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SPINCO Founder and Philanthropist, Michelle August

For those of us who monetize our passion, the lifestyle of entrepreneurship can often take a mental and physical toll on our bodies. Managing your own time means working around the clock which makes it difficult for some entrepreneurs to fit a healthy amount of sleep and regular fitness training into their booked schedules.

For Michelle August, founder of indoor cycling studio SPINCO, building a community, moving past fear and taking calculated risks are not only the foundations of her business but the keys to success for busy entrepreneurs.

Starting SPINCO just five years ago at the age of 22 years old, she cultivated a dedicated following and has grown the business with over 400,000 riders across Canada. However, this success started with uncertainty at the beginning of her journey. Moving back home to Kelowna, British Columbia after completing a basketball scholarship in California, she initially worked for her familys automotive business. She quickly recognized that selling cars was not her calling and the lack of community left her unmotivated and inactive. This is where the idea for creating SPINCO was born. Leaning into her core values of community and fitness, August created the type of environment for customers that she desired for herself. I was not only working out for myself, but I was working out for my team and those around me and that was a huge motivator for me. Thats what SPINCO has been built on, she recalls, It is for pushing those people that are in your class, motivating and inspiring those around you as well. Feeding off their energy is a huge part of what SPINCO is today and the main reason why I originally started it in the first place.

Spinco merchandise

The lesson learned in this experience is that the work starts with you. We all know fitness is important to our health, but did you know it could also be critical for your business? Here, August shares three reasons why taking care of yourself and your teams means that your business will maintain an edge over the competition.

A Pivotal Role In Business Health

For every benefit of being your own boss, there is a cost. Weigh gain, high levels of unmanaged stress, and chronic fatigue, are just a few of the ways entrepreneurs may neglect their bodies in order to grow their business. According to August, this way of operating not only affects the well-being of entrepreneurs but will also ultimately trickle down into the health of the company. Incorporating a schedule of consistent physical activity that challenges you helps. She says, Its kind of similar to what they say on airplanes, You need to put your oxygen mask on before supporting those around you. Learning to fight through the doubts and obstacles in class or at the gym is the best training ground for building a resilient and determined mindset in your day-to-day lifestyle. Making yourself a priority will allow you to maximize your energy and increase your ability to care of your customers, clients and staff.

Develop Laser-Like Focus

Mental acuity is sharpness of the mind. For sustainable entrepreneurship, being able to concentrate and understand the problem or task at hand, maintain focus and good memory are essential. All of these are driven and improved by stimulating different parts of the brain through exercise. Dr. Joe Kottoor, a chiropractor and rehab specialist who has worked with several Olympic athletes and Toronto Raptors players says exercise is one of the best, easiest and cheapest ways of doing it. Theres research studies that show that [exercise] increases the size of the hippocampus- that area of the brain which is involved in memory and learning. Another one is the pre-frontal cortex, which is the frontal lobe, he says, Its apart of the brain which is highly involved in Executive function. Creativity, problem solving, comprehension and perseverance are important attributes to have as a leader.

Build A Strong Team

Working on tight deadlines or simply trying to manage a multitude of responsibilities each day is not only a challenge for owners but is tough on their teams as well. Research has found that exercise has tremendous benefits on peoples overall mood and ability to tackle their daily to-do lists. Findings from a study showed that people who exercised during work hours reported that their concentration increased by 21% and furthermore, 41% felt more motivated on days they worked out. At SPINCO, August notices more companies such as start-ups and even large investment organizations have begun to bring their teams in for group workouts. She notes, I think just getting to that first class and proving yourself wrong is a huge first step for employers and staff. Dr. Kottoor also recognizes this as an important element of creating a better work culture, Employees that move are happier and more productive. Whether youre the CEO of a company or youre at the entry level, if you encourage people to move, then we see an improvement in individual happiness but also in work productivity.

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Fitness Is Important To Our Health, But Its Critical For Your Business. This Founder Explains Why - Forbes

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JTA Police are investigating a possible anti-Semitic attack in a fitness studio in the German city of Freiburg.

