Parkinson's no match for Jill

Copied from The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation News Update

EUGENE BENSON

Moone Valley Weekly - AFTER almost 50 years of calisthenics, Jill Joss says it's keeping her young.

The 70-year-old is dealing with Parkinson's Disease but refuses to let it interfere with her love for the exercise routines.

The Avondale Heights resident continues to "bring out the best" in hundreds of children from across Melbourne's north and western suburbs at her training school, Avonde.

Her reputation is still bringing students from as far as Ocean Grove, Bacchus March and Sunbury.

And it's just what the doctor ordered.

"Mr doctor says I should never give it up as it's keeping me strong and fit despite the Parkinson's,"

Mrs Joss says.

"What I always say is, 'I've got Parkinson's, it hasn't got me'."

Calisthenics is a mixture of gymnastics, figure marching, jazz dancing and ballet.

There are 200 calisthenics clubs Australia-wide and Avonde is standing out from the crowd, with its students regularly winning at the highest level of competition.

Last year, the school took home two first and two runners-up awards from the elite-level Ballarat Royal South Street Competition.

Mrs Joss says she loves being involved with teaching, and seeing her students' hard work pay off is a thrill that's hard to beat.

"It's fun and fitness and an art form, but it's classified as a sport so you're a teacher and a coach.”

"And it's great because anyone can do it from three to 93."