Glasgow Women’s Club: 90 Years of Friendship, Fitness, and Fun
In the heart of Glasgow, a remarkable club has been thriving for an impressive 90 years. The Glasgow Keep Fit Club, formerly known as the Glasgow Keep Fit Movement, has been a beacon of friendship, fitness, and fun for generations of women in the city.
Nan McDonald, now 80 years old and the chairperson of the club, vividly recalls her first encounter with the Glasgow Keep Fit Movement as a 19-year-old student. After being encouraged by her teacher to join, Nan found herself in a class filled with prim and posh keep fit teachers. Despite feeling a bit intimidated at first, Nan fell in love with the class and has been a devoted member ever since.
A Legacy of Dance, Fitness, and Community
Over the decades, the Glasgow Keep Fit Club has left a lasting impact on its members. From running 130 dance fitness classes across the city to performing with celebrities on television and entertaining crowds at Hampden during international football matches, the club’s legacy is one of dance, fitness, and community.
Renee Gillespie, the club organizer at 86 years old, reminisces about the club’s early days and the joy of dancing to live music in lyrical movements. Despite the changing times and trends in fitness, the spirit of the club remains unchanged – a welcoming and supportive community where women of all ages come together to stay fit and have fun.
A Lifelong Bond Through Dance
For many women, the Glasgow Keep Fit Club is more than just a fitness class – it’s a lifeline, a source of friendship, and a place where memories are made. With around 100 women attending classes in various locations across the city, the club continues to be a vibrant and inclusive space for women to connect and stay active.
As the club celebrates its 90th anniversary, Nan and Renee reflect on the impact it has had on their lives and the lives of countless others. From dancing at Murrayfield to participating in the Go Dance community dance festival, the women of the Glasgow Keep Fit Club are a testament to the power of dance fitness in keeping both body and spirit young.
Looking to the Future
As the club looks towards the future, Renee remains hopeful for new recruits to join their welcoming community. Despite the challenges of dwindling numbers and changing fitness trends, the Glasgow Keep Fit Club stands strong as a testament to the enduring power of friendship, fitness, and fun.
So, next time you’re in Glasgow, why not step into the world of the Glasgow Keep Fit Club and experience the joy of dance fitness for yourself? Who knows, you may just find a lifelong bond and a new lease on life through the power of movement and music.
