Meet my Beautiful Nana, Christine

Ever since I can remember as a little girl I would always catch my nana singing and dancing to music. It is what I picture when I think of her, dancing. Her energy, laughter, and enthusiasm would always attract others to want to join her fun.

My nana has worked as an aerobics instructor for 22 years and I wanted you all to meet her as I think her story is beautiful. She has created a community of wonderful like-minded women ages 50 years and above as there is a lack of programs out there to cater to their fitness needs. Also offering lunches, cinema visits, and general get-togethers to bring them all together to socialise and to be a part of an wonderful group of women who bond over friendship and keeping active.

Creativity plays a huge role in her aerobics classes, having to come up with choreography for all of the songs she does movement to as well as finding the perfect music to fit the appropriate timings for the women who take part. She has only recently finished using her cassettes and transferring all music to the modern technology of tablets and speakers which has been a huge game changer.

Her story shows how moving your body and keeping active can bring people together across all ages, moving your body is a way of expressing yourself as well as reminding us to do the things we love for life enjoyment.

Meet my nana, Christine

HOW DID YOUR AEROBICS CLASSES START?

I had been attending an exercise class twice a week, the instructor approached me and mentioned that she was planning to retire in a few months and asked if I was interested in taking over her role. My initial reaction was to laugh and refuse, she wanted to arrange a meeting. Eventually, I was working alongside the instructor upfront. I enrolled in the University classes in Hamilton 'NETFIT' and also in Auckland. I am not regarded as a professional, but I have had the training to enable me to take low-impact aerobic classes.

WHAT DO YOU CREATE?

I create movement to music

WHY DO YOU INSTRUCT AEROBICS?

It is a very satisfying occupation

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN SIX WORDS?

Considerate, listener, interested, kind, energetic, and friendly

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR ROUTINES FROM?

Participating in proven routines then adapt your own relatively easy steps to music with a good beat, with repeated movements.

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR WORKSPACE?

Work out on a non-slip surface (i.e. wooden floor), good ventilation, safe footwear, comfortable clothing, water bottle and a small towel.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO BE CREATIVE?

Generally, people motivate me with their responses and I use creativity through music and allowing the body to move freely to each rhythm

THE COMMUNITY YOU HAVE BUILT UP FOR THESE LADIES IS INCREDIBLE. WHAT IS THE AEROBICS COMMUNITY LIKE?

The community I mainly deal with are people with a zest for life and keeping mobile, while they enjoy movement which is achievable to great, classic music

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING INSTRUCTORS?

To aspiring aerobics instructors, it takes concentration, focus, satisfaction, dedication, empathy, motivation, understanding, and above all the joy of how it makes one feel when you are helping others. It also takes courage to front a class as well as self-respect.

WHAT MUSIC GENRE DO YOU USE FOR YOUR ROUTINES?

The music genre I use for my routines varies, country and western works well with line dance styles, but just about anything with a catchy beat and your imagination can work, choreography is a great talent to create and master.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR WITH YOUR AEROBICS CLASSES?

The ability to keep yourself relatively fit and the gratitude shown from your class members for keeping them active, while also enjoying the choice of music. Putting together a session to my chosen variety and favourite music I think is my best achievement.

WHATS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Keeping the attention of everyone with interesting moves, plus all the familiar ones to make them feel confident and comfortable with their abilities. Challenging them to keep them on their toes.

Calling the moves just ahead of time was previously the hardest thing, but now it comes naturally.

WHERE DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE FORMED YOUR TALENT AND CREATIVITY FROM?

When I create a program, people have to be comfortable with what they do, feel energised and safe with no fear of injury. To do something you love is wonderful. My motivation began as an 8-year-old introduced to roller skating. Then on to roller dance, competitions to eventually winning medals in figure skating and dance. All thanks to my beautiful parents, bless you.