Trevor Butler’s thrice-weekly personal training sessions at his local gym present the perfect opportunity for the 81-year-old to combine two of his favourite pursuits – exercise and socialising. The Jindalee resident, who sustained paraplegia in 1994, has an unwavering positive attitude and exuberance that inspires the many people he meets while working out.
Trevor Butler with trainer Sharyn Bastow
“I spend up to four hours at the gym every week,” Trevor said.
“Not only is it a good chance to catch up with friends and stay active, but it gives you a reason to get up in the morning.
“If you’ve got nothing to do or no hobbies, you’re likely to just stay in bed.”
As a former RAAF Squadron Leader, Trevor enjoyed many active pursuits before his injury, including squash and cricket.
“I never smoked and I rarely drank – I was too busy out on the cricket pitch,” Trevor said.
“I reckon that’s some of the secrets to a long, healthy life.”
For almost three years, Trevor has had the same personal trainer, Sharyn Bastow, and credits her with keeping him fighting fit.
“She pushes me, but that’s what I need; we get along great,” Trevor said.
His wife Sue, who also regularly attends weight and aerobic classes at the gym, said they were first inspired to join after receiving a flyer in the mail.
“Accessibility is obviously an issue when choosing what kind of gym you can use, but here the staff have always been supportive and it’s easy for Trevor to access the gym with his wheelchair,” Sue said.
“When he joined they assessed Trevor’s mobility and said they’d focus on what he can do – not what he can’t.
“After watching him being trained I thought, well there’s no excuse, I can start exercising too.”
The pair both said the friends they had made had spilled over into their life outside of the gym. They regularly gather for lunches and dinners with other members and credited a healthy social life with keeping them feeling young.
Trevor also has many female admirers of all ages at the gym and spends a lot of his visits waving and chatting to his fans.
Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said Trevor and other members like him demonstrated that people with a spinal cord injury could still undertake everyday activities.
“Just because you have a physical disability, doesn’t mean you can’t be actively involved in your community,” Mr Henley said.
“Our 1,500 members throughout Queensland are independent and living in their own homes, working, being parents and enjoying their favourite hobbies.
“Our Association is dedicated to empowering and assisting our members to live the life that they choose.”
Comments on this entry are closed.