It’s nifty being over 50!

The shocking news came at his annual medical check and the message was clear: if he did not shape up by the time his next medical came around, he would be out and replaced by a younger recruit.

The first to admit he was “not a sporty person at all”, Dave was sure his days were numbered until he decided to take stock and make a life-changing decision. It was time to get fit!

“It was a real kick up the backside,” said the 58 year-old from Welshpool. “And it was the kick up the back side that I needed. It was time to make some changes and that meant changing my diet and exercising!”

And it wasn’t long before he had a target to aim for. The lads from the station were preparing to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge to scale Britain’s tallest peaks in 24 hours for charity, and he insisted on being a part of the team.

“I was eating absolute rubbish and I was not a sporty person at all so I knew it was not going to be easy but I had no choice and I have not regretted it for a minute,” said Dave who was a part of the successful group that scaled the peaks last year and he puts it down to one word… spinning!

“For people of all ages I really believe this is the best way to keep fit and stay healthy. When I first turned up for a class the instructor asked me where was my water and towel and I didn’t have them… that’s how prepared I was!

“But I really enjoyed that first class and now take part in up to three sessions a week and sometime do a double session on a Thursday which is two hours!”

Spinning is a fitness fad that has exploded over the past decade and is now the most popular class for people of all ages and abilities at the Flash Leisure Centre. So much so that they are introducing a new weekly class for over 50’s starting on Tuesday. It involves static cycling machines with participants going at their own pace and pushing themselves as much as they feel comfortable with.

It has worked for Dave. He is now nearly three stones lighter than he was at his doomed fire service medical and he can push lads half his age when it comes to fitness.

And spinning can work for anyone according to Matt Pryce, assistant manager at the Flash.

“We currently have 312 places for various spinning classes a week and they are usually full,” he said. “We have classes for high school kids right up to our current oldest participant who is 70 so it really is a fitness class for anyone. All I would advise is that anyone with a history of health problems should consult with their doctor first before taking part. It is ideal for beginners, the elderly or those suffering or recovering from injury. This is a truly excellent cardiovascular exercise.”

So there’s no excuse and it’s as simple as riding a bike!

For more information, visit The Flash web site at http://www.powys.gov.uk/index.php?id=2380&L=0