I devised a plan on how I was going to save the world. My world. As soon as Sheryl and I got back from the Bahamas two years ago, I walked into the gym. Fitness 19 was not far from my home; I knew it would be a good place to start.

If I’m being honest, it wasn’t the easiest thing in the world for me to walk through those doors. I was still carrying around Fog- it has a way of dulling the excitement I experienced with my toes in the sand by the ocean.

 Grief (Fog), also has a way of clouding a person’s judgement. You feel less confident. Decision making doesn’t come without fear. And there are times when you don’t feel comfortable in places that are unfamiliar. Am I going to fit in? What should I wear? What if there are all younger people there? I have no idea how to use those machines.

I could have been my best excuse for walking out. But I stayed. I headed for the treadmill because I knew I could master that. And I ran. I ran, and when I got tired, I walked.

Every time I entered the gym it got easier. I had my eye on those machines, but I had no idea how to use them. I knew then that I needed another plan. I decided to hire a personal trainer. Someone who would create a program designed just for me. Someone who would help me figure out those intimidating machines.

I set up an appointment for a consultation. I was planning on working with a trainer for a month, just enough to get me started. Two years later and I still work with Logan two times a week. Logan develops my workouts, according to my running schedule. Each week is different, focusing on strength training, weight lifting, stretching and rolling out those muscles.

Logan has played a significant role in my journey to wellness. It was a little awkward at first, this young man, younger than my youngest child, teaching me how to squat. But Logan has given me strength and the confidence to continue working hard at staying healthy and fit. His passion for helping others is evident when I see him working with his other clients. I’m so blessed to have Logan in my life, sharing in my journey to wellness, my newest chapter.

You are never too old to start. Never too unexperienced, never so out of shape, that you can’t walk out your door and through the next to a better life. I’m almost 60. This next decade will be the best one yet. Well, no promises. It could be the 70’s.

Peace, Susan.

Below is a plug to my Buddy and his place of work:

Logan Murray-Mission Statement: “Exercise is Medicine”

“I use exercise to improve mental and the physical health of my clients and decrease their risk of injury and cardiovascular disease.

I specialize in corrective exercises and program design for special populations, mobility, flexibility, weight loss powerlifting, bodybuilding and aerobic/cardiovascular training”.

Credentials:

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Clinical Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University
• Heart Saver CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
• 4 years Personal Training Experience
• Concussion Awareness Certified
• 12 years resistance/weight training experience
• 300 hours Strength and Conditioning Internship with Barwis Methods and East GR High school

Fitness 19