Testimonials

“I have been attending Carmen’s keep fit classes for a number of years. She is a lovely bubbly person and she works every part of your body from head to toes. She changes the class from time to time so you are learning new steps and techniques. The music is great and its 60 minutes of fun and workout. Join the class, you will not be disappointed.”

Linda Laing, 70

“I always look forward to Carmen’s classes. Being one of the youngest members of the class I find it fun and enjoyable. Carmen always explains what the moves are for – either co-ordination, balance or flexibility. The class is ideal for everybody. I always feel good after the class. It sets me up for the weekend! Love it! Great social aspect too!”

Margaret Grieve, mid 60’s

“Carmen’s class is so good for my well-being. She motivates me into doing exercises which stretches out every part of the body. This is done in a fun way to catchy music. Its as if you are dancing. I feel so much better after her classes, much better than sitting home alone.”

Jackie McKenzie, 76

“I went to my first class just over 10 years ago and realised right away it was a special class with a special teacher in Carmen. We have all become a happy group of friends and look forward to weekly class. Long may it continue. It so lifts your spirits.”

Morag Robertson, 76

“This is an amazing class, I have attended it for 10 years, with lots of my friends. The exercise and music are fantastic and the instructor is so so good. Always look forward to it.”

Linda Stevens, 75

“I have been attending the class for ten years, all my life I have attended exercise classes on a regular basis and still attend other forms of exercise – but they are not at the same level as this one!”

“I have been attending the class for over 10 years. This is an excellent activity with a first-class instructor and I wish it was on twice a week instead of just one morning. Met a lot of new people. Having a cup of tea after the class and a chat to everyone is very relaxing and a good laugh. Also, you go at your own pace and nobody minds if you get it wrong. Going out to lunch, theatre and other events organise by Carmen our instructor”

Isabel, 79

“Carmen, the class leader is very professional in her teaching, bringing a happy, pleasant experience each week to those who attend. The exercises are well thought through and have helped me to remain flexible and agile in my senior years. I also value the social part where we meet people each week, go on outings throughout the year, not to mention the Christmas lunches. I love every class; Carmen creates a wonderful atmosphere. We are privileged to have her.”

Pat Kinross,76

“Earlier in the year the arthritis I was suffering from in knee, hip, hands and shoulders became progressively worse and I found I was unable to do many of the everyday tasks I always enjoyed.
I decided to do some self-help, so embarked on a low carb healthy eating plan along with exercise which I doubted I would be able to do.

I joined Carmen’s Tuesday class in early summer and enjoyed my first class so much I went along to the Thursday class the same week.  I continued with the exercise every week, and slowly I could achieve more of the moves, my general health improved and more importantly my feeling of general wellbeing and optimism returned….

“Thumbs up for Carmen’s classes. 5 stars for Carmen’s classes!

There’s a variety of exercises for the whole body, from head to toe and the mind too. The routines are varied, change during the year and are always accompanied by great music. In each class we are encouraged to do what we can and we have a laugh at ourselves when we can’t.

Carmen’s enthusiasm and positive approach makes us want to do the best we can for our bodies. The atmosphere is friendly and if you want you can stay at the end and have a cuppa and a chat. Muchas gracias, Carmen”

Anne Hall, 68

“Carmen’s exercise class is a joy! She is always so encouraging; I suffer from osteoarthritis and find the exercises really beneficial. The music is great too, I always feel good after the class.”

Pat McLachlan, 76

“Carmen has the perfect personality to take exercise classes for this age group. She is super friendly and very dedicated. Her class is always fun!”

Val Finlayson

“I joined the class to “tick” the exercise box but to my surprise I really enjoy it. Carmen is always cheerful, encouraging and plays great music. I come away feeling better for having taken part.”

Anne, 72

“I have attended Carmen’s Keep Fit class for several months now and thoroughly enjoy it. 
She gives a detailed explanation of which parts of the body each movements exercise. 
Carmen has a wonderful personality and makes the exercises most enjoyable and fun. 
When the class finishes I always feel better physically and mentally. Everyone seems to have a smile on their face both during and after the class. Thank you Carmen.”

Louise Stewart

“Since joining Carmen’s class my flexibility has improved greatly. Carmen is a lovely teacher and looks after us very well, full of encouragement. I also like the social side of the class, a cup of tea/coffee is always welcome and a good blether with the ladies who attend. Carmen’s class is very suitable for people over 60.”

Louise, 75

“Carmen brings enthusiasm, expertise and energy to the class. All the exercises are suitable for my age. The music is wonderful, Carmen offers individual help if needed and breaks down new movements so I can understand and learn. The chat and cuppa after the class is a great way to socialise and make friends.”

Jean Westwater, 70

“Carmen gives everyone a very warm welcome to her Thursday Flexercise class. The exercises vary and include the use of weights with the aim of toning and stretching all parts of the body. Carmen encourages us to only do what we can manage. The accompanying music spans the decades and changes frequently. Coffee and biscuits are available after the class giving everyone an opportunity to mix and make new friends.”

Muriel Webster, 77

“Carmen is an inspiration! So enthusiastic and joyful. Everyone loves the class and you end the session feeling better every time. The exercises definitely help aging bones. Would definitely recommend this class.”

