Meet the Move it or Lose it! Team

Julie Robinson (B.Ed in Physical Education, NVQ II and III in chair based exercises and Extend) is a specialist teacher of exercise for older or less able people of any age and runs a network of classes in the Midlands area. The Move it or Lose it! DVD reaches those who cannot get to an exercise class or as an additional resource for those who can.

Julie tells us how the idea for Move it or Lose it! came about.

“The idea for this DVD comes from my clients who are in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. From people in community centres to care homes, from Age Concern projects to hospice courses, so many people have said they want to follow the routines at home but can’t remember what to do. So the first Move it or Lose it! routine is aimed at those who need gentle but progressive exercise so they can improve their strength, mobility and confidence.”

“These exercises can re-introduce people to exercise, encourage people to move more regularly and help to maintain their independence as they are able to cope with their everyday activities.”

“I am frequently contacted by the people who are concerned about their parents or grandparents as they are worried about their physical decline as they age. They know they need to exercise but don’t know what to do and cannot always get out to join a class. The Move it or Lose it! DVD brings the exercise class to their living room encouraging them to keep on moving just like the people in the DVD.”

“I love my job!” says Julie. “I teach people with all sorts of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and COPD (breathing problems). When people first start to exercise they are often nervous about whether they will cope, but within a few weeks their confidence grows along with their ability to do a little bit more each time. It is tremendously rewarding to hear that they are noticing positive improvements in their ability to do everyday things which we take for granted until they become difficult such as getting out of their chair without help, walking round the supermarket, carrying shopping or even going up and down stairs again."

It is recommended that older people take part in moderate activity for 30 minutes each day. Ideally everyone should try to attend a class with a qualified instructor to get them started and then use the Move it or Lose it! routine to supplement their activity at home.

These are our Move it or Lose it! stars from Routine 1:

Val who has diabetes and COPD, “These exercises are perfect to help my circulation without getting me too out of breath.”
Brenda who has rheumatoid arthritis, “My consultant is amazed at the improvement in my condition, I’ve even joined the ‘Amblers’ and can walk miles now.”
Harjeet who has osteoarthritis in her knees, “I have found my joints are far less stiff after I’ve exercised.”
Phyl who had mobility problems, “I couldn’t bend my knees at first but now I can walk up and down stairs again.”
Anne who has should problems, “I need to keep moving or I stiffen up and this is such a fun way of keeping mobile.”
Gordon who has intermittent claudication, “I have gone from not being able to walk 20 yards to playing golf again, I’ve got my life back!”
Monica who had a knee replacement, “Move it or Lose it! has made such a difference to my life, now I can return to my hobby gardening which I never thought I’d do again.”

Meet our Move it or Lose it! stars from Routine 2:

Anita is 67 with a very positive attitude to life and an ever-ready smile. She loves to keep fit so she can do all the jobs round the house and enjoy time with her family. “I have arthritis in my neck and shoulders but I’ve found doing these exercises has helped me to keep supple and I have more energy too!”
Ann is in her 70s and very young at heart, studying for her Degree in English Literature and exercising daily. “I really believe that exercise is essential and having survived a heart attack and kidney failure I am living proof of just what a difference it can make. I am a great advocate of exercise and truly believe in the Move it or Lose it! message.”
David is 87 but you’d never guess it! He has survived cancer, a heart attack and had both knees replaced due to osteoarthritis. “I can’t believe I’m starring in a fitness DVD at my age, but it just goes to show how important it is to stay strong and keep moving. I thought it would help if other people of my age could see how easy it is to do these exercises and give it a go themselves.”
Roger is 66, he was told by his doctor it was a miracle he hadn’t had a stroke as one of the arteries in his neck was totally blocked. Following surgery to keep the other artery clear Roger has gone from strength to strength and is actively involved in his local community and always busy with his family. “I wasn’t sure about doing this at first as I’m not typical fitness DVD material! But I did it for all the other men out there like me who really need to exercise but need some encouragement and advice, I hope they will give it a go and see how beneficial it can be.”
Trish is 68 and full of energy and life, she is a true believer in the power of exercise and does aerobics and Zumba regularly. “Lots of people my age seem to think they should stop exercising as they get older, but the opposite is true. It’s so important to keep on moving to stay strong and well. It’s not just about the physical benefits though; it lifts your spirits and gives you more energy to enjoy life.”
Julie Robinson
Move it or Lose it! Instructor
B.Ed in Physical Education, Extend Teacher and Leader in chair-based exercises