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| Healthy Delawareans |
Physical Activity
Sharon Pyle After a lifetime of being a self-described “couch potato,” Sharon Pyle decided she needed to change her ways. Two years ago, she saw a photo of herself and didn’t like what she saw in the picture. She decided to make some changes in her lifestyle, and now refers to herself as a “senior jock.” Her efforts have paid off – over the past 2 years, she’s lost 60 pounds. Initially, Sharon found it difficult to go to the gym, but she stuck with it, and now goes regularly 3-5 times per week. She participates in kickboxing, weight lifting and calisthenics. She’s even now able to do a 1-arm push-up – not bad for a 58 year-old! She’s also making healthier food choices. Whereas in the past, she felt uncomfortable being physically active, Sharon now feels uncomfortable if she doesn’t engage in regular physical activity. The most challenging thing for Sharon was getting started. “In the beginning, it was really hard to get off the couch, but now it’s become a habit,” she states. Her top advice to others interested in adopting healthy habits?
Rebecca Cardile Growing up, Rebecca didn’t participate in sports or any kind of physical activity. Her way of relaxing as a teenager was reading a book. After meeting her husband, Michael Sr., and having their first child, Michael Jr., she started gaining interest in working out. She joined the former Pike Creek Fitness Club, and started working out 2 days a week. After having four boys, ages 15, 12, 10, and 7, she is by far in the best shape of her life. In fact, she believes that she’s in better shape now at age 39 than when Michael and Rebecca first met at age 19. Her daily routine consists of a 5 am wakeup call to take care of the boys and some housework. Then it’s off to the Hockessin Athletic club to start her 7:30 am workout with a bunch of her friends. In fact, all of her workout friends have also morphed into fantastic shape through the support of the group’s dynamics. In addition to working out regularly, Rebecca also runs 25-30 miles a week. Both Michael Sr. and Rebecca agree that the biggest asset to an active lifestyle is the example they are providing their boys. Top tips:
Delores H. Grandison When Delores was 23, her mother died of a heart attack – she was only 53 years old. Six months later, Delores became pregnant and was upset by the realization that her son would never know his grandmother. Prior to this event, Delores was inactive. However, she made the decision not to follow her mother’s fate, and became committed to doing whatever it took to stay healthy. Thirty some years later Delores plays softball locally 3-4 times a week and travels with a senior softball team (Maryland Roadrunners). She has received a gold medal in the Delaware Senior Games in both softball and track and field. Currently, she is training for the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. So what has kept her focused all this time? Delores says, “I usually set goals for myself each year based on any new areas that I want to participate in. This year’s goals are to better my medal (Bronze) in the 100 & 200 meter races as well as get gold in the shot-put for my age group (55-60).” Delores said the greatest challenge was to find a trainer that had the same work ethic as her and was capable of helping her move to the next level. Delores’s top three tips for success:
Carlos Alicea Carlos, age 53, was challenged by his friend Dave in 2001 to participate in the MS Bike to the Bay, a 150 mile bike ride and fundraiser. His friend, an avid cycling enthusiast, even lent Carlos a bike to use for training. Prior to that, Carlos stated, “I spent more time on the couch than anywhere else!” Not only did Carlos meet the challenge and complete the ride that year, but he has participated every year since. He rides with a team from his worksite, AIG, and annually raises money from his co-workers, friends and family. Last year, Carlos convinced his daughter and niece to join the event, and they both were able to participate and complete the ride down and back. You can find Carlos in the early morning riding his bike before work. He also regularly utilizes the fitness facility at his worksite. Carlos admits that in the beginning, it was challenging, however, he convinced himself that to be successful he would need to exercise daily. With that, he started to see the excess pounds go away. Now, daily activity has become a habit. His wife Gail, who nominated Carlos, supports his zeal for exercise, and doesn’t even complain about the extra “stinky” clothes that she has to wash. Gail also revealed that in an ironic twist, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004. The Bike to the Bay has even more meaning now for Carlos and his family. Carlos’ top tips:
Phyllis McKellar Phyllis has adopted an active lifestyle and states “I feel so much better!” Her husband passed away in 2001, and since then she has tried to stay busy. According to Phyllis, “At age 76, I feel wonderful, and it’s because of everything I do.” Four to five times per week, she swims at the JCC pool, does yoga, or works out with a personal trainer at the Brandywine Senior Center. She admits to receiving many compliments from her friends, who often tell her that she looks great for her age. According to Phyllis, “If I’m not active, I don’t feel well.” She adds, “It’s a great time in my life, and I attribute feeling good to keeping busy and staying active.” She also watches what she eats, which she feels is equally beneficial to maintaining good health. As an added bonus, her 2 daughters have adopted healthier habits – walking regularly has led to weight loss for 1 of them. Her advice to others?
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