Samuel Kantorovych, 19, reported in a post on Facebook that he was attacked Tuesday night while wearing a kippa.

According to the online Badische Zeitung newspaper, it is not the only anti-Semitic incident that police are investigating in Freiburg, in the west German state of Baden-Wrttemberg.

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Kantorovych was in the locker room after working out at the Mcfit Freiburg gym when a man tore off his kippa, which had been fastened to his hair with clips. He started wearing a kippa six months ago, he said.

According to Kantorovychs account, the man threatened to beat him, called him a dirty Jew and shouted Free Palestine before spitting on the kippa and throwing it in the trash. Kantorovych recalled that there were 10 men in the room, but only one intervened, standing in front of the perpetrator until he backed off.

Kantorovych said in his post Tuesday that he was shocked by the attack.

He looked at me and asked me do you want me to beat you up? Fk off you dirty Jew! I was overwhelmed by this situation and (for whatever reason) I asked him here, in front of everybody?

Kantorovych said he turned and looked at the men standing around.

No one reacted, everyone was just watching until one intervened, he said.

As he left the gym, the attacker reportedly told an employee that nothing happened and no one could prove anything anyway.

Kantorovych canceled his club membership out of fear of meeting his attacker again.

He circulated a photo of his kippa in the garbage bin. The kippa is now in possession of police as evidence.

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Its 2019 and Henry Golding if the king of romantic comedies. Following his leading role as Nick Young in Crazy Rich Asians, the English actor nabbed Tom in Last Christmas, opposite Emilia Clarke. And while audiences have been captivated by Goldings charm in theaters, hes been living out his own fairy tale romance in real life. So who is Goldings wife, Liv Lo? Heres everything you need to know about the couples relationship and marriage.

According to Los Instagram page, the 34-year-old is a TV presenter, founder of FitSphere, and an advocate for nature. Per The Cut, Lo also grew up in Taiwan and went to Tokyo for university, where she was scouted by a modeling agency. The publication also revealed Lo ended her modeling career and focused on the entertainment landscape. She then found passion in being a fitness instructor.

Now, Lo is the founder of FitSphere, a fitness program that combines yoga and high-intensity interval training. And according to the South China Morning Post, the Taiwanese-Italian entrepreneur hopes to encourage others to live out their fitness goals.

My mission is just to help people find their fitness and to stick with it for life, Lo told the publication. No matter what stage people are at, I want them to find a fitness that is meaningful to them.

On Oct. 29, Golding shared the story of how he met Lo when stopping by Live with Kelly and Ryan. And its basically the perfect meet-cute for Hollywoods next big rom-com.

It was one of those old-fashioned stories, Golding said, noting there was no app or swiping involved. We were in a club on New Years Eve and I saw her from afar and she was like this wild cat. I was just getting over my hangover from the previous day But halfway through the night, I was popping off to the loo, and she just steps in my way.

Golding continued: She was like, Why havent you said hello to me yet? Im leaving tomorrow and youre never going to see me again. What are you going to do about it? So I got her number and we went for brunch the next day. She lived in Tokyo, I lived in Singapore. So we did long distance.

The 32-year-old then gushed over his wifes forwardness. But dont you just love it when a woman just punches you in the face? he said. Its hot when a girl takes you by the collar.

Back in 2018, Lo also shared her perspective from the night she met Golding. On Instagram, Lo wrote:

We met 1.1.11 in Singapore at a friends birthday party. I knew you had noticed me but didnt introduce yourself. Disappointed, I tried all my craziest wildest efforts, including dancing on speakers, to grab your attention. If you werent going to speak to me, I knew I would have to. As I was leaving you walked behind me. Here was my chance. I had nothing to lose. I turned around and said Hi, I am leaving and youre never going to see me again. And so began our love story.

