TWO friends from Taunton are inspiring other people with their fitness regime at a town leisure centre.

71-year-old Malvina Talbot and 70-year-old Sue Rex are former colleagues but reignited their friendship after bumping into each other at Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa a few years ago.

Having bonded over their love of exercise, Malvina and Sue regularly visit the centre together to remain active and sociable later in life.

Sue said: “People think we’re mad because we come here at 7.30am in the morning.

“We just get on with it and that’s our week. Everything else has to go by the board.”

Both her and Malvina head to the gym every week without fail, making use of the treadmill and strength training machines.

For the Taunton-based women, the benefits extend beyond physical health.

Malvina said: “It can be a pretty lonely place when you’re retired.

“I’m a very sociable person and coming here allows me to interact with all age groups.”

Sue added: “I’d be sitting at home doing nothing otherwise. It’s really about the social side for me.”

(Image: Everyone Active)

Jane Hofmeister, fitness motivator at Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa, said: “Malvina and Sue are shining examples of what can be achieved later in life when you stay active.

“Their energy and passion are inspiring, and it’s brilliant to see how much they benefit socially from coming to the centre.

“Social isolation is a real concern amongst the senior community in Somerset, but Malvina and Sue’s journey shows that facilities like Blackbrook Leisure Centre can be a lifeline.

“We’re not just providing exercise equipment, it’s about giving people like Malvina and Sue a place to come, socialise with others, and stay active.

"It does wonders for people’s health and happiness.”

When asked what advice they would give to other people their age, Malvina responded: “Don’t grow old in a chair – come out and grow old disgracefully at the leisure centre.”

Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset Council.

Malvina’s and Sue’s story aligns perfectly with Everyone Active's annual ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign, which launched earlier this month.

Now in its fifth year, the campaign aims to inspire more seniors to embrace an active lifestyle.

As part of the campaign, Everyone Active is also offering free resources to help seniors start their fitness journey, including beginner exercise guides and exclusive weekly video content through their website.