1’s Legends group, visit the gym’s website and social media.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\nMost of the group’s members have overcome health issues. (Image: Oldham Times)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
John Roberts (Image: Oldham Times)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
Most of the group’s members have overcome health issues. (Image: Oldham Times)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
Irene Lorenzelli (Image: Oldham Times)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
james price (Image: Oldham Times)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
Most of the group’s members have overcome health issues. (Image: Oldham Times)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
Most of the group’s members have overcome health issues. (Image: Oldham Times)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n