Barbados Today

While many were recovering from the rigours of the Foreday Mornin’ jam and others were busy preparing lunch before heading out to take in some of the action of the final day of Bridgetown Market on Spring Garden, Icilma Marsh was celebrating her 95th birthdate with family members and friends.
One may ask the question what was so special about Marsh’s 95th birthdate. The answer is simple. Born on August 4, 1918, Icilma is without doubt the oldest person attending exercise classes three days a week over a period of 27 years in Barbados.
The Surfside Wellness Centre in Wildey is like Marsh’s second home. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Marsh can be found doing aerobics classes while
on Wednesdays she can be found doing weight training exercises under the watchful eyes of her personal trainer Anita Husbands, ably assisted by Evy Bentham.

Exercises such as leg presses, leg and shoulder curls, biceps curls are but a few of her weight training routine exercises.
Marsh who spent just over 25 years living and working as a dress maker in the England, is married and is the mother of two children. She and her husband own and operate a small shop which she refers to as her parlour that keeps both of them active.
Marsh credits discipline as the key to her success and ability to keep on going for as long as she has.
“I love exercising and training and intend to continue doing it as long as I am able! Some mornings when I wake up I may feel a little tired and sick but once I get dressed and head to the gym, by the time Ms Husbands finished with me, I feel alive again,” she boasted.
“Exercising is good and healthy and I would recommend it to everyone whether you are old or young.”