When speaking with Her World in August 2018, Lo spilled the details on Goldings proposal. It was on our fourth anniversary, and we were on holiday in Phuket, she said. We had the best day riding on motorbikes to temples, finding secret beaches and eating spicy Thai food.

Lo then explained how an anniversary date turned into an unforgettable experience.

He had booked a restaurant at sunset that just so happened to have a string quartet playing and was serving champagne on arrival. But, I just thought he was being romantic as it was our anniversary, Lo said. However, we took a stroll on the rocks and he proposed at the magic hour. Unforgettable.

The publication also revealed Golding and Lo got married at the Cove 55 resort in Sarawak, Malaysia, celebrating their wedding anniversary on Aug. 20. And now, three years later, it seems Golding is just as infatuated with his wife as ever.

My wife is the best woman in the whole universe, Golding told People in February 2019. Shes so strong, shes extremely loyal, independent. I wouldnt be able to do it without her, so its wonderful to be able to have this success, but also, its wonderful to be able to share it with her.

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Who Is Henry Golding's Wife? Liv Lo Is a Fitness Entrepreneur Married to the 'Last Christmas' Star - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

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HAMPTON, N.H., Nov. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --In honor of Veterans Day, Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone, invites all veterans and active military personnel to work out for free at any of Planet Fitness' more than 1,800 clubsthroughout the United States from Nov. 8 15.*

In addition to full access to club services such as free small group fitness training taught anytime by PE@PF certified trainers, veterans and active military personnel are invited to bring a workout buddy with them at no additional charge and relax after they work out with free HydroMassage and chair massages. HydroMassage provides a convenient way to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a massage, typically enjoyed either pre-workout to loosen tight muscles or post-workout as a cool-down. Travelling jets move up and down the body with wave-like streams of heated water, allowing users to select the exact points where they would like to concentrate the massage, select the desired massage pressure, adjust the speed and even hold the massage in any given area.

"We're grateful for the countless sacrifices those in the armed forces have made and continue to make on behalf of our country, and we look forward to welcoming our nation's heroes into Planet Fitness as a small token of our appreciation for their service," said Jamie Medeiros, Vice President of National Marketing at Planet Fitness.

To locate the nearest Planet Fitness club and take advantage of this limited time offer, please visit PlanetFitness.com/VeteransDay.

*Any proof of military service is accepted, along with a photo ID.

About Planet FitnessFounded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of June 30, 2019, Planet Fitness had more than 14.0 million members and 1,859 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

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https://www.planetfitness.com

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Planet Fitness Invites Veterans And Active Military Personnel To "Work Out And Relax" For Free From Nov. 8 - 15 - PRNewswire

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The Venu is a 43mm-wide crossover watch, designed to sit in the grey area between fitness watches, where Garmin is strong, and smartwatches, where it isn't. It's a Vivoactive 4 with a nicer-looking body and a higher-res display, which is the main selling point. Where the Vivoactive 4 has a 260 x 260 low-power display, the Venu has a 390 x 390 AMOLED touchscreen.

It's a gorgeous screen, and the live faces are especially pretty. Each pane you swipe through have been given a polish. But the watch doesn't make the most of it, because the Venu is running Garmin's stock OS, which is designed for watches with lower-resolution displays. Garmin hasn't sought to take advantage of the better display to make the information denser, or more useful.

So, like a regular running watch, you have to cycle through any number of cards to get to the stat you need. And, because it's a fitness watch first, you can get plenty of fine-grain data about your body and your day. Including heart rate, stress, steps, stairs, calories, breaths per minute, pulse oximetry, weather, calendar, phone notifications and hydration levels.

If all of these are added to the carousel, then finding a specific card, like the hydration tracker, is a nightmare. I tried to keep tabs on how much water I'd drank but gave up after half a day, in frustration. If Garmin had compressed some of this data on to a couple of screens and used the touchscreen more, this wouldn't have happened.

The further you push into smartwatch territory, the more the Venu falls short of what you would expect, especially at this price. Paired with an iOS device, the most you'll get are notification previews of what's on-screen, same as with most other wearables. And, if you try and install third-party apps onto the system, you'd better buckle in and hope for good weather and plenty of luck.

