Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Healthy and Fit Needs YOU!

Truly, I could  have never imagined in advance the various avenues that I have taken that have led me to this point.…teaching, writing columns, publishing  books, and being recognized for the work that I have done within the community.

It’s been a wonderful journey that has brought me to each new starting point adding to the adventures that I now call my life…and I am well aware there’s much more to come…

That being said I am so hoping that my message will reach the minds and hearts of those in our community who wish they could find their motivation as well to “get their lives on track!”

For you ladies and gents, I’m writing to say…you can. I know, because I did it …when the kids gained their independence and the clock on my kitchen wall ticked louder and reminded me…it was finally my turn to live my best life. Do these words touch your heart and soul?

Do you wish, hope and plan and then find that you have fallen short yet again regarding weight issues, healthy eating goals and those increasingly poor sleeping patterns that find you lost in the sea of guilt and frustration.

At age 50, I found myself equally as lost but hopeful that I could dial down the voices in my head and “just DO IT!”... I stopped over eating  because I refused to become another statistic living on a load of pills I couldn’t pronounce trying to live my life.

 I stopped cutting the walks short or chose not to take that walk at all…I was actually exhausted from NOT taking care of myself.

THEN, I found that if I believed in  myself  enough to just try something new, that I might trigger some inner strength that I had forgotten that I possessed …

That’s when I attended a dance fitness class. Yes, it was a ZUMBA class…and yes I even became an instructor after just a few months at my own teacher's recommendation.

I have crossed paths with many who shared the struggles as I did.

There was a desire and a motivation to get themselves back on track.

Together we figured out how to make that happen.

Continuing education helped me to grow with my classes and to bring those who were moving closer to mid life and beyond to continue to focus on their own success as they grew to reach the goals that each had set for themselves…mind you…it wasn’t my objective…it was their own and as clear as a bright summer sky to join in and was part of a program that would become that lifeline to their healthy and fit aging years.

I had the privilege of teaching many right into their elder years in a program that allowed for the movement to match the music from a seated format.

This was such a popular and so well attended program that I was able to expand to a second speciality called AGING with GRACE bringing professionals in to speak to our classes about the aging process.

Everyone began to love life again and to enjoy the company of those in their communities even if they didn’t grow up together. Imagine that!  We often had luncheons at Shamrock and parties to celebrate life goals and new grandkids and holidays…! 

THEN THIS HAPPENED…and I say all of this lovingly and with compassion and kindness…COVID hit us like a ton of bricks being thrown through our windows and hitting us in the head.

Many became fearful, uncomfortable with living life outside of the safety of our homes. Were we safer? I often ponder this question…you may too.

Not a single medical professional that we visited during that time encouraged healthy activities and suggested that we get out into our community to keep mentally fit and focused on living life the best we could.

Seated class attendance began to drop…Dr appointments began to take the place of that focus on healthy living…one appointment after another.

And finally…the group aged out mentally and then physically.

It was a heart breaking situation.

BUT…something seems to have shifted again. I am actually being contacted by those asking if I’d offer “that seated program again!”

The truth is, I’d love to…but that’s where I need the help of family, friends and others within the community to make that happen…ya see…Seniors are experiencing yet another anxiety and that is from social media contact…and rightly so.  

Perhaps if there was encouragement within our communities, Seniors' confidence might grow again to suggest that it’s OK to join in this kind of  physical activity in a seated program.

If you think this might be something that either you are considering or a loved one or neighbor feel free to share my contact info below…

Thank you…and remember…”it’s within the community that we heal…in isolation we will fall into disease!”.

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist who lives, works, plays and prays in Greene County, NY. Classes are held at the renowned Shamrock House in East Durham…once or twice a week. 

Cost is a lot lower than a Drs co-pay.

Please feel free to contact Pat at 518-275-8686 

And THANK YOU.