Instructor with heart takes prize

The Aucklander



Instructor with heart takes prize


Improving people's lives is what Shirley McKain has strived for since changing careers more than a dozen years ago.And make a difference she has. Ms McKain decided to leave her job as a production engineer to become a fitness instructor after watching her grandmother's physical condition deteriorate over many years.

Since then, she has set up a movement therapy and heart class for seniors at the YMCA North Shore fitness centre.

The class caters for elderly people who have limited movement or live with chronic conditions.

"I think what makes me a great gym instructor is my ability to sit with someone and have them feel completely comfortable when they tell their story about what brought them into the gym," McKain says.

"The true meaning of changing someone's quality of life is seen on the faces of these people and heard through their heartwarming tales."

The classes are among the gym's most popular and have led to McKain being named the AUT Gym Instructor of the Year.

She is also the first New Zealander to pass the Cardiac Club Leadership Award qualification from the Heart Foundation.

McKain is known among clients as a gentle spirit who has a habit of making people happy. One client who has been with her for more than five years is another Shirley, Shirley Slaven.

"I can't speak highly enough of Shirley, she is what motivates me to keep attending the classes . . ." says Mrs Slaven. "My favourite aspects of the class include meeting new people and Shirley puts on music from our era so I enjoy the sing-along as well.

What makes Shirley different is she connects with you on a personal level and never lets you quit."

Another member of Shirley's class is Cushla Parekowhai, who says she feels safe with with Shirley.

"She keeps it real," says Mrs Parekowhai.

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