Gentle Aerobics Class raises over £400 for breast cancer awareness

On Thursday 26 October, Fiona Joss and her gentle aerobics class turned the gym hall at Carnoustie Sports Centre pink to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

The class – which regularly reaches it’s 60 people limit – dressed in pink, with a wide array of attire including Fiona’s sister donning a flamingo to get a sweat on in the ever-popular gentle aerobics class.

“My best friend Gail is a survivor from 2015”, Fiona explained.

“I wanted to do a class in support of Gail and other survivors and I was amazed to learn after a class one day when we were having a coffee that at a table of 6 ladies, 4 of them had been impacted by breast cancer. I decided that I wanted to raise some awareness and I got amazing support from the group to do it”.

Fiona started coaching over 3 years ago after she retired from her job as a classroom assistant.  She qualified as a Zumba instructor and did further research online when she was asked to get the class off the ground but never anticipated how much she would enjoy it. She immediately felt the enthusiasm from the community for the class which she has helped build and now describes it as the “best part” of her week.

The gentle aerobics class is a low impact class and is ideal for people who are recovering from long-term injury, mobility problems. The class also helps with balance and incorporates a bit of Brain Training too but most of all it’s great fun.

“It’s not just the physical element. It’s the mental one too. We all go for a coffee after the class and keep Maddisons busy and it’s like having 60 new friends.”

Gail said “I started the class as soon as Fiona started the class. I managed the first class and I think she gave me a lift home that first day! She brings such an energy to the class, she’s always smiling and her music is uplifting. I’ve known Fiona a long time and I’m very humbled she wanted to do this class”.

Gentle Aerobics takes place at Carnoustie Sports Centre every Thursday at 10.00am. ANGUSalive also offers a BE ACTIVE…live well and Move More ANGUSalive programmes. Move More is a programme in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.