Old Mart Gym Member of the Month, Meet Dita

At the Old Mart Gym, part of the Maud Village Trust, we are proud of the incredible community that makes our space so special. Each month, we celebrate a Member of the Month and share their story, captured by George Sanderson, who has been working with the Trust to highlight the inspiring people behind our gym.

This month, George sat down with Dita, a long-standing and much-loved member whose energy, positivity, and determination remind us all that it is never too late to start.

Dita, who turned 80 this July, describes herself as active, sociable, and someone who loves being around people. Her journey to the gym began after her second hip replacement, when her surgeon advised her to stop running and suggested strength training instead. At first, the idea of a gym felt intimidating, but with encouragement and a warm welcome from staff and members, her confidence quickly grew.

What started as a cautious visit soon became a regular routine. Over time, Dita progressed from learning the basics to working with personal trainers, joining circuit classes, and later discovering a passion for Pilates. Today, she attends the gym most days of the week and takes part in several classes, enjoying both the physical challenge and the sense of achievement that comes with it.

For Dita, staying active is about more than fitness. She values the mindfulness, the friendships, and the independence that exercise helps her maintain. Having moved to the area from elsewhere, she says the gym community has played a big part in helping her feel welcome and connected.

She also credits the instructors for their inspiration and support, and says the friendly atmosphere and social side of the gym are just as important as the equipment. Living in a rural area without easy places to walk, the gym gives her a safe and accessible way to stay active all year round.

When asked what she would say to someone who feels they are too old to start, her answer is simple, give it a go. Nobody is too old to be active.

Dita is especially proud of the friendships she has built and the confidence she has gained. Even while managing ongoing health challenges, she finds that exercise helps her stay positive and focus on what she can do, rather than what she cannot.

Her advice to her younger self is one many of us can relate to, start earlier and do not make excuses.

Stories like Dita’s capture what the Old Mart Gym is all about, a welcoming place where people of all ages and abilities can improve their health, build confidence, and become part of a supportive community.

If you have been thinking about joining but are not sure where to start, take Dita’s advice and give it a go. You might just surprise yourself.