The 1980s hit End of the Line by The Travelling Wilburys is cranked up loud at an exercise class that’s not only great for the body, but also good for the soul.

“It must sound like a party and we really do have a lot of fun,” said Body and Soul Fitness owner and instructor Dianne Mannington.

The 74-year-old trained as a Les Mills group fitness instructor 48 years ago and began teaching classes for seniors in Tauranga more than two decades ago.

“I think people assume that because our classes are for over-fifties, we’re in here doing gentle stretching,” she said. “But I like to challenge people. If it’s a little hard to start with, they can always sit down for a minute. It gives people a goal to work towards.”

Peggy Gibson, 81, has been coming to Body and Soul for seven years, “but some have been coming for the 20 years that Dianne has been running the classes”.

“I do two classes each week and we all go for walks together.”

Mannington says she focuses on exercising for better health, strength and fitness.

“Every class involves resistance training of some kind – with dumbbells or with bands – as well as balance work. We enjoy great music and making new friends. We’re building a community.”

In fact, it’s the social connection that keeps regulars coming back.

“I think meeting other people outside the class socially like we do is great,” 78-year-old Barbara Cole said.

“We go for a cuppa together and for some it’s a lifesaver,” said Mannington.

“If they need someone to talk to, I’m a great listener. That’s the ‘soul’ part of it for us.”

She encouraged people in her classes to “just keep moving at their own pace”, and recently ran the Tokyo Marathon.

“It wasn’t until my mid-50s that I began running marathons and Rotorua in May will be my 40th one. I’ve run New York, London, Noosa, Boston and Sydney and even at my age I’ve had no back or knee problems.”

Body and Soul Fitness for over-50s is at Greerton Hall Mondays and Fridays; Tauranga Senior Citizens, Norris St, on Tuesdays; and Bethlehem Hall on Wednesdays. The start time for all venues is 9.15am.