Sheila Potter, 70’s

“I attend Carmen’s Tuesday class and really enjoy. The exercise routines are well thought out and fit in to great music. Carmen changes the routine regularly which keeps us on our toes! It is a good way to meet and make friends as well as benefit from the exercise. Carmen always stresses ‘just do what you can’ which puts everyone at ease. Always fun, followed by a cuppa and biscuits.”

Margaret Wightman, 71

“Carmen has a great class here, really enjoy going. Carmen is so cheerful, always smiling, welcoming, its friendly – found everyone smiles. Doesn’t matter if we make an error. Its all round exercise, no floorwork, plenty space to move. I would recommend the class – Carmen even provides coffee and tea/biscuits afterwards. Good to meet people for a chat, all free!”

Peebles, 75

“I have been attending Carmen’s keep fit classes for 2 years now and always enjoy the great classes and caring and wonderful person that you are. Meeting all the ladies and enjoying all the chat and leaving feeling much better is so good. Thank you so much Carmen.”

Rita Varney, 69

“I absolutely love going to Carmen’s keep fit class. She is such a friendly, welcoming person who keeps us fit physically and also cares about our mental wellbeing. The music is great and fun and then we enjoy coffee, biscuits and good chat afterwards. Carmen takes time to get to know the people in her class. I had a foot injury recently – she took a real interest in my recovery and encouraged me to do my physio exercises to get my mobility back. Her class is a huge asset to our town.”

Moira Cunningham, 72

“Look forward to the class every week come rain, hail or shine!”

Margaret

“I love going to Carmen’s classes. She is always so cheerful and positive and chooses great music for the exercise routines. “

Chris Mackie, Peebles

“It keeps me active and involved in the community!”

Gillian, 78

“A happy exercise class for all abilities using music – moving all parts of the body. Enjoyed by all!”

Margaret Percy-Robb, 83

“Good for my mental health and keeps my body strong and has improved my balance.”

Nancy, 80

“Most enjoyable class with a very friendly atmosphere, has helped all my joints and movement in my limbs as we cover all parts of my body.”

Enid Underwood, 83

“Very professional. Excellent in all aspects – exercises given, monitoring participants, caring personality.”

80

“Carmen is a wonderful teacher. She makes exercise fun and enjoyable. I’m sure we all feel the benefit of it.”

Betty Pearson, 78

“The best flexibility and friendship. Both so important as you age.”

Myrna Moran, 88   

“Carmen’s class is such fun and the music so good for our age group. To be greeted with such a cheery face and huge smile is the perfect start to the week. The exercises work every part of the body, this was a great help as I had 2 hip operations last year.”

Carol, 82

“This is by far the most beneficial exercise class I have ever attended. The stretching exercises have made such a difference to my stiff and painful body. Carmen makes exercise seem much less of a chore with her pleasant, happy attitude and the music to accompany the exercise is joyful. My Monday mornings are now something I look forward to and the other ladies in the group are very sociable.”

Phyllis, over 70

“Carmen is a gifted teacher. The exercises we do to uplifting music are energetic but matched to our age group and so good at keeping us supple and stretched. I have made an excellent recovery from a hip operation, due in no small measure to Carmen’s routines. 
The classes are fun and are a great way to get to know a new group of friends. “


Joan Cox, 76

“Came to class because of bad back and it has helped greatly. I love the music and after class I feel good. Also love the social side of meeting new people.”

Mary Majewski, 74

Carmen’s class is perfect for me. I leave it feeling invigorated and loosened up. Carmen is very encouraging and changes the routine often enough to provide variety but not so often as to be confusing! Highly recommended.

Jeanette King

Carmen’s class is fun and friendly. She is enthusiastic and helpful and keeps everyone going. I have been at other classes but this is the one to attend. I cannot recommend this instructor highly enough. Her classes are excellent and very sociable.

Jaci Bisset, 72 years young

Have been to lots of exercise classes and this one is by far the best. Carmen brings so much fun and enjoyment to it.

Kathleen Rintoul, 74

Carmen is an excellent instructor who teaches exercises in the Dunbar class in a safe and professional manner. I always look forward to her classes as she encourages everyone of us to participate to improve our flexibility, balance and co-ordination.

Debra Daeschler

I have been attending Carmen’s wonderful classes since I retired. I so look forward to our class as she sets about loosening up our joints and she has us exercising and moving to wonderful music. Carmen has the most delightful demeanor, always smiling and happy. Her positive caring attitude extends to all those attending…

I love attending Carmens class. She has been an inspiration to everybody that goes to her classes, she makes sure that all parts of your body are exercised with wonderful music and varied routines throughout the year. It is made very clear that you can only do what you can, and if you can only do them seated that’s fine…

“Carmen’s class has been so beneficial to my overall health.
Her exercises are all adaptable to suit each person. Also the class is very friendly and we all support each other.
The classes are also fun so brighten our days and are affordable for pensioners”.

Pauline Hamilton

“Exercise as group is fun. We have an excellent knowledgable instructor in whose hands we feel safe to exercise”.

Anonymous, 60s