“When life takes me away from the gym, I find that I don’t look and feel my best, even if I’m doing other activities” – Paula Ratchford
Last week, I had the pleasure of talking with Swimming Hole Member Paula Ratchford about what The Swimming Hole means to her, the difference regular exercise makes in her life, and what keeps her coming back. Paula has a terrific commitment to preventative health & fitness and I was interested in finding out what keeps her going so strong:
How long have you been a member of The Swimming Hole?
I joined The Swimming Hole a few years ago.
Why do you keep coming back to The Swimming Hole?
I’ve visited other fitness facilities in Vermont and keep coming back to The Swimming Hole because, for me, The Swimming Hole exceeds other gyms I’ve tried in MANY ways:
The staff has impressive credentials, is incredibly friendly and supportive, knows how to improve people’s fitness without injuring them, and makes classes fun. There are classes geared to folks who don’t have to leave the gym by 7 or 8 AM or arrive after 5 PM and classes for those who do, and there’s a variety of effective and well maintained weight and cardio equipment, space to use it and do floor work, and no need to reserve or wait for it.
What have you gained from being a member?
The Swimming Hole has given me the knowledge and offerings to prove that someone in their 60s CAN increase muscle and decrease body fat.
Any tips for someone who wants to get started?
My suggestion for someone who wants to get started is to try classes if you can because they give you someone to exercise with, the ability to do things at your level and increase that level over time, someone who will push you more than you’ll push yourself when you’re ready for that, a reason to get to the gym at a certain time, and some laughs.
If classes aren’t you’re thing, there’s a variety of cardio equipment and a pool for mixing it up, keeping your body guessing, and burning that fat as well as weight equipment and routines for building muscle.
Thanks Paula, we know your story will help inspire others to discover how good you feel with regular exercise. Keep up the great work! – Charlotte Brynn, Executive Director