General News
12 May, 2026
Keeping up with youngins
A GROUP of Babinda women in their 70s is marking one year of early-morning fitness classes at Phalanx gym, now training alongside people decades younger.
The group began attending sessions a year ago, initially completing a lighter version of the exercises off to the side as they were unable to keep up with the main class.
Now they have celebrated their one-year anniversary, having progressed to fully participating in the same routines as others in the class, including those aged 20-30 years younger.
Pam Vicarioli said the change had been both physical and mental.
“Well, I’m 73. Believe it or not, but I don’t believe it, you know? I mean, I don’t, I don’t know how a 73-year-old is supposed to feel, but I don’t feel old,” she said.
“I have confidence in myself that if I have to do something, I feel now that I can.”
She said joining the gym had initially been daunting.
“I’d never been in a gym in my life, so that was a bit daunting, walking in and not knowing what to expect, but the staff there are fantastic. Made us feel welcome,” she said. The women now attend the 6am class three days a week and train alongside younger members in the same group.
“We are no longer a senior class. We are just part of the class,” Ms Vicarioli said.
Gym staffer Tina Ali said the transformation had been significant.
“What’s changed is pretty incredible. They now train fully in the same class as everyone else, including people 20–30 years younger,” she said.
“They’re doing the same exercises and keeping up.”
Ms Ali said the classes highlighted the importance of local spaces for connection and well-being in Babinda.
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