Throughout my childhood and teenage years I was very active. As was the custom in the thirties and forties we walked or rode our bikes wherever we went. During the summer months I swam in the municipal pool or in the lake on a daily basis. In winter I skated and in spring and autumn I played baseball and games that required a lot of running.

Unfortunately, when I entered university, teachers college and began teaching, my life of daily exercise came to a halt. I sat or stood for the greater part of the day and evening.

At age 59 I developed heart problems so serious that I required by-pass surgery in May of 1988. I improved my diet and went back to the classroom shortly after. Sadly I did not engage in a formal exercise program at that time.

In February of 1999 I underwent another by-pass surgery and retired from teaching. The surgeon enrolled me in the Cardiac Exercise Program at the General Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario for a six month period. They taught me how to exercise, enjoy exercise and I graduated. Following that I joined the MacTurtle Cardiac Exercise Program at McMaster University. I remained there for ten years until I was able to participate with the STEPS Company.

This is where I continue a healthy lifestyle. My memory and clear thinking have been enhanced. Tests have shown that my bones are stronger. As we age our bones need to be given attention. Rather than taking calcium pills, it is the exercise I am engaged in that has helped me so much. I am delighted to share this good news with you. A bone density X-ray taken on July 26, 2007 revealed mild osteopenia of the neck and of the left femur. A subsequent X-ray taken on February 28, 2011 indicated that there is no osteopenia, nor any osteoporosis. My family doctor and I are very pleased with these results.

I attribute this improvement to the exercise and weight lifting I do three times a week. When I don’t want to exercise I come to the gym anyway and when I am finished my routine I feel great and ready to participate in the rest of my day.

Thanks to Sandra Sheffield-Young for her excellent direction and encouragement.

Sincerely and Gratefully,

Audrey-Marie

I began Sandy’s Fitness Program in 2006, about 6 years ago. Under her direction I’ve worked out about 30 minutes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and will continue. In 2002, I was diagnosed as having both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. I was given Caltrate with Vitamin D for daily intake plus a weekly more powerful drug as medication. But I am convinced that Sandy’s exercise program was the more powerful agent in strengthening my joints and bones over the medication. My daily intake of broccoli and frequent intake of salmon and almonds are also a strengthening factor in my war against osteoporosis.

Some time ago, when attempting a walk on the Bruce Trail, I slipped and rolled sideways down the gully about 10 metres, bumping my glasses and losing them while rolling. When the stop came, my two legs rested over a fallen tree trunk. Then I heard the voice of the nurse, my companion, creeping down the steep hill calling, “Don’t move, Rosalie”. Would you believe, there was not a broken bone? Only lots of bruises! And so, I credit my healthy bones to my regularity in exercises first of all.

Almost monthly, I ask Sandy to check my weight and Body Fat index and always obtain a pleasing report. Her chart repeatedly puts me in the “very healthy category”. I also attend sessions in group exercise twice weekly and once a week I enjoy attending Sandy’s Flow Class which is a combination of stretching Tai Chi and yoga moves. Walking four flights of stairways 4 or 5 times a day and walking the long corridors as well as outside where I live, have contributed to my enjoying my new gardening hobby. I find gardening an outlet to my creativity and most exhilarating—better than a holiday anywhere! I am only a month short of becoming 85 but feel more like a month short of 55!

Thanks to Sandy for her care and her powerful exercise program.

Gratefully,

Rosalie.