THE member of the South African Seniors Fitness Association (SASFA) has been dancing for fitness for the past 10 years, and she turned 90 on July 30.
The association has bestowed an honorary membership award for reaching this milestone and her contribution to the craft.
Spitael’s two instructors, Merle Vallance and Eleanor Sanders, sing her praises. “She is absolutely fantastic, loyal, and dedicated. She is a constant inspiration to all of us. She has always shown up even when she encountered some physical injuries; she would still climb up the stairs and be part of the classes, and she is good at every fitness routine,” they said.
The former lab technician admits that she was never a dancer in her heyday, but she has always loved to.
“I enjoy the movements; I always look forward to the classes every time. The dancing keeps me fit and healthy. And for that, I will always come back, and not stopping anytime soon,” Spitael beamed.
Also read: Glenwood seniors stay fit through dance
Still driving at her age, she attends the fitness and dance classes twice a week at Glenwood Community Church and Methodist Church on Manning Road.
The instructors say the classes are designed for stimulation of flexibility, cardiovascular strength, stamina, and general physical fitness. Their routines are low impact, but each member works out to their level of fitness. They use different kinds of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s up to present-day tunes.
Also read: Local seniors beat ailments through dance, exercise
SASFA started in 1990 as a non-profit organisation. The aim and purpose is to reach as many seniors throughout the country as possible, to advocate for why regular and appropriate senior-related exercise is extremely valuable and vital in creating a better quality of life.
Marina’s favourite dance song, ‘I Wanna Live Forever ’, proves to be a testament of Marina’s zeal for life. She is a mother of three and has five grandchildren.
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