What is your main health and wellness goal? I'm 70 years old. My mother will soon be 90. If I'm going to live that long, I want to be strong, flexible and independent, and able to pick myself up off the floor when I fall.
What do you love about Milestone? How much time do you have? I love absolutely everything about Milestone!! I was in love from the moment I walked in the door for the week-long open house. I came everyday and actually took 5 water classes in one day. At the time, I already had two free memberships (Silver Sneakers) to other gyms, but I never went back! I told everyone that I felt like a rich person with a country club membership. Milestone provides absolutely everything I need for water aerobics. I don't have to lug my equipment, wet towels, or dripping swimsuit home. I love the variety of classes, the staff, instructors, and members. Everyone is so friendly and supportive. It's like we are all family and friends. I'm really disappointed when something prevents me from making it to the gym.
How long have you been a member of Milestone? About 15 months.
What is something we would be surprised to know about you? I went back to college at 56 years of age and earned a second degree in occupational therapy because it was something I had wanted since I was 14 years old. The first time I went to college, occupational therapy was not taught in Kentucky and I could not afford out-of-state tuition, so I had taken a different career path.
What is a piece of advice you would give to others getting started on their fitness journey? Check out Milestone! I wish someone had told me about it sooner!
What are your guilty pleasures or indulgences? Because I have high blood pressure and kidney disease, I have to avoid sodium so I seldom eat food that I have not prepared myself. I also try to eat whole food, plant-based and avoid animal products. But occasionally I do like to grab lunch at the Milestone Café. I enjoy their vegetable soup, veggie wrap, and black bean burgers. And, occasionally, I do have to break down and have a real veggie pizza. I just haven't been able to find a non-dairy pizza cheese that works for me.
How has working out with your daughter and grand-daughter enhanced your workout routine? It's great. We are moral support for one another even though we often do different things. I'm a big fan of water aerobics; they, not so much. Shannon encouraged Cidney and me to take the Interval Inferno class and we both love it. I NEVER would have taken that class on my own. I have to modify a lot of the exercises and use lighter weights than most participants, but my goal is to eventually be able to do the entire class without modifications.
