MORNINGTON resident Beryl Rodda isn’t just walking toward her 100th birthday celebration next month, she is running full steam ahead.
Rodda hosts weekly group fitness classes at her Mornington retirement village, and regularly attends Fit Over 60 classes at the Frankston Scout Hall. She said her exercise regime is the key to her continuing good health.
“The original fitness class started at the Frankston TAFE college in 1982. The director was then approached by a lady who asked to have a program for retired people; my husband and I joined soon afterwards with another couple and I have been doing exercises ever since,” she said. “We do exercises for strength, lunges, exercises for your heart, we do it all. For an hour you get on the floor and up again and do some exercises, including some yoga.
“It’s a marvelous thing for people – I’ve met so many people, some who aren’t around any more. I believe that exercise and good diet is the secret for old age, that’s what I believe.”
Rodda says that she enjoys sharing her love of fitness with others. “Where I live in a retirement village in Mornington I run a seated class on a Tuesday for a few people, which they enjoy very much. We have also been having carpet bowls every Saturday.”
Rodda’s dedication is an inspiration to her gym friends. Fellow Over 60 class attendee Stephanie Daley said “for those of us who attend these classes, Beryl is a truly inspiring person who deserves recognition for her quiet focused attitude to keeping fit and socially connected.
“I believe Beryl is a wonderful example of how a positive can-do attitude with regular commitment to exercise and social activities assists in ageing well.”
First published in the Mornington News – 18 November 2025
