Inspiring triathlete Jo takes to the water to celebrate 70th birthday with 70 lengths

Fitness advocate Jo Lewis, who has taught studio and aqua classes at Chalfont Leisure Centre for the past 20 years, took to the water at the facility to mark her big birthday in style.

Surrounded by friends, swimmers and students she has coached over the years, Jo donned a flamingo swim ring and pink hat to celebrate and finished the challenge with 70 skips with a rope before celebrating into the night.

Jo’s positive outlook on life and healthy lifestyle has enabled her to stay active and mobile, inspiring many people at the leisure centre, which is run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council.

Jo said: “I've been involved in sports all my life andall too often people of my age, or even 10 years younger, think they must give up because their bodies can't exercise. Whereas I think I'm true testament that you can do it, but you have to be determined and set time aside.

“I'm just going to try and keep going for as long as I can. Yes, I've had hiccups along the way, but you overcome those. For me, it's about trying to stay out of the GP surgery and away from a surgeon's knife. If you can do that, then you're blessed.”

Not only an enthusiastic strength and conditioning class teacher and aquarobics instructor, Jo is also a passionate triathlete and aquathlete, having qualified and competed for Great Britain in her age category.

Her sporting adventures have taken her around the world – from Israel to New Zealand – for podium finishes at both World and European Championships.

It was Jo’s love for the sport that led to her kick-starting her own triathlete coaching business at the age of 50 after a huge life transition.

She said: “My marriage broke up and I moved from Berkshire to Buckinghamshire, which was a huge wrench at the age of 50. I went through a rough time but pulled myself together, got a desk job and hated sitting in a chair all day.

“So I set up at Chalfont Leisure Centre and because I was a triathlon coach, I started Jo’s TriTeam. I got people from the area involved, alongside which I did spinning classes and aqua classes, and then just enjoyed myself.

“Alongside that, I thought I could work with more mature athletes, so I set up Tri50, which is a business coaching mature athletes in any discipline from any walk of life, getting them fitter.”

Mum of two and grandmother of four, Jo believes that age should never be a barrier to staying active. She is a lifelong champion of exercise and says that swimming is one of the best ways to stay mobile and strong throughout life.

“Swimming has always been my go-to especially when I’m feeling a bit low,” Jo explained. “It’s fantastic because the water supports you so you’re not putting any impact through the joints. It’s a sport you can carry on with even if you’re injured.

“It’s very important to stretch the right way and not overdo it. I advocate not to run every day, but alternate days, especially people over the age of 60.”

A dedication to community is also part of Jo’s drive and she credits the relationships she’s built through Chalfont Leisure Centre as one of the reasons she has remained passionate about being an instructor.

“There’s always a familiar face at the centre. People come up and chat and when I’m not busy running my triathlon camps, I’m covering classes that I enjoy. For my 70th birthday, many of those people who have really made a difference to my life in the last 20 years came to celebrate at Chalfont St Peter.”

Marley Dowsett, Everyone Active general manager, said: “Jo is an extraordinary role model and a true inspiration to our members and staff. Her energy, positivity and passion for helping others stay active no matter their age or ability is so inspiring.

“What Jo brings to our community is incredibly valued by us and we’ve been so proud to celebrate this fantastic birthday milestone with her.”