Oak Springs Care Home: It’s Never Too Late To Find Your Fight!
In the heart of Liverpool, two dedicated individuals, Peter and Carl, co-owners of Inspire Fitness Northwest, are doing something extraordinary. Through their bi-weekly boxing classes at Oak Springs Care Home, they are not only keeping residents active but also transforming lives, one punch at a time.
The boxing program at Oak Springs Care Home is more than just a fitness class—it’s a community builder, a confidence booster, and a source of joy. For Peter and Carl, the work they’re doing is deeply personal and profoundly impactful.
“Seeing the residents’ confidence grow, their laughter, their determination—it’s what keeps us coming back,” says Peter.
“We’re not just teaching them how to box; we’re helping them reclaim a part of themselves.”
Peter’s connection to Oak Springs runs deep – his sister once worked as an Activities Coordinator at the home. She was the one who first suggested bringing the duo’s energy and expertise to the residents. Peter recalls “We haven’t looked back since, it’s been a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and incredible progress.”
The idea of introducing boxing to Oak Springs residents might have seemed unconventional at first, but Peter and Carl approached it with careful planning and enthusiasm. The response? Nothing short of remarkable.
Carl explained: “We start with seated exercises to warm everyone up, the residents love counting down the exercise time. Then comes the fun part—putting on the boxing gloves and getting into padwork. It’s incredible how quickly they’ve taken to it.”
Padwork, a training method where participants punch pads held by trainers, has clearly become the residents favourite activity. The sessions are filled with laughter, encouragement, and a palpable sense of camaraderie. “The atmosphere is always lively, the residents egg each other on, and there’s this wonderful ‘can-do’ attitude that fills the room.”
The impact of these classes goes far beyond just physical exercise. Many residents have seen significant improvements in both their physical and mental well-being. Carl recounts the story of Ann Hives, an 85-year-old resident who had a stroke that left her paralyzed on her left side. “Ann has been with us from the start. She’s now able to move her left leg independently, and she’s determined to regain strength in her left arm. Her progress is nothing short of inspiring.”
For residents like Ann, the boxing classes offer a powerful reminder that age is just a number. After the session, Ann said: “Boxing has given me back a sense of control over my body, I want to keep going and try and get back to being able to do things I used to be able to do, it pushes me to go further each session”.
Teresa Wenham, Age 88 said “I really like it when Carl and Peter come, they are very encouraging and I always have a lot of fun. It’s good also that I get to do it with my friends in the home. The classes have definitely improved my strength, particularly in my arms”.
