As Pat Benatar’s stomping ‘Hit me with your Best Shot’ rings out, Rowena Jackson resident Mona Robertson steps up to the front of the village lounge.
The 90-year-old has form, having inspired the phrase ‘Be like Mona’ following her age group win in Ryman’s 2023 Walking for Wellness challenge. Her achievement was all the more impressive given her vision and hearing impairments.
This time, but still with her customary energy and good humour, Mona is keen to give weightlifting a go.
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Residents, team members and contractors plus a few special guests cheer and applaud as Mona lifts the barbell above her head.
It’s only a 1.5kg weight but it’s all about perfecting the technique for Mona and the other residents trying powerlifting for the first time.
“The residents here said how absolutely fabulous it was, and with everybody cheering everybody on it was quite the electric atmosphere,” says Village Lead Gardener Linda Reid, who has worked at Rowena Jackson for nearly 20 years and is also the village’s Health and Safety rep.
It was Linda who had the idea to hold a powerlifting fundraiser to raise money for Ryman’s charity partner, Hato Hone St John.
Linda was inspired to try deadlifting five years ago when, following a shoulder injury caused from falling off a treadmill, her powerlifter daughter Jessica suggested it might help in her rehabilitation.
She caught the bug and now both are competing in the upcoming NZ powerlifting championships being held in Invercargill later this month.
Linda has already held a deadlift demonstration for residents to emphasise the importance of building strength and muscle, something she found incredibly moving.
“I’m trying to create awareness that age and injury is no barrier to starting powerlifting or any form of strength training. People can still build strength when they’re older and have a good time.
“The residents’ response to having a go was exhilarating. It brought tears to my eyes.”
Back at the charity fundraiser, the excitement continued to build as more residents stepped up to the plate.
Colin Davidson, 92, did the heaviest lift at 60kg, surprising even himself, and even 100-year-old Bill Wells from the rest home unit came out and gave it a go.
“He gave Mona a run for her money!” laughs Linda.
Staff at the village really got into the spirit of the event - the gardening team dubbed themselves the ‘petal pushers’ while the serviced apartment team dressed up in neon 80s gear to get into the spirit of the event and build up the hype.
The event was MC’ed by former NZ Idol contestant and radio presenter Steve Broad, while Southland Stags coach Kayne Duggan and Anytime Fitness gym owner Brett Cullen helped out as spotters to keep everyone safe.
For some of the contractors, who were capable of lifting more, the limit was set at 150kg. However, Linda’s daughter Jessica has lifted 167.5kg for her personal best.
Linda was most impressed with the female residents who had the courage to take part.
“They wouldn’t have been brought up with that culture of going to the gym, so to get up in front of an audience with real equipment was a real confidence boost. It’s a really big emotional deal,” Linda said.
The atmosphere really helped to encourage people too.
“There was so much cheering and support for each other. People might think I can’t do this or can’t do that, but we have all got a bit of child in us and the urge to jump up and down!”
Residents, team members and contractors who took part gather together for a group photo after an incredible event.
The event, which also included three St John paramedics who took part, raised $1700 for the organisation thanks to the $20 entry fee that each participant paid.
Linda hasn’t ruled out the idea becoming an annual event as it was such a big success.
“If you can imagine a big old party rocking on, that was it!”
Mona will be first in line. “It was fun, I loved it, really enjoyed it,” she said afterwards. “I could have done more if I’d have realised!
“I’m so pleased the girls asked me if I was interested. I’ve never lifted weights before but I’ll try anything. I’ve got to keep myself mobile.
“I’ll definitely do more weights now!”
Photos supplied by Vanessa Adcock Photography