I tried to install Spotify onto the watch in order to use offline music and, well, I haven't been able to yet. There's a default app you can install, but it doesn't work, so you have to visit the Garmin Connect store and download one there. Installing and deleting both, twice over, and a couple of restarts, and I finally got access to my playlists via the watch. But actually playing them, or downloading them to my watch, hasn't happened -- something that other users are struggling with. I've spoken to Garmin about this, and am waiting for a response.

Update: Nov 7th, 10:00am ET: Garmin has said that there does appear to be an issue here and a fix is currently in the works that should be ready soon. The company added that it is contact with users on its support forums, where it posts updates regarding future tweaks and added problem solving.

But I don't just come here to bury the Venu, I come to praise it as well. When you steer clear from the smartwatch elements, it's a great device. The GPS is whip-fast to find a signal and, because it's Garmin, the activity tracking is spot on. Due to the time of year, I've been using my rowing machine a lot, and love the amount of data you get from the Venu.

And I can't speak highly enough about the Venu's battery life, which is staggering. It has managed to last six full days on a single charge. You'll burn through the battery faster with an always-on display mode, but it's not really designed for that. Personally, I don't want a watch that I need to recharge on a daily basis, and so the Venu's longevity is an asset.

Fundamentally, the Garmin Venu is a fitness watch that's playing at being a smartwatch, and so fails to stand equal to devices from rivals. For its $399 asking price, you can get a number of other wearables that have better integrations with app ecosystems, music players and mobile payments. If, however, you treat it as a prettier version of the Vivoactive 4, then it stands a little stronger on its own merits. Just don't go in expecting a credible alternative to smartwatches from Apple or Samsung.

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Garmins Venu is a great fitness wearable pretending to be a smartwatch - Engadget

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In a recent interview the Roger Federer's longtime fitness trainer Pierre Paganini largely spoke about his relationship with the Swiss maestro who keeps being successful also after turning 38. 'I do not love to speak about my co-operation with Roger', said Paganini.

'We have been knowing each other for so many years and if I wanted, I could have given many interviews or make sayings on him, but it's a thing I don't like. It's the player who heads into the court, not his team, so the one who goes on court needs to be in the centre of attention.

I played tennis with Federer just once and it was one of the funniest moments in my life: I ran for ten minutes no stop but I coud not take the ball.' Commenting on his year schedule with Federer, Paganini added: 'My work with Federer goes from 140 to 160 days a year.

His fitness preparation is about three or four blocks that can change when he gets injured. It's important to do the right thing in the right moment. Roger learned to know his body very well and knows how to handle energies.

Over the years this aspect was even important, especially since when he became a father. It's a challenge and he was not afraid after that he turned 30, of course you do not have the same resistance as before, but you know how to handle yourself on court.

The most important thing is to find the right balance between preparation, tournaments to play and recovery time. I am sure that if Roger will be doing well physically he will keep playing the way he knows.'

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Fitness trainer funnily recalls when he played tennis with Roger Federer - Tennis World USA

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An injunction has been ordered against a man who threatened to kill a transgender woman after she used the womens locker room at a Nashua Planet Fitness gym earlier this year, the New Hampshire attorney generals office said Monday.

The Hillsborough County Superior Court-Southern District found that Marc Bernier violated the states Civil Rights Act when he made the threats based upon his belief that she should not have used the womens locker room because (of) her gender and Mr. Berniers perception of her gender, Attorney General Gordon MacDonalds office said in a statement.

Bernier repeatedly made threats to the other gym patron on March 17 after he learned she is transgender and used the locker room to change her clothes, officials said.

The court enjoined Mr. Bernier from contacting the victim, from knowingly coming within 250 feet of the victim, and from entering the Planet Fitness located at 18 Northwest Boulevard in Nashua, the statement says. The injunction will last for one year.

