Patricia
Patricia eats well, swims 100 lengths five days a week, takes Aquafit classes twice a week, participates in a weekly indoor cycling class and has begun training for the Vancouver Sun Run. A respectable commitment, even more so when you learn that Patricia is 71.Patricia retired from nursing and set out with her husband to sail around the world. Unfortunately their retirement was cut short by a boating accident that led to his death. Patricia returned to Vancouver and holed up in her home. For one year she cut herself off from family and friends.
One day Patricia woke up and said enough is enough. She reconnected with family and friends, started a regular walking program and began to eat healthily. Nearly a year later she told her daughter that she wanted to join a gym. “Well before you could say Bob’s your Uncle! my daughter had me signed up at the YWCA.”
Patricia started swimming, 100 lengths five days a week, along with bi-weekly Aquafit classes. While working out in the weight room, she was encouraged to join an indoor cycling class. Although hesitant at first, now she rarely misses a class. Within a few months of joining the YWCA Health & Fitness Centre, Patricia felt mentally and physically better. “I had to recreate myself. When you get older, you need to think more about your body.”
Patricia attributes her success to eating healthily and exercising regularly. Although it sounds simple she admits it was hard at first. However she met so many nice people at the YWCA who encouraged her to achieve her fitness goals. Patricia’s dedication to her well-being now inspires others.
So what is next for Patricia? If all goes as planned, you will see her running the Vancouver Sun Run and the Scotia Bank ½ Marathon.
