Trying a new exercise class at 50-years-old in Flintshire

By Claire Pierce Community Content Editor

Not only am I now Gregg Wallace's worst nightmare, I am more than aware of my physical limitations.

After the milestone birthday, it was as if someone flicked a switch and every one of those years hit at once.

It may be the stuff of memes and sitcoms but everything hurt.

Last summer saw the arrival of a decades old back issue flare up, along with new knee drama.

You simply don't realise how much you use your knees until you can't.

Combined, these saw my exercise level massively drop and the weight rise.

My main source of physical activity had been almost exclusively walking but even a day out mooching around the shops was now exhausting.

I've been gradually building things up again since Christmas, mostly on a treadmill and using weights.

Just weeks away from 51, and feeling ready to try introducing more activity, I was looking for something fun, exercise that maybe didn't feel too much like exercise. What I found was Shake Dance Fitness.

I attended a midweek class in Northop. The website declared: "You can feel liberated, sexy, empowered, healthy, motivated and meet like minded people too.

"You can get that 'night out' feeling of letting your hair down-but without the hangover."

I'd borrowed a t-shirt from my son (Iron Maiden's Eddie had never looked so out of place), and headed into the unknown.

Instructor Samantha Boden, who has been running the class for three years, greeted me with a huge smile, only beaten in size by her enthusiasm. The 31-year-old made it clear the emphasis was on fun, and I was to go at my own pace.

She said: "It's a passion project and it keeps me fit too. It's a community and real enjoyment with the ladies.

"Most people are apprehensive but it's not a gruelling workout and it gets easier as confidence grows."

As more ladies started to arrive - and it was a very well attended class - I was made to feel very welcome.

Then it began.

I'd honestly not really known what to expect but I promised to give it my all.

The next 45 minutes saw Samantha lead a fusion of dance and aerobics to some absolutely awesome music.

I was largely out of time, flailing about like one of those inflatable, wavy arm characters outside American car sales places.

But I was loving it.

Pausing for a quick drink, I said to one of the other women how uncoordinated I felt and she simply replied "but you're moving".

It was a lightbulb moment. She was of course spot on, being active was the priority.

Was I going left and kicking forward when everyone else was going right and kicking back? Yup. Did it matter? Nope.

I did find a sort of rhythm, and I was certainly working parts of my body that were very aware of the new activity.

Importantly, I never felt self conscious, and wasn't the only one going at a pace of their own.

Time flew by and before I knew it, things were slowing down as the session ended.

I felt as if I'd done a decent workout without over doing things.

Speaking with a few of the other session members, I discovered these classes meant so much more than exercise.

Emma Parry, 45, said: "It means everything, it's community and friendships, and it's brought a smile to my face. I used to dance and this has brought back the dancer in me."

Fun really is at the heart of Shake Dance Fitness, and Paula Byrom, 44, admitted: "I get giggly in the class. It's 45 minutes of giggling, time to myself."

Andrea Murphy, 50, added: "When I first started I was really anxious but the community of it helped me, and it just feels like a night out. I always want to come, and will even if it's not on. But it's so friendly, and we're all friends outside of the classes too."

Northop Wednesday session 6.15-7.00pm

Like a lot of people, Michelle Powley, 55, saw the weight go up on during the pandemic. She said: "Covid hit and I put weight on. These classes are important, and Sam doesn't make you feel old, she's always smiling."

For many, making yourself do something after a potentially busy day is a big step, and Amy Burke-Williams can relate.

The 32-year-old said: "I love everything about it, it has a real feelgood factor.

"Sam makes everyone feel welcome, she's so positive and her energy makes it."

Since the class, my friends have been asking if I'd go again, and I think I have to. I really enjoyed it, I felt good and I'm determined to get a routine right.

My advice to anyone looking to make positive changes, is go for it. If you need to start small, it's still a start. You won't regret it.

• Samantha, who also runs Samantha Dene's Dance School, has plans to expand. There are online and upcoming in-person training events for new instructors, and the brand currently has a nationwide team of Shake dance fitness instructors.

For more details about classes, visit: shakedancefitness.com