Stevenage resident John Gigg, a long-time member of the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, credits his three-times-a-week gym routine for making him “feel 70 and full of life”.
His journey, marked by hip and knee replacement surgery followed by a severe infection, left him housebound for nine months.
However, with the support of the exercise referral team at the centre, John regained his strength and mobility.
John using a pair of dumbbells as part of his routine (Image: Supplied)
He said: “The fitness team helped me every step of the way.
“Coming back to the gym gave me something to focus on, and seeing familiar faces again made a huge difference.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.”
John and his late wife, Freda, were regulars at the centre, attending the gym and classes six mornings a week.
He recalled her philosophy: “Freda always said the gym was a social club where we happened to do some exercise.”
John (middle, right hand row) with his gym friends (Image: Supplied)
After Freda, who was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, passed away in 2022, the gym community became a vital source of support for John.
He said: “Coming here helped Freda so much.
“It kept her mind and body active, and she loved seeing everyone.
“After she passed away, the support from my friends at the gym really helped me to keep going.”
Despite his age, John continues to inspire both staff and fellow members, attending the gym three times a week.
He takes pride in his routine.
Crunches are part of John’s workout routine (Image: Supplied)
He said: “I’ve done 120 crunches today – as well as 20 minutes on the treadmill, 25 minutes on the bike and a few sets on the tricep dip, hip abductor and adductor machines.
“I always leave feeling good.
“It’s a great social place – I love coming to see people.
“It gives me a purpose, rather than sitting at home doing nothing.
“You just feel better in yourself.”
John’s story is part of Everyone Active’s Age is Just a Number campaign, which highlights the importance of staying active and socially connected in later life.