DONNA: I started coming to Tracey’s class about a year and half before Covid. I attended off and on. But in October 2021 I decided to really make an effort and came three days a week routinely.
Recently, I went to the Masters Tournament. I walked up and down the course, many places in slippery conditions, was on my feet for most of 8 hours and recorded over 9 miles. It wasn’t that hard. Never before had I had that energy, endurance, and stamina. My legs were stronger than I can remember. I had attended the Masters previously in the last decade and had always felt worn out and exhausted from trying to keep up with my husband. This year I led him up the course! As an older woman, I didn’t expect such gains and changes.
My energy level is higher in my daily activities. And when I miss class, I feel like my day or week is out of sync. I have been able to cope with stressful situations much better.
Is class now easy? Easier, but I still have lots to work on….add a riser, increase ankle weights and keep working on core exercises and balance. I have some of my old self back, but there really is a new me now.
JENNIFER: I started Aerobic Fitness in 2006 with the PYW (Pilates, Yoga & Weight Training) class in the am. I wanted to try Pilates & Yoga. I loved the class, especially the women in the classes. In fact I loved it so much I decided to try the Step Class along with the PYW. I learned from Tracey that you don’t need the risers…work as your body tells you. (I graduated to one riser) I have been doing the hour long class for a long time and have made some of my best friends! These women keep me motivated to come even when I do not feel like it, due to the friendships and congenially developed. A group walks most days after class and it is so therapeutic, we solve each other’s problems & the world’s, you can vent, etc. This keeps me coming back….. I work around my Aerobic Fitness schedule for work …I need my three days a week for my body and soul!!
DIANE: I have been participating in Aerobic Fitness classes at Wills Park for over 4 years. I love this class!! I was looking for a workout that was well balanced, improved flexibility, aerobic conditioning and core strengthening. I wanted to feel energized and that I had accomplished something when it was over. It has exceeded my expectations!
In addition to the amazing, well balanced workout with great music, this class was critical to my being able to get active again. When I first started class, I had been suffering from constant pain in my left knee.
Sometimes the pain was so bad it would wake me up in the middle of the night. I couldn’t walk for more than 10 minutes continuously without starting to severely limp from the pain. I was taking some type of anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen or naprosyn) at 3 – 4 x a day. My left knee pain was a result of multiple sports injuries, three knee surgeries, and continued wear and tear. I knew at some point I would need a total knee replacement. This class not only helped me prepare for a total joint knee replacement, improve my flexibility and strength, lose weight, and feel better about myself.
I had my joint replacement surgery about a year ago. Because of this class I was so well conditioned before surgery, that I was able to return to work within 3 weeks of surgery, and this exercise class within 5 weeks.
One year later I am completely without pain, going to class 3x/week, biking an average of 20 miles per week, and overall physically fit. I know how good I feel every time I am done – physically and mentally. This class has truly become a part of a much fuller and happier life.
JUDY: I have been taking and enjoying the Aerobic Fitness classes for 5 years now. I take the step, pilates, weights, and yoga class 3 times a week. The class is everything that I hoped it would be. Tracey is a fantastic instructor. She leads by example and has created classes that are as physically challenging as you, the participant, want them to be. The classes don’t become boring because the routines change from class session to session.
The environment of the class is very friendly. There is nothing intimidating about walking into this class and at the end of the class you know you have done something good for yourself and you feel better to boot! I highly recommend this class.
BEVERLY: I started classes in summer of 2013 — step and PYW — after my cardiologist told me I had “significant de-conditioning issues.” No heart problem, it turned out. Just stress, which he pointed out could be fatal. (And he was only talking about the aerobic part of fitness.) The first class, I discovered I pretty much could not stand on one foot anymore. And also that in this class it didn’t matter much. The class works for ALL levels of fitness, including people who haven’t exercised in years. The people are friendly and helpful, the music is good . . . and the class is fun. I did learn to listen for the words “pencil stretch.” It meant I had survived class. I feel so much better now, and I have more energy and sleep better. And the last time I saw a doctor I was asked, “How do you manage to stay so fit?” And I’m pretty sure it was a serious question.
Beverly also wrote the blog below after a year and a half of religiously coming to class four times a week:
https://sidetrackedsaver.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/exercise-a-love-story/