Down Tulip Lane in southwest Christchurch, Deborah Smith leads her neighbours in a series of daily exercises.

The goal is simple: connection and keeping active.

For five years, Deborah and her husband Lyall attended regular "Keep Active" exercise circuits hosted by Ian and Irene Oxley at Spreydon Baptist Church.

When lockdown arrived at the end of March, Deborah says she remembered many of the exercises. She felt motivated to make a time each day, to go through the routine with her neighbours. Down her private laneway, there are eight other homes.

"We wanted to be able to keep physically moving during the pandemic," says 67-year-old Deborah.

She describes the ritual as starting with a warm up, followed by stretching, Chi Gong and then a cool down - adding up to about 30 minutes.

"Then we make ourselves a cuppa and bring our chairs outside and have a visit."

Deborah's 83-year-old husband is amongst the regulars - "rain, hail or shine."

"We've only missed about three days the whole time," she adds.

Her 88-year-old neighbour has become a bit competitive - in a friendly way.

"She's getting so fit she's dangerous!" Deborah laughs. "She loves the fact that she can do an exercise that I can't do."

The group are in "reasonably good health."

But as Deborah points out: "All that can change in a heartbeat! As we all know."

Despite her encouragement and energy, Deborah is quick to give credit to her followers - "All credit goes to them, for sticking with it."

Article added: Monday 29 June 2020