Chalfont pensioner, 87, inspires with fitness regime

Alan Armstrong has been visiting Chalfont Leisure Centre for more than 20 years, taking part in a variety of sports, including tennis and badminton.

The pensioner first attended the centre following his wife's death when he was 61 and found he could beat much taller opponents. 

But after the Covid pandemic fit, he struggled with loneliness and his energy levels dropped, leading to him suffering pain if he tried to take part in sport. 

Alan Armstrong at Chalfont Leisure Centre (Image: Everyone Active)

This didn't stop him however as he made use of the close-knit community and started attending the gym, noticing the transformative effects of his workouts in just six months. 

He said: “Through conversations at the Community Café, I found a friend who needed to lose weight at the gym and decided this was a great opportunity to start adding more fitness into my routine.

“I began with short walks on the treadmill, starting off with no incline and managing 2.5km an hour. Now, I’m doing 4km an hour at an incline of four.

“Since going to the gym, I have noticed a drastic improvement in my back and mobility.

"It’s also helped me during my senior rackets sessions, and I no longer have as much pain while participating.”

Thanks to his progress, Alan has even been able to do a five-mile walk along the coast and said the social element has "really helped". 

He added: "As a widowed man, I have experienced loneliness, but we all support each other at the leisure centre and even meet up for coffee outside of the sessions."

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Hannah O’Reilly, activity and wellbeing manager at Chalfont Leisure Centre, said: “Alan is a shining example of what can be achieved later in life when you stay active.

"His dedication and passion are inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see how much he benefits socially from coming to the centre.

“Social isolation is a real concern amongst the senior community, but Alan’s journey shows that facilities like Chalfont Leisure Centre can be a lifeline.

"We’re not just providing exercise equipment; it’s about giving people like Alan a place to come, socialise with others, and stay active. It does wonders for people’s health and happiness.”

Chalfont Leisure Centre is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council.

Clive Harriss, the council's culture and leisure boss, added: “Alan’s story is a testament to the positive impact that staying active can have at every stage of your life.

"His dedication and the support he receives from Chalfont Leisure Centre highlight the importance of such facilities in promoting not just physical health, but also social wellbeing.

"By providing a welcoming environment and fostering a sense of community, our leisure centres help combat loneliness and promote a more fulfilling, active lifestyle for our residents.”