Im still nimble at 90...and its all because of my love for aerobics

5:50am Wednesday 23rd October 2013 in News By Louise Howeson

SHES as nimble as a cat and has the wrinkle-free skin of a woman half her age.

At 90 years old, Thelma Knights put her vitality down to her lifelong love of aerobics.

She was a devotee of Britains first health guru Eileen Fowler, who lived in Horndon and died, aged 93, in 2000.

Thelma continues to do a vigorous weekly exercise class to keep her fit and agile.

She says: I have been doing aerobics for many years and I credit it for keeping me fit and healthy into old age. I can still bend down to do the gardening, I walk a lot and I never sit down or so my husband Ted tells me!

Thelma, who lives in Colchester, grew up in the days before gym memberships and the high-impact aerobics we know it today.

She followed the Eileen Fowler programme of ladylike, but demanding routines which operated around many local factories across Essex.

From 1934 to 1945, Eileen set up village classes at sixpence a go, but news spread around the UK and she went around the country organising outdoor pageants. In 1956, Eileen launched the Keep-Fit Association, before moving on to television.

More here:
I’m still nimble at 90...and it’s all because of my love for aerobics