Wilma has been teaching sports in De Beek for 40 years: “The group is also there for me” (video)

Den Helder – We all know by now that exercise is healthy. However, doing it regularly is easier said than done, and exercising with a regular group can give that extra bit of motivation. Wilma had this idea too, which is why she started giving sports lessons at the De Bueck Community Center in Den Helder. Her love of exercise has always remained, as her gym classes have now reached their 40th anniversary.

“I always check if the floor is clean, otherwise I sweep it before the ladies arrive.” On Tuesday morning, at the De Bueck Community Centre, Wilma Vogt was already busy preparing for her first gym class after the summer break. This lesson is special; It has now been forty years since I started taking gym lessons. “In 1983, this center had to become a multi-functional centre, and we had to develop activities,” she says, gesturing around her. “I said I wanted to teach aerobics classes. We’ll see what happens. Well, that was a huge success,” she says, gesturing around. .

feet from the ground
“We had a lot of ladies from the neighborhood,” Wilma says. And ladies only, because gentlemen never come forward. “It may be so, but it has grown too much. One of the administrators who worked here wanted to participate, but he didn’t dare. It might be scary too, all these talkative ladies.”

Over time, Wilma slowed down in gym classes, but always maintained one set. “This is this group. It has been very stable for several years.” Just before class, she put a record on the CD player. Booming bass sounds from the speakers. “This is a favorite for an aerobics class. In the past, this would always require you to have your feet up, but most ladies now take it a little easier. We’re all getting older, that’s how it is. With all the creaking and creaking that comes with it. Participants enter slowly, At nine-thirty, Wilma stands on the floor. “Ladies, let’s get started!”

Social event
After an hour of intense stretching, boxing and yoga, class was over and it was time for coffee. Many of the participants have been there from the beginning. “I’ve been exercising with Wilma since I started taking lessons,” says one woman. Another says: “The group is important. You develop a bond with each other. You exercise, and then we always have a cup of coffee. However, there is nothing but praise for Wilma among the ladies. “She’s always fun and interesting. You can have a good laugh with her.” Although a little discipline is necessary: ​​“Yes, otherwise it would be like a chicken coop in here.”

However, an anniversary is no reason to say goodbye to Wilma. “I still have the perseverance for it, and I don’t want to let people down. I’ll keep going as long as I can, and as long as the group can keep going of course. Because I depend on it. I also get a lot out of it, because it’s a social event after all. I’m there for them, but they’re there.” For me too.”