Bernier must also pay a $3,000 civil penalty with all except $500 suspended for one year under the condition that he comply with the terms of the injunction, according to MacDonalds office.

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A transgender woman used the womens locker room at a N.H. Planet Fitness. Then a man threatened to kill her, court finds. - Boston.com

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Julie Wong is 70 years old and she lifts weights three times a week. The grandmother of three can squat 45kg comfortably. She can go heavier with just a little more effort.

Wong may be the oldest in her strength and conditioning classes at Revelation Republic, a gym in Petaling Jaya, but she is often the benchmark not because of her age but the grit and determination she displays in completing the WODs (Workouts Of the Day).

When we post videos of our workouts on social media, many youngsters are inspired by Aunty Julie, says Letch Sina, one of the coaches at Revelation Republic.

For Wong, age isnt a reason to slow down. In fact, to stay healthy and remain independent, she extols the benefits of weight training simply because it has worked for her.

I have much more energy now and, because of all the core work I do, my balance is better too. I dont trip as much and when I do, I am able to brace and keep myself from falling.

It has also helped with my daily chores. I used to need a trolley to carry my groceries but now I can carry the load, even if it is heavy.

I am also in better shape... I dont have love handles around my waist and I dont have chicken wings or flabby underarms, says Wong, lifting her toned, taut arms as proof.

Wong believes strength training and conditioning workouts are not out of reach for seniors.

But Wong hasnt always been into weights or exercise. In fact, she exercised for the first time just 10 years ago!

I have never liked exercise. Just the thought of exercise was torture for me. The first time I ever exercised was when I turned 60. I remember walking up Bukit Kiara and was just a third of the way up before I resolved to never do it again. But, I somehow managed to complete the whole loop. I noticed many others who were older than me and that made me persevere. Still, it wasnt really a regular activity that I did, she shares.

As luck would have it, all three of her sons are fitness enthusiasts. While on a summer break from his studies in the United States, her youngest son, Jonathan, got on her case about exercising regularly.

He saw how sedentary my lifestyle was and drew up a six-day workout plan for me to follow weekly. I joined the gym and have been exercising regularly for the last six years, she shares.

Pace is key

Wong confesses that she still doesnt look forward to working out but she keeps at it because she sees the positive impact it has had on her life.

For many seniors though, CrossFit-style workouts are daunting because the hype around CrossFit tends to focus on how high-intensity it is rather than how functional it can be.

Wong however believes that the workouts arent out of reach for seniors; rather, they are essential.

I think we need to get rid of the mindset that we are too old to do this and that. We are never too old to achieve anything we want. Of course, as we age, we must know our body and our limits.

Its easy to feel pressured by youngsters who tend to work out at a faster pace. In the beginning, I did feel pressured to keep up but the coaches always encouraged me to go slow.

The coaches are really good and they make sure that I keep to good form. It is very important to have good coaches and to listen to advice, she says.

Because she is careful, Wong says that she hasnt sustained any injuries.

Before I started working out, I used to suffer from back pain but now, even though I lift heavier weights, I have no back pain at all, she says.

Seniors must pace themselves and not feel pressured to keep up with the youngsters.

It wasnt easy

CrossFits focus on functional movement makes it an ideal workout for seniors, says Letch.

Many seniors are intimidated but when they start to work out, they feel stronger and realise that the workouts are achievable.

We go slower with senior members and take more time to explain the movements. They may need more time to understand and master the exercises but if they pace themselves and keep at it, there is nothing stopping them, she says.

As she had never exercised, let alone lift weights, Wong started with very light weights.

Even so, her muscles ached after every workout and often for days after.

It wasnt easy. It still isnt easy but I have gotten stronger and so, it doesnt ache as much.

I remember the first class I did. We did squats and the day after, I struggled to walk down the stairs. Going up was painful but it was bearable; climbing down was pure torture.

The next class had us working on our upper body and after that my arms ached like anything. But, even though I thought I would not be able to lift, I found that I could. That really motivated me, she recalls.

