Member Story - Embracing Community, Fitness, and Passion for Running
Meet June: A Longstanding Member and Inspiration at Colets
June has been a vibrant part of the Colets community for over 20 years. Her journey with us is filled with dedication to fitness, heartfelt charity runs, and wonderful friendships. Here’s a look at how June embraces life, fitness, and keeps the “old lady” at bay!
Lifelong Connection to Colets
I have lived in Thames Ditton with my husband and four daughters since 2002 and been a member of Colets for 22 years. Joining Colets was one of the first things I did on moving into the area. Having a full on job and family meant I really only took advantage of the Club’s facilities at the weekends and on some weekday evenings and it was more than worth it! I retired in 2019 from a role as Business Director in the IT Industry and have been living my best life ever since.
Discovering Health and Fitness: From Glasgow to Colets
I discovered health and fitness in my twenties, after moving from Glasgow to London. Joining a health club helped me make new friends and stay healthy (ish!). It also meant I didn’t have to rely on work for my social life—no conflicts of interest, and best of all, no work talk!
The Benefits of Fitness: Balance and Headspace
Fitting exercise into my mad routine was always a priority for the health and well-being benefits. Exercise just sorts your head out and gives you time to think, especially when you’re training alone. Group training has its benefits, too—any stress melts away as you focus on making it look easy and smiling at your workout pals.
I also played squash for both Middlesex and Surrey counties, and I’ve had the chance to visit health clubs all around London. Some were luxurious, others very basic, but I always loved coming back to Colets. I even played against the Colets women’s team in Surrey League matches and loved the Club and the area!
Friendships and Camaraderie at Colets
I’ve met so many amazing people at Colets. Everyone is very friendly, and the refurbished Basil’s is a great social space. Classes are fantastic for meeting new people, and I love the camaraderie when we’re all toughing it out! Colets keeps us up to date with the latest workout trends, and I try to keep a balanced regime. High-energy classes like Streetbox, Spinning, and Shredded are favourites, and I also get so much benefit from Pilates and Body Pump.
Strength Training with Colets’ New Technogym Equipment
The new Technogym equipment makes strength training easier than ever—there’s loads of variety, so boredom is never an issue. The Colets staff are incredibly approachable and knowledgeable, even if they’re probably tired of me asking, “How do I…?”
A Passion for Running and Giving Back
Running has become a huge passion, and I’m so grateful to still be able to put in the miles! Since retiring, I’ve completed the London Marathon five times, raising funds for charities close to my heart. Although I qualified for “good in age” spots, I need a deserving cause to motivate me. Alzheimer’s and Bowel Cancer Research are especially meaningful, as my mother had Alzheimer’s and passed during Covid, and my Scottish running bestie—who was a sub-3-hour marathon star—succumbed to bowel cancer.
There’s nothing quite like the euphoria of running down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, knowing you’ve made a small contribution to a great cause. I recommend everyone tries it at least once!
Building Fitness into Everyday Life
Exercise is essential for me, and I love walking into Colets and spending around 30 minutes just chatting to people before even reaching the gym. Remember to build “talk time” into your workout routine—it’s all part of the fun!
Colets has been central to keeping me active, social, and happy. It’s helping me keep the “old lady” at the door, and she isn’t getting in anytime soon!