Margaret gets moving

Thursday 29 April 2021

Our Designated Nurse Safeguarding Children, Margaret Tench, took the opportunity to get moving during lockdown with help from her daughter. As part of ‘On Your Feet Britain’ today – a day dedicated to encouraging people to sit less and move more – Margaret shares her story.

“During lockdown there wasn’t much to do as everything was closed so I decided it was time to really challenge myself and start getting fit again. I’d just joined my local gym in October 2020, but didn’t have much chance to improve my fitness prior to the next lockdown. So, I asked my daughter – who is a personal trainer – to help me kickstart my fitness again and we began working out together outside the gym once a week.

“We started sessions based on Strongman Training, which is the main focus of this particular gym and consists of lifting heavy objects to help build strength and mobility. It was such a daunting task at first as previously I’d been at a ladies only gym doing mainly fitness classes. I’d never done this type of weight-based training before. But before I knew it, I was building my deadlifts up aiming for a 100kg by Christmas!

“I’m doing things I never believed possible at 60! I’ve run up and down the car park carrying kegs, sandbags and have been doing farmers carries as well as sled pulling. Whilst I’m lucky to have my daughter with me there’s lots of help and support for anyone wanting to get fit. I feel so much better for starting this journey – both mentally and physically. It’s never too late to start.”

If you have been inspired by Margaret’s story, you don’t need to dive into the Strongman training. Check out Better Health which is a great place to start with tips on getting active, eating better and looking after your mental health. Remember, find an activity you enjoy and go at your own pace.