World's Oldest Fitness Instructor, 98, Will Change The Way You Think About Ageing

This 98-Year-Old Fitness Instructor Is Proof That Age Ain't Nothing But A Number
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There aren't many fitness instructors who own a Zimmer frame, but then 98-year-old Hildegard Gigl is something of an exception.

While she may be pushing 100 years old, Hildegard's age doesn't stop her leading bi-weekly fitness classes at the independent retirement centre she calls home.

Her dedicated students are all aged 75 years and older, are also residents at the home.

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Hildegard Gigl

Naturally exercises are slightly modified to fit the older people's physical abilities - swapping dumbbells for soup cans and burpees for gentle press-ups against the wall - but the results speak for themselves.

Hildegard's relative fitness and sharpness of mind are an inspiration for class members: "I've got her example, she's gonna make it to 100 and so am I," says 85-year-old Dolores Gegenhuber.

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Hildegard Gigl teaches her bi-weekly class

Hawthorne Terrace activity planner, Mary Bryzcki, believes that the regular classes are key to the residents' physical health and emotional wellbeing.

"I believe it's what keeps them mobile, motivated and happy," she says.