Halifax fitness class aims to keep seniors healthy and sociable

A group of Maritime seniors find friendship through fitness.

Linda Cary is leading the charge to keep seniors healthy – physically and mentally – in the Halifax area.

“I am a passionate about seniors staying strong, powerful and fit,” she said. “We have to stay strong so we can be here, so we can guide others.”

Cary is an instructor at fitness programs for seniors at Faith City Church on Summit Street. She first got into fitness after her husband passed away.

“I tried to eat my way to happiness, gained 40 pounds, decided I had to do something,” she said. “I started taking fitness classes and then I just trained as a fitness instructor.

“I figure I’m going to retire at 97.”

Eleanor Bates is one of the participants in the program and gets a lot out of it.

“It’s not only a wonderful workout, it’s a terrific social event,” she said. “Everybody looks after everybody else. I find mentally it’s very stimulating.”

Cary encourages people of all ages to stay active.

“You have to keep working your muscles,” she said. “You cannot just sit at home.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page