Margaret Rodwell, 82, performs resistance exercises during a Les Mills Core class at the Plant City Family YMCA.
When Margaret Rodwell moved to the Tampa area in 1995, a chance encounter with a YMCA staffer led her to stop by her local YMCA ... and she hasn’t stopped since. For more than 20 years, Margaret has been exercising at the Plant City Family YMCA five days a week.
She initially started on the treadmill and elliptical but knee surgery required her to take a step back. She decided to look into the group classes – and she was hooked. “I’m here 5 days a week,” says Margaret.
After finishing 3 miles on the treadmill and some weights, she heads into her group fitness class for the day, alternating between yoga, Les Mills Core and Pilates.
The 82 year old has no plans to slow down. When asked why she’s at the Y every weekday morning she says, “The people here. I could never do this at home. I wouldn’t want to. I would never use a treadmill at home. I know that when I come in the door Renee, a Welcome Center Representative, will be there smiling at me and Jaymme, the Wellness Coach, is right there with me.”
Margaret has some advice for those who are setting their fitness goals this month but may hesitate to go to a gym because they think they are too old or too out of shape. She says, “Try it! Get out and try it! Try the YMCA. You’ll always find people to help you there. And you’re going to find friends. Don’t worry about whether you’re out of shape, or what your shape is, there are people of all different sizes at the Y. You’re not looked at as overweight or underweight here; you’re looked at as trying. Just get out and get moving!”