Kicking goals with fitness for the over 50s
Maintaining a good fitness level has been a lifelong commitment for former rugby league player and Amber by Living Gems homeowner Ken Brown, and now in retirement, he has continued his dedication to keeping fit.
“I’ve just turned 74, and I’m determined to keep fit because one thing is for sure, it makes you feel better in body and soul,” said Ken, who still plays Old Boys Touch Football each Sunday.
His obsession with rugby league began as a schoolboy playing at West Juniors in Red Hill, now the Broncos’ training ground.
He then played for Mount Gravatt in the Under 14, 15 and 16s before eventually playing in the Reserve and A Grade teams for Wynnum Manly.
In 1976 he was headhunted to join the Nerang Rugby League Club on the Gold Coast and that’s where he stayed until he was 39.
“I’m very proud to say that during my time with Nerang we won the A Grade grand final in 1978, which was fabulous,” said Ken with a huge smile.
After retiring from the game for which he trained up to four nights a week, Ken maintained his fitness by taking up squash in his 30s.
“I also started coaching football, began running and continued to keep my weights up at the gym. I did the weights on the pulleys and used the rowing machine for cardio workouts,” he said.
When Ken and his wife of 45 years, Sue, moved into Amber by Living Gems in January last year with their two loveable chihuahuas, they vowed to keep active.
Sue takes part in keep fit classes at the temporary country club and enjoys walking, while Ken is known as somewhat of a gym junkie, attending the Snap Fitness gym at nearby Yarrabilba three to four days a week for about an hour-and-a-half each session.
“The gym is less than eight minutes away, but it will be much easier once our Country Club is finished and we’ll have all the fitness facilities on our doorstep,” said Ken who, being the chef at home, also ensures the couple eat well.
Ken believes that once the new Country Club is up and running, many more residents will want to use all the facilities to keep fit and active.
“There will be so many options ranging from a pool and gym to ten-pin bowling, as well many other great activities such as specialist groups for things like Pilates, craft, and so much more. I’m sure our seven grandchildren will also be excited with what’s on offer,” said Ken.
He said Sue also joins other Amber residents for walks along the nearby rail trail, one of many great walking spots in the area.
