Dave
Dave, aged 69, was referred to Longevity Health and Fitness by his daughter, who had noticed increasing stiffness, reduced mobility, and a loss of strength despite him remaining very active day to day. Dave has lived with ankylosing spondylitis since his 30s and, although fiercely independent and working six days a week, had begun to experience reduced balance, more frequent trips, and visible muscle loss in his legs. There was understandable concern about how to exercise safely with a long-term inflammatory condition without causing harm or aggravating symptoms.
Dave’s goals were to maintain his independence, continue working and staying active, improve his strength, flexibility, balance and mobility, and reduce his risk of falls, all while exercising safely and appropriately for his condition. Following an in-depth consultation, a tailored exercise programme was created with a strong focus on flexibility, mobility, strength and balance. Education formed a key part of the process, helping Dave understand why each element of his programme mattered for his age, condition, and long-term health.
Training was progressed carefully and thoughtfully, with close attention paid to symptoms, recovery, and confidence. Sessions were calm, supportive, and structured to provide challenge without pushing beyond safe limits. Over time, clear improvements were seen in Dave’s flexibility, range of movement, lower body strength, balance, and confidence in everyday activities. His motivation to stay active outside of sessions also increased, with a better understanding of how to manage his condition through movement.
What began as an initial block of six sessions quickly became an ongoing commitment. As Dave’s confidence and progress grew, his wife also chose to begin training, with sessions individually adapted to reflect her own medical history, including previous surgeries. Both clients now continue training by choice, valuing the reassurance, trust, and positive environment created during sessions.
While ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured, consistent, well-prescribed exercise has allowed Dave to move more freely, feel stronger, and maintain his independence. The focus on safe progression, education, and individualised care has supported meaningful improvements in both physical function and overall quality of life, making exercise a sustainable and positive part of later life.
“Unbeknown to my dad, I decided this year he needed a personal trainer. He is 69 years old, works 6 days week, is very active and is obsessed with completing 16-20k steps a day. He does all this despite suffering from ankylosing spondylitis since his 30’s. He is fiercely independent but I noticed that his movement was become stiffer and more restricted and that he was losing a lot of muscle mass in his legs. He was starting to lose his balance and tripping over more often. It took me a month of solid research to find a personal trainer who would be qualified to deal with his condition and not to push too hard or cause physical damage.
I was really hopeful when came across Longevity Health and Fitness and after a call with Victoria Anderson I knew this was absolutely the right decision as she asked all the right questions about his condition. I pre- booked 6 sessions and persuaded my dad to agree to these and then he could decide whether he wanted to continue. This was back in June 2022…. Five months later both my parents train with Victoria- of their own choice!
My dad’s confidence has grown so much as she is patient, attentive and calm yet pushes him further each session. Although his condition cannot be cured, the improvement in his flexibility is clear for all to see. She clearly explained plan of attack for all round health for his age group – flexibility, mobility, strength and balance so he is motivated to keep up his exercises on a daily basis.
My mum did not think that the sessions would make much of a difference to my his wellbeing but after a couple of months she could not deny the impact, so much so that she is now training with Victoria too. My mum has had 4 hernia ops and a hysterectomy so her needs are different to my dad’s- Victoria tailors for each of their needs.
My parents are very happy with Victoria, they are relaxed with her and trust her implicitly so are not shy to say what they are struggling with. They really understand why the sessions are important their wellbeing and quality of life in their later years. Her manner is just excellent and coupled with her expert knowledge, they hardly realise that they have been through a tough session . In fact, there is a lot of warmth, chatting and giggling in the sessions – always a positive experience. It’s genuinely the highlight of their week.
They are both feeling happier, stronger and more confident. I am usually around for the sessions but if I am not, Victoria will send me video clips or messages by way of an update. I cannot express how grateful and relieved I am that we found Longevity and Victoria.”
Satty, Dave’s daughter
Exercise for health, fitness and longevity
Exercise is essential for improving health, managing conditions, and enhancing longevity. We support individuals of all ages and health backgrounds to find the right exercise approach for their unique needs, offering personalised plans that help overcome any barriers along the way.
Specialised exercise for health conditions and well-being
Your health today doesn’t have to limit your tomorrow. Our clinical exercise programs are tailored to support you, considering any health challenges or considerations you may have.
