Fitness grannies ‘unfit’ to say goodbye

DURBAN North’s fitness grannies said they can’t even explain how sad they are as they part ways with their trainer.
These are no ordinary grannies and said they refuse to keep in shape by simply walking their dogs. The women who are all over the age of 55 said exercising is of paramount importance to them.

They meet every Monday and Thursday in the church hall of Parish of the Blessed Sacrament in Virginia where they dance their way to keeping fit and healthy. They are lead by the dynamic, Bonnie Fraser who, to the women’s dismay, will be leaving the Durban North area.

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Fraser has been a well-known dance teacher in Durban North for the past 41 years. When she was not teaching dance she turned her attention to the 20 grandmothers and great grandmothers to help them maintain their flexibility by exercising.

“It bothered me how many old people don’t exercise or keep their bodies active. So more than 30 years ago I gathered a group of women and as they say, the rest is history,” said Fraser.

For the past three decades ladies have come and gone. But Bonnie and some of her long standing members have kept the gym sessions going. Speaking to the Northglen News long standing member of the gym Joy Edy said never in her wildest dreams did she ever think her trainer Bonnie would one day have to leave.

“Unfortunately for the ladies it is time for me to say goodbye. I am moving to Cape Town to be closer to my grandchildren,” said Fraser.

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A sobbing Edy said, “I don’t even want to think about it. At first we were all worried about what would happen to us. Bonnie has been our fitness trainer for so long. Saying goodbye to her is like saying bye to a family member.”

One of the oldest ladies at the club, 79-year-old Jill Parsons said, “She is always encouraging us. Each session ends with a motivational message. Her personality is bright and has truly kept all of us going.”

The good news is even though their long-time trainer is jetting of to Cape Town, she has made arrangements to make sure the sessions continue. One of the members, Jenny Brayley will be taking over from Fraser.

“I can’t do what Bonnie does but I’m going to try for us. Her shoes are very big to fill. This is a great loss to the community,” said Brayley.

Fraser said she never wants to stop dancing or helping old people keep fit and mobile. She said hopefully her new community is as welcoming as Durban North.

“Hopefully I will continue to teach there. I don’t ever want to stop,” she said.

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