Superfit grandfather staying in the peak of health (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Superfit grandfather staying in the peak of health

ALTHOUGH he is fast approaching pensionable age, super-fit Steve Crowley is anything but your archetypal grandfather, writes Alex Wade.

For the energy levels of this very active and sports-minded 64-year-old is enough to put to shame many men half his age.

In fact, he's so busy that it's a wonder he manages finds the time to do all those things he's involved with in the course of an average week.

Each Saturday morning, Crowley can be found at Palmer Hall in Fairford where he runs a karate school.

Having set up the school in 1978, it now boasts some 60 members.

And the hall is packed to almost capacity as Crowley and his instructors take the class through its paces.

Keen to be put through their paces are a number boys and girls as young as six, some experts in their 30s while others are training simply to keep fit. But all of them obviously enjoy every second of it.

As well as formidable fitness and ability, enthusiasm is what Crowley brings to his karate, and this is what keeps his students coming back.

Many attend his fitness classes at Fairford Sports Centre, which he runs twice a week, while his line dancing classes on Monday afternoons are proving equally popular.

Born in Eastleach in 1939, Crowley settled in Fairford when he was 24 and has stayed in the area ever since.

A fanatical sportsman, he played football for CHQ, Hannington and Highworth Town FCs before taking up karate, and later managed Fairford Town FC.

"Keeping fit is vital to me," admits Crowley. "Being fit also means I can play with my grandchildren just as if I were a young man.

"I do believe that health is a matter of luck. But I also think fitness involves work, and I would say that being fit leads to a better lifestyle for everyone."

As an example of his supreme fitness and stamina, Crowley has competed in the gruelling 'Tough Guy' challenge on two occasions.

'Tough Guy' sees its entrants take on an eight-mile obstacle course while dressed up in whatever the theme for the event might be.

When he did it, the competitors were in warrior garb from the Scottish Highlands.

Although he has no plans for another Tough Guy challenge, those who know him well aren't so sure, reckoning that he won't be able to resist another event.

Steve Crowley also runs classes in Heikina Kai karate on Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings at Palmer Hall in Fairford.

Anyone seriously thinking of taking up a fitter lifestyle should contact Steve on 01285 712189.