A Clements Hall Leisure Centre instructor is proving that age really is just a number after celebrating 35 years of teaching fitness classes - and she has no plans to slow down any time soon.
Linda Smith, 76, has been part of the Clements Hall community since 1990 and continues to inspire others through her energy and commitment. She currently teaches four classes a week - one Forever
Fit and three Aqua Aerobics sessions - all of which are consistently fully booked.
Her dedication and passion for fitness have made her a much-loved figure at the Hockley Centre, which is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Rochford District Council.
Linda’s story is being shared as part of Everyone Active’s ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign, which runs throughout October and November to encourage more over-60s to stay active, both physically and mentally. Now in its fifth year, the campaign launched on Silver Sunday - the national day celebrating older people - and aims to challenge stereotypes around ageing by highlighting the achievements of senior members and colleagues across the country.
Linda said her journey into fitness began more than three decades ago after attending Keep Fit Association classes. “Many years ago, I belonged to KFA and enjoyed it so much that my instructor encouraged me to choreograph a routine for the class,” she said. “That gave me the confidence, at 40, to take an Exercise to Music course with the YMCA, which I passed in 1990. I later qualified to teach Aqua and Step classes, and I’ve been teaching ever since.”
She says her motivation has always come from the people who attend her sessions, adding: “It’s so good for my self-esteem and lovely to see class members’ fitness improve. The support from my class keeps me motivated every week.“My classes are as much about friendship and fun as they are about fitness. We’ve built a real social circle over the years, and many of us have become close friends.”
Linda believes staying active has been vital to her own wellbeing, adding: “Staying active has been so important for my mental and physical health. I always forget any problems once I step into class. The music starts, the feel-good factor kicks in, and I leave on a high.”
Linda also wants to encourage others her age to take that first step. “Age is just a number,” she said.
“Find a class that suits you, step into your local centre and give it a go. You’ll always be welcome, no matter what age you are.”
After marking her 35th anniversary at Clements Hall, Linda hopes to keep going as long as she can.
Dan Humphries, Everyone Active’s Area Contract Manager, said: “Linda’s commitment over the past 35 years is nothing short of inspiring. She perfectly represents what our ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign is all about - showing that fitness and community spirit have no age limit. Her passion and positivity are a huge part of what makes Clements Hall such a welcoming place.”