stay on the couch when someone else is counting on you. Bill and Shirley Poor take a slightly different approach.
Both visit the Celebration Health Fitness Center in Celebration, Florida. The encouragement and support of the staff and the other exercisers keeps them going. “It’s easy to find an excuse to not exercise. But once I get to the center, I always do it,” Bill says.
The treadmill is ideal for Shirley because she can walk for miles without moving her oxygen tank. Bill likes it because he can listen to swing music on his headphones and not worry about traffic. “I’d never walk on the streets around here, the way people drive,” he says.
Crazy drivers aside, walking is one of the safest activities imaginable. Still, some people should proceed with caution. If you already have angina or coronary heart disease, or if you’re at high risk for heart trouble, talk with your doctor before starting a walking program. You may need a stress test to see how much walking your heart can safely take. Chances are, your doctor will be thrilled with your commitment to exercise. Walking has saved far more hearts — and lives — than it could ever harm.
Shirley Poor certainly feels like she got a second chance. She still wants to lose a few more pounds, but more than that, she’s aware of everything she’s gained. “I’m happy to have my life back,” she says.
