From Fitness to Friendship: How One Volunteer Fitness Instructor Hopes to Bring Cheer and Change Lives
Some see their sixties as a time to slow down and enjoy their silver years. Carol Lim is not one of them. The 68-year-old is still raring to go, bouncing between community centres and non-profit organisations like the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) to teach free fitness classes throughout the week.
“I love it because I can help people a lot,” she says simply. To her, there are no prerequisites: exercise is for everyone and anyone.
“You don’t need to be able to stand up to do exercise. Even sitting on a chair you can stretch your shoulders, arms and legs,” she declares.
Getting into the Fitness Groove
Worth noting is that despite Carol’s enthusiasm about exercise today, she only started her fitness journey in her twenties. With thirteen brothers and sisters under one roof, the family struggled to make ends meet. Playing sports and pursuing hobbies was out of the question. “We had to go out and earn money!”
It was when she was stricken with rheumatism that she started doing yoga to help manage the condition. The results surprised her: It wasn’t as difficult as she had expected, and besides reducing stiffness in her muscles, it also made her feel good.
Eager to share the benefits of exercise, Carol began taking up different certifications and started a career teaching fitness classes around Singapore—from primary schools to army camps and community centres.
Making Exercise Accessible to All
With 40 years of experience and counting under her belt, ten of which have been spent volunteering at SCS, Carol is well-equipped to modify and adjust her class activities to meet the needs of different participants at SCS.
Although no two sessions are identical, each class comprises components of stretch, strength and cardio. “I always tell participants to let me know their situation, and to please slow down or sit down if they need—no need to force themselves,” she says.
Most importantly to Carol, her Wednesday classes are a place where each and everyone feels welcome. She personally connects with each participant, and has a standing invitation for them all to have lunch together after class.
During holidays like Christmas or New Year, she also holds potluck sessions for everyone to join. At the end of 2024, she even organised a trip for the class to visit Johor Bahru together.
“I don’t see [our relationship] as instructor and students,” she explains. “We are friends!”
Thankful for the Relationships Built
With all that Carol has given to cancer patients and survivors, one may be surprised when she chirps: “I am very thankful for Singapore Cancer Society!”
Having lost her brother and two close friends to cancer, she counts herself as blessed to be able to contribute to the lives of those fighting the illness.
“When survivors tell me stories about themselves, I can also learn more, and if I have friends and relatives that have cancer, I will know what to do,” she explains.
The greatest lesson her students have taught her to date? To treasure life. “Your life is precious, so don’t put yourself through too much stress,” she encourages.