
Here's a guest blog from one of our class participants and helpers, Bryony, who explains all about attempting the 3 Peaks Challenge, injury recovery and rediscovering her fitness mojo...
“Hello, I’m Bryony and I’ve been coming to classes at Gemma Pearce Fitness for 4 years, when I joined one of Gemma’s Pilates classes.
After some back problems, I was very nervous but I loved the fun and welcoming approach to fitness that I found at her classes. As I grew in confidence and grew physically stronger, I joined the Zumba class, then started going twice a week and then added a Clubbercise class too!
In May this year, I took on my biggest fitness test yet – the National 3 Peaks Challenge which involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. I was thrilled to raise £3300 for the Damascus Youth Project (supporting young people in Drayton, Appleford, Milton, Sutton Courtenay and Steventon) however disaster struck on the ascent of my second peak, Scafell Pike, in the pouring rain when I slipped on shingle and landed heavily on my knee. I was disappointed not to be able to complete the challenge and even more upset to be told that I had to rest my knee for at least 6 weeks.
My fitness classes have become such a huge part of my life, I felt so sad. I restarted Pilates after a few weeks but I missed my bouncy dance fitness classes so much! I knew I had to allow my knee to properly heal, but I was also keen to get training again so I could complete the challenge and climb the final peak.
Gemma suggested that Zumba Gold might be the answer to sensibly exercise my knee but satisfy my love of Zumba! I went to the evening Zumba Gold class led by Claire in Abingdon. It was perfect for letting me dance and wiggle but gentle enough to be kind to my knee. I was nervous about feeling pain but as there was no impact on the floor, it suited my knee perfectly.
Claire was her usual welcoming self and the rest of the class were so smiley and enthusiastic!
So if you’re nursing an injury but still fancy doing a class, I totally recommend Zumba Gold!”
Yes! Gold isn’t just for the old! If you’re overcoming an injury or have some niggles that prevent jumps and twists, or need easier to follow routines, then this is the class for you!
We currently have 4 Zumba Gold classes: Mondays 10.30am at Didcot Civic Hall Mondays 7pm at Abingdon Health & Wellbeing Centre Wednesdays 10.30am at Long Furlong Community centre, Abingdon Thursday 10.30am at Chilton Village Hall Each class is £6 or £30 for 6 classes. No need to book, just turn up. Contact us if you have any questions.
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