Peggy Sullivan is Wales’ oldest female aerobics instructor – and has no plans to retire in the near future!
Despite celebrating her 80th birthday on Sunday, 5 February, Peggy says she sees no reason to stop doing what she loves, with her weekly classes in Rhondda Cynon Taf still pulling in large crowds of keep-fit fanatics.
While many people of her age would be quite content to sit back and take it easy, Peggy is the perfect ambassador of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Leisure for Life campaign.
Her classes at the Michael Sobell Sports Centre in Aberdare are proving as popular as ever, with more and more people than ever before turning to a Rhondda Cynon Taf Leisure Centre in 2012.
Leisure for Life is a highly-successful Rhondda Cynon Taf Council campaign that aims to get people of all ages active and undertaking exercise in a bid to improve their health and wellbeing.
It is all about talking simple steps to make exercise part of your daily routine and reaping the benefits alongside potential weight loss, enhanced fitness, muscle gain or even improved socialisation.
Peggy first took up ‘Keep-Fit’ in the 1960s, at the age of 30, and was immediately bitten by the bug.
“It was always something I had always wanted to do but never had the courage to take the first tentative steps and attend a class,” said Peggy.
“That is why I always encourage people thinking of taking up exercise to actually take the plunge and doing it. Actually walking into a Rhondda Cynon Taf Leisure Centre for the first time is the most difficult part – I know, I did it myself all those years ago.
“Once inside, you will meet so many lovely people, many who will become lifelong friends – we really are like a family community.
“When I first started, the aerobics class I attended was only held once a month, on a Sunday evening, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and lived for my Sunday nights.”
Popmobility classes then gripped the nation and Peggy was quick to adapt and move with the times
“After years of taking part in aerobics classes, I was asked and encouraged to start up my own Popmobility class,” said Peggy.
“It was a great way to exercise to modern-day music and was a massive thing when it first came to Britain from America in the 1970s. I was very nervous at first about taking my own class, it was a huge responsibility, but agreed to do it for a month trial.”
Peggy has not looked back since, and for the past four decades has helped thousands of women to keep fit while at the same time enjoying themselves in a warm and friendly environment.
“After my month’s trial I truly was bitten by the bug – they even had a stage for me to stand on while taking the class. I felt like a pop star,” said Peggy.
“Aerobics classes are ideal for building up your fitness levels, strength, improving your cardio-vascular system as well as overall improvements to the human body.
“The aerobics classes, as well as being very enjoyable for all those who attend them, is also a great way to lose weight.
“After taking part in my aerobics classes, women tell me they feel so much better for it and are so glad they made the effort to get off the sofa and leave the house on a cold and wet night,” said super-fit Peggy.
“So I encourage anyone thinking about giving aerobics a go to take the first step by walking through the leisure centre doors. I assure you that you will not look back – I never did.
“By the second week of my aerobics classes, I had 166 women of all ages taking part – it was absolutely amazing,” added Peggy, who has managed to juggle her family commitments with her healthy lifestyle.
“Aerobics is the sort of activity you can dip in and out of. You do not need to attend the classes every week, although obviously you will get more out them if you do.
“Those who attend regularly become part of a very close-knit group. We are like one big family and welcome new members each week. There is a great unique bond between all of us and are there supporting each other through the good times and the difficult times.
“Building up the courage to take that first step is the biggest hurdle you need to overcome. Once inside the classes you will soon relax, feel comfortable and enjoy yourself.
And at the age of 80, Peggy can still give her younger members a run for their money in the fitness stakes.
“My youngest member is 16-years-old and ages vary up into the Sixties. I even have a few 70-year-olds who take part in my classes,” said Peggy.
“All are welcome at me classes, from beginners to the more experienced. It is very much a social occasion as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
Peggy Sullivan hosts her aerobics class at the Michael Sobell Sports Centre, The Ynys, Aberdare, every Tuesday from 7.30pm until 8.30pm. Females of all ages and ablities are welcome to attend.
For further details on her class contact the venue on 01685 874323.
To find out more about all the other activities available at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s 11 leisure centres visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/leisure
