Middle-aged women challenge Surfskate in NW China's Ningxia

(ECNS) -- Surfskate has become a popular morning exercise among a group of middle-aged women in Yinchuan.

A Surfskate is a skateboard for surfing on the ground and its turning dynamics allow short and maneuverable turns like surfing.

The Surfskate group, organized by Ni Shuxian in April 2021, has 12 women members whose average age is about 50.

"I am 46 years old, the youngest member of the group. I set up this Surfskate group. Surfskate is fun and this exercise is a process of practicing balance. People might feel scared at the beginning but will feel relaxed after practicing. Everyone enjoys it," said Ni Shuxian, the Surfskate group organizer.

Age is never an excuse to avoid a challenge.

"I've lived to such an age, which means it will be impossible for me to try this exercise in the future if I don't do it right now. We have to start from zero. We do things we know before 50 and try things we don't know after," said Lu Zhongyan, a member of the Surfskate group. To 51-year-old Tian Ximei, exercise makes her life wonderful.

I think my life has become brilliant since I turned 48. Exercise makes me feel so happy and engaged. People say I am not like a 51-year-old person. I think the secret to staying happy and healthy is exercising, said Tian Ximei, a member of the Surfskate group.