Old Mart Gym Member of the Month, Meet Ally

At the Old Mart Gym, part of the Maud Village Trust, our Members of the Month celebrate the people who make our community such a positive and inspiring place. With support from George Sanderson, we’re sharing the stories behind the faces you see in the gym every week.

This month, George spoke with Ally Black, a dedicated member whose long-term commitment to health and fitness shows the power of consistency, community, and starting whenever you can.

Ally, aged 71, began his gym journey back in 2009 with a simple goal, to lose weight and feel better about himself. At the time, he had gained weight and decided that alongside improving his diet, regular exercise needed to become part of his routine. What started as occasional visits soon became a lasting habit, especially after he retired and had more time to focus on his health.

Over the years, Ally has built an impressive routine. He now attends several classes each week, including spin, circuits, and more recently Pilates. Although he was once unsure about group classes, particularly the high-energy spin sessions, he took the plunge and has never looked back.

His motivation is clear. Ally wants to stay strong, mobile, and independent as he gets older. Seeing how loss of muscle and movement can affect people later in life has encouraged him to keep active and invest in his long-term health. He has also introduced daily stretching and cold showers into his morning routine, helping him feel ready and energised for the day ahead.

For Ally, the Old Mart Gym is about much more than exercise. He values the friendly atmosphere, the sense of community, and the chance to see familiar faces each week. He also credits the instructors for creating the positive energy that keeps members coming back, praising their enthusiasm, preparation, and ability to make sessions both effective and enjoyable.

After many years as a member, Ally says he is proud of the fitness level he has achieved and of sticking with the gym for so long. He describes it as a community gym and an important part of his life.

When asked what advice he would give to someone who feels they are too old to start, his message is reassuring and practical. Start gently, try a beginner-friendly class like Gentle Gym, and remember that everyone is there to improve their own health, not to judge others.

His advice to his younger self echoes a theme we hear often, start earlier and do not wait until fitness becomes a necessity.

Ally’s goal is to stay active well into his nineties, and with his dedication and positive mindset, we would not bet against him.

Stories like Ally’s show what makes the Old Mart Gym special, a welcoming place where people of all ages can improve their health, build confidence, and be part of a supportive community. If you have been thinking about getting started, there is no better time than now.