Visit
the Sportsplex at one o’clock on a Friday
afternoon and you’ll notice members and staff drifting toward the
front desk. Soon, the door will open and you will hear a familiar
chorus:
Rose Edder, at less than 100 pounds in weight, has become a powerful
presence around the Triangle Sportsplex in the past three years. In
her 80’s, Rose brings the quick wit and personality of a 25-year-old
into the Sportsplex Fitness Center. And those around her reap the benefits
of her positive attitude and devotion to fitness.
In 1998, Rose suffered
a stroke that severely limited the strength and motion on the left
side of her body. After completing physical therapy,
she noticed an ad for a six-week Senior’s Fitness class being
offered at the Sportsplex. Six weeks later, she signed up for personal
training.
Now, three years later, Rose is hooked on exercise.
When asked what she
likes most about exercise, Rose smiles and immediately replies, “Everything.”
The
effects of Rose's exercise program have been dramatic. Rose started with
basic isometric and flexibility movements designed to increase coordination
and strength. Gradually, she progressed to Therabands
(those big “rubber bands” used for exercise), and then she
moved up to working with weights. On her heavy weight training days,
you’ll see Rose seated at the cable machine, calmly performing
seated rows with 55 pounds. Her form is perfect – slow and deliberate,
always in control.
I asked Rose what benefits she had seen from her exercise
program, and she immediately and enthusiastically rattled off a list
of benefits:
improved flexibility, stronger legs, increased vitality, just feeling
better.
“But,” she said with a grin, “I’m
not perfect yet.”
“The challenge,” said Susan, “is trying to find new
things for Rose to do. We now have so many exercises in her repertoire
that we have different ‘theme’ days. Medicine ball workout,
band workout, weight workout, etc.”
Rose’s favorite part of the workout is on the treadmill, where
she strives to set new speed records for her quarter-mile walk. “Rose
walks in using a walker,” Susan said. “But I’m convinced
she just uses it for a big rolling storage container. The walk to the
treadmill in the Cardio Corner usually takes a while—not because
Rose walks slowly, but because members and staff always stop to talk
to her.”
Once on the treadmill, Rose’s gait loses all
hesitancy and she briskly strides along, head held high to watch the
figure skaters
practice
their routines in the ice rink. After Rose hits “cruising speed,” Susan
varies the incline, adding variety and intensity to the walk. “I
like to take the scenic route,” Rose jokes.
Rose’s enthusiasm for fitness is contagious.
When member Bill Callahan sees Rose working out, he makes a point to
come over and ask
her when they are going out on the town dancing (Rose danced often with
her husband, and has even been seen teaching the Lindy step to members
and staff). Fellow member Helen Swinford says, “I consider Rose
my friend and fellow pilgrim on our journey towards physical fitness.
We both are getting “up there” a little, but the regular
workouts help us forget the years.”
“If you’re not exercising,” says Rose, “you
should start. Especially women.”
Exercise has certainly made a difference
in Rose’s life, not only in physical strength, but in the strength
of friendship, motivation and encouragement.
Visit
the Sportsplex at one o’clock on a Friday
afternoon and you’ll notice members and staff drifting toward the
front desk. Soon, the door will open and you will hear a familiar
chorus:
The
effects of Rose's exercise program have been dramatic. Rose started with
basic isometric and flexibility movements designed to increase coordination
and strength. Gradually, she progressed to Therabands
(those big “rubber bands” used for exercise), and then she
moved up to working with weights. On her heavy weight training days,
you’ll see Rose seated at the cable machine, calmly performing
seated rows with 55 pounds. Her form is perfect – slow and deliberate,
always in control.
Rose’s favorite part of the workout is on the treadmill, where
she strives to set new speed records for her quarter-mile walk. “Rose
walks in using a walker,” Susan said. “But I’m convinced
she just uses it for a big rolling storage container. The walk to the
treadmill in the Cardio Corner usually takes a while—not because
Rose walks slowly, but because members and staff always stop to talk
to her.”
“If you’re not exercising,” says Rose, “you
should start. Especially women.”