"Peggy's Story"

I have been blessed in owning my own Personal Training Studio. I’m doing something I love and helping people in the process. I’ve been lucky that the clients we have had at our Studio in Williamsburg have all been wonderful people who appreciate the benefits of Personal Training and continue to come to us to not only achieve their fitness goals, but exceed them.

I’m so proud of the fact that, after almost 2 ½ years, I still have my very first Williamsburg client. She is still one of my hardest-working clients, and continues to improve week to week. Because she has been a client for so long, my wife and I know a lot about her thoughts and how she views not only her life, but how fitness fits into her daily routine. I thought that her “story” might be of interest:

“Almost two and a half years ago, I first signed up with Fitness Together because I knew that I had to do something to improve my health and lifestyle. At age 72, my joints ached, my steps were slower and I was beginning to feel what I thought were the effects of aging . . . this was NOT acceptable!

Fitness Together was just in the process of opening when I first stopped by for some information. One on one workouts with a trainer was a new concept for me . . . and one about which I was not too certain! Over time, I have realized that this arrangement is ideal because each session is geared to the competency of the client; however, the challenge to do better and become stronger is the focus towards which both the trainer and the client work! My personal goal is to bench press 100 pounds . . . an accomplishment I want to achieve because if an 87-year old woman in CA can do it . . . why not I?

Reactions to my working out have been mixed . . from "you are too old for that kind of activity," to "working out is not lady like," to "you will bulk up lifting weights," as well as other so-called reasons . . . which in reality are just excuses that others use for not accepting their own needs and challenges!

Had I listened to or acted upon the "you're too old" comments, I would not have achieved many goals in my life! For a variety of reasons, I was unable to start college until I was 40 years of age. . . . shortly after I began a new career in museum work. Never, have I had so much fun or worked so hard in my entire life! And what a terrific feeling of accomplishment each diploma and degree brought me! I feel the same way about working out . . . some days are better than others if/when weight amounts can be increased or I can do more reps! And for each session the trainer provides the challenges and the encouragement to work harder! And I cannot stress the professionalism of the trainers at Fitness Together enough . . .they are outstanding individuals!

As for the "bulking up" or "not lady like" comments . . . not true . . and not possible! The result of working out . . . at any age . . is good health, both physical and mental and is a lifetime commitment!

I . . . nor anyone else . . . can "make" an individual begin to work out, for each person must make his or her own decision. Some people my age, and even younger are content to take medicines . . prescribed and otherwise . . and live with poor health. My personal philosophy is to practice "preventive medicine" and by that, I mean to keep my body as strong as possible for as long as possible! And because of my sessions at Fitness Together, I am achieving that goal and am most grateful for the opportunity!”

Peggy McDonald Howells