Melody Harding
Mel is 73 years young. Although she is now Retired, she is very active in her day-to-day life. Mel spends her days attending the gym, and time with family including babysitting the grandchildren. She has interest in politics and is actively involved in one of the major political parties. Mel is also a very loyal Sydney Swans member (30 years) and attends all their home games in Sydney. In addition to all this she is a Marriage Celebrant, pictured below is her officiating at her nephews wedding.
LETS HEAR ABOUT MELODY'S JOURNEY AT PDH
• How long have you been training at PDH?
I have been training at PDH for the past 4 years. I have attended various gyms over the years and completed various types of exercise but the type of training that PDH offers has proven to be the most enjoyable and beneficial for me.
• Why is training in your senior years important to you?
The benefits for me include not only building body strength, improved flexibility and stability but also building a level of confidence to be able to continue to do the things I have done most of my life. It also builds positivity and strength of mind. There is nothing like feeling strong and capable. This type of training is empowering.
• How does PDH accommodate for your age/capabilities?
The culture at PDH is one of inclusion and growth. I am accepted and encouraged by all members from all age groups. I have never felt uncomfortable or intimated by younger, stronger participants, quite the opposite. Workouts are structured to accommodate my and others physical abilities while also providing achievable challenges. I am stronger now than I have ever been.
• What would you say to other people your age to encourage their participation in Strength & Conditioning training?
To those more senior members of the community, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by commencing strength and conditioning training at PDH. You can build your strength over time as I and others have and continue to do.
Initially I struggled with light weights but over time with encouragement and consistency plus a little bit of persistence, not anymore. Remember Winnie the Pooh wisdom
‘You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” ...
Just get started.
From Coach KB
Melody and the other senior members of my gym are my greatest inspiration. Melody is the perfect example of why all this is so important and is proof that it works. At 73 years old she is still mowing her lawn, chasing grandchildren, a big part of the community and overhead squatting!!! Her Mobilty, fitness and strength is unlike anything i have seen for people of similar ages and shes still getting stronger. Recently being able to use the 30kg deadball from the 20kg one she had got accustomed to.
Mel impresses me with her commitment to turn up and do things that are difficult so she can maintain her quality of life well into her 80s and beyond. Mel you are 1 in a million and i hope that you inspire others to follow suit and change their lives for the better.
