FIT FOR FUN

There’s precious little chance of Netherton nan Alison Lewis ever slowing down, what with four grandchildren to keep her on her toes.

Every week Alison joins daughter Kaya and baby grandson Daniel for a session in the pool – and then there’s cycling and swimming with grandchildren Jack and Lauren (pictured here).

“Mum’s great with Jack, Lauren and our baby Leighton, especially because she helps to keep them active,” says Alison’s son Jordan who’s also from Netherton.

“The kids really enjoy getting on their bikes and coming out with me for a ride,” she says. “They even use the baby gym at the leisure centre I go to which is so much fun they don’t even know they’re exercising.”

Alison says that enjoying life with her grandchildren and keeping them fit and healthy doesn’t have to break the bank.

“I just bought Lauren a second hand bike for £10, it’s in good condition and she absolutely loves it,” she says. “Skipping is another favourite activity and that’s free too.”

Alison wasn’t always as energetic as she is now and knows from first-hand experience how hard it is for busy mums and dads to find the time to be active.

She only began to turn her life around when she hit the big 4-0, for the sake of her own and her family’s health. As a mental health worker she was all too aware of the positive impact exercise has, not just on our health but also on the way we feel about ourselves.

“I just wish I’d realised 20 years ago how easy it can be to make fitness part of your everyday family life – especially when it’s so much fun,” she concludes.