Sheila Jones has been part of the local fitness scene for almost 50 years, and even as she turns 80, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Sheila currently leads 14 fitness classes every week across MyActive centres in Cheadle, Biddulph and Leek. She’s well known to her regulars for the mix of energy, fun and encouragement she brings to every session.
Many members have been attending Sheila’s classes for decades. They say it’s her positivity and sense of humour that keep them coming back, as much as the exercise itself.
Sheila said: “Keeping myself still working in a job I love gives me a great reason to get up in the morning. If other people live alone, then I know by going to our classes, they too will have a reason to get up in the morning. We laugh a lot, make friends and go home smiling. I really love the idea of helping people the same way they help me. I also love getting people involved in the classes and we currently do Circuit Training for Families at MyActive Biddulph that gets children interested in exercising and keeping fit. I love the idea of people getting into the habit of exercise!”
Sheila has always been committed to making classes accessible to everyone. She adapts routines so that people recovering from surgery or living with limited mobility can still join in.
While the refurbishment at MyActive Leek continues, Sheila has even taken her skills out into the community, running a weekly chair aerobics session for residents at Daisy Haye retirement apartments.
To mark her birthday, colleagues and members at MyActive Cheadle surprised her with flowers and warm wishes.
Centre Manager Steve Weston said: "Sheila is an inspirational character and loved by all. It is testament that so many members have followed her through the years and has such a loyal, but deserved, following. Sheila digs deep to maintain her hectic schedule and comes out triumphant each and every week, all the more amazing at her young age. Sheila has always loved her job, meeting people and helping them get fit, and having such a positive impact on customers (and staff) alike. She has made so many friends and indeed is still forging friendships and bonds with her fellow classmates, motivating them to come week in and week out. Sheila is a diamond, ages well, looks great and is tough as they come. Thank you again, Sheila for all you have done, and of course for all that is to come! Speaking on behalf of all the staff, especially from all three Staffordshire Moorlands sites, both old and new, thank you for all your hard work and dedication, you have touched many lives and made a very real difference to a lot of good people."
Sheila’s story is proof that staying active really is for life. From all of us at MyActive, a huge thank you to Sheila for everything she continues to do for our members and community.
