WHEN you think of a fitness class darkened studios full of young people sweating it out spring to mind.

But in Tiptree there is a spin on the traditional and you are more likely to see pensioners deadlifting weights.

Personal trainers Kirsty Beckwith, from Tiptree, and Molly Kelleher, from Braintree, started up their unique classes earlier this year.

It sees pensioners and cancer patients enjoying low intensity exercises which help boost both their physical and mental health.

And when the classes end the attendees all gather for a cup of tea and a natter.

Kirsty and Molly are helping to keep people fit and prevent loneliness.

Their idea was born after they both completed personal training courses last year.

They now have specialist skills which include looking after your back, diabetes and diet which they are putting into practise.

Molly, 24, also did a course in cancer therapy.

The classes first started in Braintree earlier this year.

The duo are working alongside Braintree Council which has allowed them use of the town hall in Market Place each week.

So far as many as 45 people have turned up for the two sessions - one for the elderly and one for cancer patients.

Kirsty, 46, has now expanded into Tiptree and holds a combined class at St Luke’s Hall every Monday.

She said: “In Tiptree we have one class which is a mix - it is low impact chair base exercises.

“There is no age limit - it is for anybody - so anybody who had had cancer or is going through treatment can attend.

“It is circuit-based. We say it is a bit like musical chairs, everyone comes in and grabs a chair which has a card on it.

“They then do the exercise on the card for two minutes before moving on.

“We had one lady who is in her eighties who had a dumbbell and was doing dead lifts. It was so nice to see older people using weights.

“It is really important for bone density and for knees and hips.

“It can really help with movement. I see so many hip and knee replacements I’m looking after my knees more.”

And the benefits are not just physical.

After everyone has completed their circuit they all enjoy a chat and a drink.

Gazette:

  • Kirsty and Molly

Kirsty, who works at Leisure World in Colchester, said: “It is social and helps your mental health and people tell us they can already see benefits and they have lots more energy.

“They say they are full of life when they go home.

“Afterwards we set up tea and coffee and they can be there for another half an hour afterwards talking.”

Kirsty said it is also helping combat loneliness.

She said: “Lots of people as they get older spend time alone at home.

“That is why we introduced the coffee afterwards. They are coming out and making friends and hopefully they will meet up outside the class.

“A lot of them have had bereavements but this allows them to come out and meet new people.”

Both Kirsty and Molly give up their time for free on Mondays to host the classes.

Kirsty said: “It is lovely to see their smiling faces. It makes it all worthwhile.

“We are both doing it free and volunteering our time but we both love it.”

In Tiptree the session runs from 4pm to 5pm on Mondays.

Entry is £3 to cover the cost of renting the hall.

People wanting to attend are asked to let Kirsty know ahead of time by calling 07854 142917 or people can turn up on the day.