Skip to content
Sponsored Content

Why this 91-year-old Saanich fitness buff is at the front of the class

Lifelong passion for recreation inspires patrons and staff at Saanich Commonwealth Place
web1_230717-impress-sne-saanichrecreation_1
Jean Anderson, left, in one of her many fitness classes at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Saanich Recreation photo

Jean Anderson is a regular at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Five days a week, you’ll find her there in group fitness classes, but don’t look for her at the back of the room.

“I’m always at the front of the class,” she says with a laugh.

It shouldn’t be a surprise, when you learn about Jean’s lifelong passion for recreation. A passionate walker and former aerobics and aquafit teacher, in addition to classes like Low Impact Fitness, her latest sport of choice is pickleball.

“When it comes to moving, I’m there!” she says.

At an active 91, Jean accesses Saanich Commonwealth Place’s programs and weight room with her Saanich Recreation Lifetime 90+ Free Pass.

“I enjoy it and everyone is so friendly – I’ve met some wonderful, wonderful people,” Jean says. “I think it’s just super there.”

READ MORE: Saanich has a sweet recreation deal for those 90+!

web1_230717-impress-sne-saanichrecreation_2
Jean and Hiroko in Saanich Commonwealth Place’s fitness studio. Photo courtesy Saanich Recreation.

Beyond caring for her own health, Jean shares her love of activity and a positive outlook with others, including Hiroko, another regular in the Saanich Commonwealth Place’s group fitness programs.

“She’s an inspiration,” Hiroko says, sharing how Jean always sports a smile and a willingness for fun, even dressing up her workout gear for holidays like Halloween and Easter. “Jean really enjoys her exercise and she has a great regimen for life.”

Hiroko also enjoys low-impact aerobics with Saanich Recreation, and in addition to the friendliness of the staff, she appreciates the diversity of the programs available.

“They’re very flexible and have so many different programs I can choose from,” she says. “I’m so happy once I get there. There’s a lot of good energy.”

Active Living for Life

As Jean and Hiroko both demonstrate, an active lifestyle can benefit people of all ages. Even better, Saanich Recreation makes staying active easy, fun and affordable with their Access Passes, with flexible options for students, singles, older adults and families.

In addition to providing access to weight rooms at all four Saanich recreation centres, Access Passes include swimming and skating, waterfit, drop-in sports and many group fitness classes – a great way to get active and stay motivated, while also enjoying invaluable social connections.

After all, inspiration can come from anywhere – instructors, friends, family and, like Hiroko, your fellow participants.

However you choose to get active, “Be jovial, smile and enjoy life!” Jean says.

Click here to learn more about Saanich Recreation Access Passes. Purchase securely online here, or stop in to your Saanich Recreation Centre.