Harden Health & Fitness

Highly recommend this inspiring page - Alex Rotas Photography reminds us that age is nothing but a number. I hope you enjoy watching the achievements of these 'senior' athletes as much as I do. Don't fear old age and don't give in to the stereotype of 'old age'.

Today I'm reflecting on athletic excellence in later life coupled with how seeing it and hearing about it can transform our expectations regarding what's possible as we get older. When I ask primary school children to show me how an 'old person' moves, they instantly hunch their shoulders forwards, and shuffle gingerly forwards, very slowly.
With that in mind, take a look at Allan Long, 81, as he crosses the line in the men's 100m race on Saturday at the BMAF BMA British Masters Athletics in Derby. I'd like you to look at the length of his stride and how he's almost flying, both feet off the ground. He won his 80-84 year old age group in 15.63 seconds. Think about how fast that is.
Behind him, blurry I'm afraid, is Tony Bowman, 88. Tony's British record of the 100m for the 80+ age group remains unbroken (just!) - at 15.16seconds. He crossed the line on Saturday in 19.85seconds and he's looking forward to turning 90 next year when the British record for the 90+ age group will be within reach. What is doubly (trebly? quadruply??) more remarkable about this is that at the beginning of 2023, he suffered a massive stroke that left him unable to move at all. Slowly he persevered, first of all coming to the indoor championships that year as a spectator (and we all cheered), later in the year competing in the outdoor national championships in the throws, then in the 2024 indoor championships this March he entered the long jump, and now he's sprinting, actually sprinting, a full 100m! And with a terrific time too.
When I show children the photos I've taken of athletes such as Allan and Tony, it doesn't take long for them to change their preconceptions. One 8 year old was heard remarking "these people show me I don't need to grow old like an old person!" and it was just about the best comment ever for me. I couldn't have been more delighted at how beautifully she put it! Spot on!
Allan and Tony and their fellow help change all our preconceptions around ageing, from health care professionals working with older people to small kids expanding their horizons about what potentially lies a long way in the future for them. For my part, I'd like to celebrate and applaud them for their sporting excellence as well as say a big thank you for the transformative power simply seeing them in action on a public stage (OK, track) holds for us all.

Here’s a selection of my clients of various ages, all working hard to improve their muscular strength and core stability.

Last weekend I decided to celebrate 20 years of Harden Health & Fitness by hosting a party for some of my fabulous clients. It was a warm and happy event full of mutual appreciation. Here's to the next 20!

When your client comes for a session on their birthday, balloons are least you can do…

It’s been a while since I’ve posted but here’s the reason; I am thrilled to announce my latest certification in ‘Physical Activity for the Management of Low Back Pain’.

This has been a long journey, interrupted many times by Covid, which makes today all the sweeter!

I am now qualified to train patients on referral from GPs and help them via rehabilitation to improve their back health.

"I don't run any more", or "I had to give up tennis because of my ankle", etc etc.

As we get older, the majority of us find we can no longer do certain activities we have enjoyed in our younger days. But there's no need to stop altogether! Adapt. Its a winning mentality and it will pay you back in many areas of your life, not just health.

Absolutely brilliant to be back in the gym today, face to face with clients in a safe and sanitised environment! Bit chilly with the windows open but we can create our own heating, can’t we?!
If you want to refocus on your fitness, let’s have a chat today - because tomorrow never comes ...

Love this!!

Excited to receive this new wall art for my gym. I am really enjoying preparing my workspace ready to welcome back all my lovely clients from April 12th.