HITTING the gym once a week can be a challenge enough for most people - but not if you are Bendigo heart attack survivor Jean Speirs.
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The 95 year-old manages two one hour sessions a week at the gym in the allied health section of St John of God Bendigo Hospital.
That's right - Jean is 95. Not that you could tell as she hops on the treadmill or fitness bike, or pushes through a series of leg presses, squats and push-ups each Monday and Friday at the private hospital.
While she has always lived an active life, it was a heart attack five years ago that eventually led Jean to the gym as part of her cardiac rehabiliation program.
She's been a regular presence since, serving as an inspiration to all associated with the hospital.
That includes the allied health staff who on Friday threw Jean a surprise early birthday bash, complete with cake, a bulging bouquet of flowers and complimentary bottle of champagne.
"I didn't expect any of this - I'm very privileged," said Jean, who birthday is August 29.
Jean scoffed at suggestions a few slices of cake might require an extra session in the gym next week, but added she would be up to the task.
Not even a recent virus could keep her away from her favourite treadmill on Friday.
The mother of four and grandmother of eight credits her longevity to an active lifestyle and cheerful disposition.
She continues to care for her disabled son and still drives a car.
"I think you have to be cheerful, otherwise you are a pain to everybody else and worse to yourself,” she said with more than a hint of a smile.
Hopsital staff struggle to recall Jean missing many gym sessions in the past five years.
People who come in to Jean’s group all say she is amazing - she is just everyone here’s inspiration.
- St John of God senior exercise physiologist Katie Sutton
Senior exercise physiologist Katie Sutton said Jean was much-loved by all at the hospital, entirely resilient and “on the go for the whole hour” she was in the gym.
"Everyone knows Jean - everyone knows Jean's days are Monday and Friday," she said.
"I'll never forget the day she came through the door and ripped her sleeves and she was showing me her bare arms.
"I looked at her and said , 'what's wrong, Jean’. I thought she was showing me her tan or something.
"She just said, 'no bruises, I'm not falling over anymore since doing gym'.
“People who come in to Jean’s group all say she is amazing - she is just everyone here’s inspiration.”
Even her fellow gym users marvel at Jean’s exploits on the apparatus.
"It's inspiration to see someone of her age doing so well and so many activities,” said Eaglehawk woman Joy Lawry.
"She certainly brightens the place up.”
Those sentiments were echoed by exercise physiologist Liz Riddell, who noted Jean was never one to complain.
"She might have had a bad last week, or is sometimes off with illness, but she comes back and jumps straight back into her program," she said.
"You can see why she is so active and maintains such a great quality of life.
"She is what everyone should aim to be. She is lovely to work with and such a great person."
An open house to celebrate Jean's birthday has been organised for Saturday.
