Glofit Gold Stories of Change

Glofit Gold in Rastrick is a dance class with a difference. Aimed at older adults and suitable for wheelchair users, it offers a low-impact way to enjoy movement to the uplifting beats of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

But the real power of Glofit Gold lies in the people who attend. These are their stories—real lives, real challenges, and real change. Together, they show that when we move, we’re stronger.

Finding Motivation and Balance

Living in Brighouse with her husband and grown-up daughter, this Glofit Gold participant knows what it means to face physical challenges. After two hip replacements and living with arthritis in her spine, staying active hasn’t always been easy.

"I’ve tried to be active," she shares, "but pain and limited mobility made it hard. One of my biggest barriers was motivation. I stopped going to the gym during Covid, and I struggled to get back into a routine."

“I stopped going to the gym during Covid. One big barrier was motivation.”

Then, she discovered Glofit Gold.

"This class has really motivated me again. It’s fun, and Lisa—our instructor—is so uplifting and energetic. I’m now going twice a week and I love it."

The benefits have gone beyond motivation.

"I want to be active, and I think this dance class will help me keep going. It’s already helping with my mobility and balance. And best of all—going to class makes me feel happy."

“It’s helped with my mobility and balance. I feel happy when I go. I want to keep moving, and this is helping me do that.”

Rediscovering Strength and Friendship in Retirement

Originally from Bradford, this participant has made Brighouse home for the past 40 years. In her younger days, she was an active swimmer, squash player, and jogger—but as time went on and retirement approached, her activity levels dropped.

"After I retired, I started getting knee pain and was eventually diagnosed with arthritis in both knees," she explains. "That’s when I knew I needed to find a way to stay active—but it had to be something enjoyable and manageable."

She found exactly what she was looking for in Lisa’s Glofit Gold classes.

"Lisa’s classes fit the bill perfectly. She encourages us to push for the best we can, but she also completely understands if someone needs to sit down for a few minutes."

“Lisa’s class is perfect. She encourages us, but understands if we need a break.”

Alongside her dance sessions, she was also referred to a physiotherapy clinic in Bradford, where she was given specific exercises to strengthen her knees. She does those at home on alternate days, but it’s the group setting of Glofit Gold that really keeps her going.

"If I were doing the same routines at home, I’d probably give up halfway through. But in a group, you’re encouraged by everyone around you. You don’t want to be the first to give up!"

“If I was at home, I’d stop halfway. But in class, you don’t want to be the first to give up.”

Now attending both of Lisa’s weekly classes whenever she can, she says the benefits are many.

"Firstly, the friendship. Most of us felt the need to be more active, but were looking for something social. The group keeps you going, gives structure to your day, and gets you out into the community. I honestly believe I owe my current mobility mostly to Lisa and the class. Without it, I’d be far less able. I’ll be coming forever."

“It gives your day focus, brings friendship, and keeps you mobile. I owe my current mobility to the class—and I’ll be coming forever.”

Staying Independent Through Support

This Glofit Gold participant lives in a small village in Calderdale. A widow and lifelong mover, she’s always found ways to stay active—something she says was made easier in the past by being able to drive.

"Being a car driver meant I could always get to where I wanted to go, and I never felt any real barriers to staying active. But now I no longer drive, transport has become a challenge."

“Transport is now a barrier. Buses don’t run enough in rural areas—and don’t always wait for you to sit down.”

Living in a rural area has brought this issue into sharp focus.

"Buses should run more frequently to the small villages around Calderdale," she says. "Transport can affect how easy it is for people like me to get involved in community activities."

Fortunately, support from her friends and a determined spirit keep her going.

“They watch online for local activities. As long as my legs work, I’ll get there however I can.”

"My friends help by keeping a close eye on the internet to find out what’s on. As long as my legs work and I can get there by public transport, I’ll keep going to activities."

And for her, Glofit Gold is a true highlight.

"The classes give me great pleasure and enjoyment. They make me feel like all is well with the world—and I feel 21 again!"

But she also raises a practical concern that many older adults share.

"Money is always a problem for senior citizens. Any help from the council or government would make it easier for us to attend these classes regularly. That support would help us stay happy and healthy while saving money for the government and the NHS in the long run."

“It makes me feel 21 again! Support with costs would help many older people stay active, save NHS money, and improve wellbeing.”

Adapting Movement for Ability and Joy

This participant lives alone in Rastrick, having retired after an impressive 48-year career in nursing. Her health challenges—two knee replacements, unsteadiness on her feet, and awaiting a hip replacement—have changed how she stays active, but not her determination to keep going.

"I walk with a stick and can’t walk far. I used to enjoy walking and swimming, but now I need support—and I’m so glad Glofit Gold provides it."

She appreciates that the classes take place in the morning, which suits her energy and mobility levels.

“I walk with a stick and can’t walk far. Glofit Gold is close to home and in the morning—my best time.”

"My mobility is worse in the afternoons and evenings, so morning classes are best. It’s also helpful that it’s close to home. If it were any further, I’d need door-to-door transport. I don’t like buses—they often don’t wait for you to sit down."

While she’s tried other forms of exercise, such as gym sessions through the ‘Up Beat’ scheme and aqua aerobics, she found physical access and comfort a challenge.

"I had trouble getting in and out of the pool, and I didn’t feel confident in the gym."

Glofit Gold has been a different experience altogether.

“I had trouble getting in the pool. The gym didn’t feel right. But Glofit Gold is different.”

"The group is very accepting and supportive. Lisa has empathy and understanding—she’s positive and encouraging, without pushing me to do what I can’t. She understands I move more slowly, and that makes all the difference."

Even with limitations, this participant makes movement her own.

"I can’t do a lot of walking around, but I like to hold the bar and exercise my lower limbs, just to keep going. I do what I can. I feel part of the group, and it gives me something to aim for. It’s a goal."

“Lisa understands. I hold the bar and do what I can. I feel like I’m achieving something.”

The benefits she’s experienced are both physical and emotional.

"I feel like I’m achieving something, and I feel more positive. I’ve met like-minded people, and the class is helping with my weight. I can feel my body shape changing for the better. It also supports my other health conditions—like asthma and diabetes—and helps me stay independent."

“I’ve lost weight, my body shape is changing, and it helps with asthma, diabetes, and independence. I really look forward to it.”

There are still moments of frustration—like keeping up with routines or remembering sequences—but she doesn’t let that stop her.

"When I can’t remember something, I just watch the others and follow along. I really look forward to the class. It’s something I enjoy."

These stories show that movement can be gentle, adaptive, and still deeply empowering. With the right environment, support, and mindset, staying active becomes not only possible but uplifting.

When we move, we’re stronger!