CityView Magazine

42 | Januar y 2020 F E A T U R E I f the headline on this story caught your attention, then you may be one of the many who are thinking of starting an exercise regimen. Good for you, because it's never too late! I have exercised on and off since I was 30 years old. For a while, however, there was a time when I simply was not interested. A bout with severe bronchitis and low energy caused me to be walking slowly in a parking lot one day, and a very rude man rolled down his window and said, "Move out of the way, you hag." I was stunned and hurt by that hateful comment, but I decided to do something about it and return to the gym. Five years later, life has drastically changed for me. In August, I earned my certification as a group fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise. In September, the opportunity arose for me to instruct a fitness class for the Fayetteville Technical Community College baseball team. Head Coach Billy Gaskins realizes the importance of stretching, flexibility and core strength for a competitive team, as well as the importance of avoiding injuries. I am sure the players expected a 20-something. Can a 65-year-old teach athletes who are decades younger? Absolutely! Today's senior is hip, dresses stylishly, travels, hopes to remain active and lives longer. We baby boomer seniors are now leading the way in joining gyms and taking part in other activities related to improving or preserving our health. Social media and the internet are filled with stories about the inspiring accomplishments of seniors in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. e fact is many of them did not start an exercise regimen until much later in life. eir stories may highlight extreme accomplishments, but your journey to a healthier lifestyle will be your own success story! I oen add the tagline "Live, Love, Life," to my social A new year; a new fitness regimen - at any age BY CYNTHIA ROSS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW WONDERLY

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