Seniors Find Friends, Fitness At Gym

Many say that Baby Boomers and beyonders were instrumental in growing the exercise craze into what it is today, and after listening to Dixie's guests this week, you may agree.

There's a happening group at Crossroads Fitness club off Horizon Drive that confirms what we've always known, exercise not only builds muscle tone and bone strength, it builds a family of friends. Need proof? Just ask Alice Laver.

"I've made so many friends. This is my buddy Rex," she said, pointing to a long-time workout friend of hers. "We started out together and we're still doin it together..."

She's mapped out the perfect exercise program that brings side benefits, including a family of friends.

"We have coffee everyday. We have our little coffee clique, and we've been doing that for years. And we celebrate birthdays once-a-month..." she explained.

Her exercise buddy, Rex Buehrer, was kind of pushed into exercising.

"My son says, "I want you to go down to Crossroads cause I don't want you sittin home alone,"" he recalled.

And, Alice says, she has to keep on him to keep exercising.

"He doesn't workout much when he comes," she said with a laugh.

Betty Samuel started working out a long time ago with a couple special guys, and has been dedicated to the cause ever since.

"My son, when he was not even three, we would workout to Jack Lalanne on TV. And we were quite the couple, and I've always belonged to gyms," she explained.

Her exercise program includes yoga and more, thanks to the great staff at the club.

"We're gaining muscle as well as bone," explained Samuel, "which is very important at our age."

Baby Boomer Debbie Parko started taking a water aerobics class that got her in the swim of things.

"The instructor didn't show up for a couple of classes that I was in. I had attended several classes and I thought, "I'm gonna do this,"" she explained.

She says water exercises are a perfect fit for many.

"(The) benefits of the water are less impact on your hips and knees and back," she said. "You can still get your aerobic workout."

Cameron Reece, general manager of Crossroads, is second generation at the club, which was started by his Baby Boomer dad.

"This is our passion is the health club business, and it's been... it's a fun job. I love, I love my job. It's so much fun," he said.

Cameron, who is a firm believer in keeping active, says they try to have something for everyone.

"We have group strength classes, Pilates classes, cycling classes. And anybody in all levels can come to any of the classes," he said.

When asked how long they all planned on exercising, they certainly had the answer!

"I started in my sixties and I'm eighty-four now," said Laver, "and I'm gonna come here as long as I can."

For more information on classes and Crossroads new "Club Within a Club" program, call 242-8746 or click here.