By Sonja Nelson-Stough
So D’Marco Farr never thought he’d be working out alongside a 68-year-old woman. Well, I can do him one better than that: I never thought I’d work out AT ALL – much less next to a Super Bowl champion. You see, for the first 65 years of my life, I hated the gym. Oh, I tried. I would tag along with my husband, Larry, when he went to play squash, intending to work out.
For the past three years, Larry and I have worked out every Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. at 20 Minutes to Fitness’ Chesterfield studio. A half hour later, we’re done for the week. And that’s a good thing. Because in addition to my golf game, I’ve got tap lessons twice a week and ballroom dance competitions to prepare for – not to mention an occasional friendly arm wrestling contest.
But I dreaded it all day long. And I was miserable the entire time. As I started thinking about retirement three years ago, I realized my attitude toward physical fitness was going to have to change. I was on the verge of having osteoporosis, and was getting a little thick around the middle. I could see where I was headed, and that’s NOT how I wanted to spend my retirement years. Then I read an article in a national golf magazine about how 20 Minutes to Fitness had changed the life of another woman who felt like I did. The rest, as they say, is history.
For more information on 20 Minutes to Fitness, call its studios in Clayton (314-863-7836) or Chesterfield (636-536-1504) or visit www.20minutestofitness.com.
I’m absolutely better at all of them, thanks to 20 Minutes to Fitness. My strength, my stamina, my balance and flexibility, my posture and my energy are all better than they’ve been in years. That’s what having strong muscles does for a person. More importantly, I’ve found an exercise regimen that I can stick with. I will do this for the rest of my life.
And by the way, D’Marco, whenever you’re ready for a rematch, just say the word.