Member Story: Audrey Ellis on staying active at Macclesfield Leisure Centre
EB Health & Leisure
Sue Jones, aged 69, is a familiar face at Everybody, often breezing through the doors at Nantwich for an early‑morning class. She’s been a member for almost 34 years, and although she spent more than a decade working as a fitness instructor before becoming a secondary school teacher, retirement made her realise her fitness wasn’t quite where she expected it to be.
Even with a home spin bike, the weight began to creep up. A replacement knee, limited mobility and a drop in energy left her frustrated. When her GP referred her onto a 12 week programme, Sue knew she needed a reset. What she didn’t realise then was just how far that reset would take her.
Sue began her journey at our Nantwich site, focusing on free weights and gentle treadmill walking. Combined with her slimming group, the progress soon started to show. She also attended Move It or Lose It with Ann, where she found sit to stand exercises incredibly difficult, a moment she now reflects on proudly because of how much she’s improved since.
A hip replacement temporarily interrupted her routine, but as soon as she was able, Sue returned to the gym determined to keep going. She started Circuit Gold training with Ian, who she described as “wonderful for my confidence.” He pushed her, supported her and wouldn’t let her hide from hard work. She remembers the first time he introduced her to “sissy squats”, but hospital check ups soon showed that the strength work was paying off, helping the muscles support her new joints.
As her confidence grew, Sue began watching the standard Circuit classes in the mornings. At first, she never believed she’d join them. But one day she stepped in, and now she takes part in all four morning Circuit sessions with James M.
Her consultant has since discharged her, explaining that although her other knee may need replacing in the future, the exercises she’s doing, including planks and regular strength work, are keeping her pain free and helping the knee function better than expected.
Alongside this, Sue takes part in Body Conditioning with James, which she affectionately calls “Boot Camp” because of the brilliant challenge and ace music. She loves the progress, the variety, and how both James M and James D are knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive.
She still enjoys Circuit Gold and Aerobics Gold, though she no longer attends Move It or Lose It, as she feels the space is better used by someone who needs it like she once did.
Her starting weight of 12 stone & 9lbs has dropped to 9 stone & 10lbs, and her legs feel the strongest they’ve been in 20 years. Her replaced knee is incredibly strong, and even her “poor” knee has improved significantly. She can now do full press ups, a huge achievement given she’s unable to kneel.
Her energy is higher, her confidence is back and she’s gained a fantastic social circle. She regularly meets up with the friends she’s made through the gym, proving that fitness is as much about community as it is about movement.
She hasn’t taken part in sports events, as she says herself, “I know my limitations!”, but what matters most is the difference in her physical and mental wellbeing. In her head, she still feels 21, and in the gym she’s often inspiring people much younger than her to keep going!
Sue’s aim is to keep moving, keep improving and delay that second knee replacement for as long as she can, which is something her consultant fully supports thanks to the strength she’s built through Everybody’s classes.
With a routine she enjoys, supportive instructors and a warm community behind her, Sue’s fitness story is far from over. Each week brings new progress, new confidence and moments where she realises, she’s stronger than she thinks.
If Sue’s journey resonates with you, whether you’re recovering from surgery, looking to rebuild confidence or want a friendly space to get moving, Everybody Health & Leisure is here to help.
Support that could help includes:
• Health Referral Programmes for those coming through a GP or can self-refer
• Circuit Gold training sessions with encouraging, qualified instructors
• Gentle and inclusive options like Move It or Lose It, Aerobics Gold or Circuit Gold
• Personalised gym support to help you move safely and confidently
• A welcoming community where friendships grow naturally
At Everybody, there’s something for every age, every ability and every starting point, just like Sue’s journey.
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