The women of Thornhill Golf & Country Club put their fitness first! This group of 27 women have made fitness a lifestyle choice. For the last fifteen years, these ladies have been coming three times per week to participate in yoga, low impact aerobics and resist-a-ball classes.
The women in this exercise group, ages 60-80 years old, certainly don't show their age! They are energetic, active and very fit! And it's not just about the exercise. This group is about community and coming together to share ideas for recipes, movie and restaurant reviews, and stories of friends and family. Their stories of health and well-being will inspire and motivate the most entrenched couch potato!
These fitness classes are not for the light-hearted either! They are active cardiovascular and muscular conditioning workouts complete with squats, sit-ups, grapevines and weight work! These ladies are not afraid of challenging themselves, neither in fitness nor in life, and their spirited outlook seems to be working!
There is an infectious energy that people who exercise regularly emanate. They are healthy, energetic and happy. They inspire you to be your best self. Especially, when they are 80 years old and exercising regularly! The good news is that it’s never too late to start.
In fact, as we age exercise becomes even more important because it makes it easier to do common daily tasks, a proven factor in maintaining independence and mobility. Strength training exercises increase bone density, which reduces the likelihood of fractures. Also, according to many studies, socialization through exercise is a deterrent to depression and anxiety. That’s a big part of the reason the Thornhill Fitness ladies keep coming to class-to be with their friends. Plus, new research in dementia and Alzheimer’s indicates that regular exercise may ward off mental deterioration.
I feel lucky to be their instructor and look forward to leading the ladies through classes every week. But they are the real teachers. They teach me week after week that attitude is everything. They teach me that in order to maintain a healthy body and mind and meaningful friendships, you need to invest the time. The rewards are everlasting! I affectionately call the group my “Moms”; they are my teachers and mentors and they have brought me into their circle with kindness and affection, and I consider myself lucky to know them.
Hopefully, as we approach the new year and along with it, New Year’s resolutions, you will feel inspired by the Thornhill Fitness group to begin a regular exercise routine, too. No matter what your age, it’s never too late to get moving!