New recruit Amy Ng Siew Chin, 59, says that she was intimidated the first time she joined a strength and conditioning class. She didnt think she could do it but after just two months, Ng has surprised even herself.

After her first two classes, Ng didn't want to return. But she's glad she did as she is much stronger and confident about herself now.

When I came for the first few classes I thought that these workouts were crazy.

I went home and told my family that I wasnt going to go on but my husband and sons encouraged me to stick to it.

So I kept coming back. I took it slow and the coaches took me through the movements step by step, over and over again and with their encouragement and also the other youngsters in the classes, I began to get better and stronger.

It has been two months since my first class and I still dont know what all the different movements are called but I am more confident now and stronger too. I am still learning but I have more stamina and my body is more toned, says Ng as she picks up a pair of dumbells to complete her set of bicep curls.

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An Clonmel, County Tipperary, online personal trainer and nutritionistis celebrating after landing another top award.

Peter OHalloran of PPT Fitness and Nutrition won the Best Fitness Influencer Award the recent Irish Beauty Blog Awards. Peter says that he never set out to become a fitness influencer. I still dont see myself as one, he admits.

He says social media has helped him massively. The amount of people you can reach online is crazy. I get messages from people all over the globe, which shows the power of social media.

Peter advises aspiring fitness and nutrition influencers to become educated in the field before putting content online. Its a great way of promoting yourself, but you need to be able to walk the walk. Become qualified, because theres nothing worse than someone giving advice who has no credentials to back it up. People want to hear the truth on what will benefit them. If you dont know what youre talking about, your credibility will take a nosedive. Gain experience in the industry. Education is key, he says.

Peter says the public appreciate honesty and influencers who are authentic. Instagram is a crazy platform. People trying to portray their best life, as they say. When it comes to fitness and nutrition, its even worse. Lies and misinformation are rife, he says.

I focus on showing the truth, the real me and not sugar coating the truth either. People prefer someone being real with them, someone who is one of them and someone they can connect with, Peter, who is a non-commissioned officer in the Defence Forces at Stephen's Barracks, adds.

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'Lies are rife - TipperaryLive.ie

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Baby Boomers, who are the estimated 76 million people born in the United States between 1946 and 1964, have definitely changed the nation and the world for the better, from the civil rights movement to the mobile digital device, which literally provide access to all the worlds knowledge in the palm of a hand.

But as more Boomers are retiring, many continue influencing society in other vital ways, such as by keeping in shape, staying healthy, keeping fit, or regaining good form, both physically and mentally.

Thats where Phyllis Whittaker, a volunteer fitness instructor with the Lark Community Center, has made her presence felt by leading a popular exercise program at that facility, which hosts education, social and recreational activities designed for Baby Boomers.

I never gave it any thought, it just happened. It evolved, the longtime Valley resident, who grew up in Earlville, Illinois, recalled of her decision a decade-and-a-half ago to become a volunteer fitness instructor. I hope I can do it for another 15 years.

Mary Villarreal, an area community and business leader, and a former City Secretary for Edinburg, is one of the many grateful beneficiaries of Whittakers volunteerism.

Fifteen years of volunteer service is remarkable and admirable by any standard, and Phyllis is certainly deserving of honorable recognition and praise, said Villarreal. That is why many of us who participate in her fitness programs are calling attention to her public service.

As a former City Secretary in Edinburg, Villarreal understands the importance of deserving individuals receiving public recognition for their achievements or milestones.

In her capacity as City Secretary, Villarreal would prepare city proclamations, which were approved by the mayor and city councilmembers, to honor Edinburg residents.

It was only natural that Phyllis students wanted to give her the credit she deserves, said Villarreal. I enjoy seeing people getting recognized for the things they do.

Whittaker, a retired science educator with a Masters Degree in Library Science from Texas Womens University in Denton, says she gains as many, if not more, blessings from leading the morning sessions, which focus on age-appropriate exercises involving stretching, walking aerobics, and weight lifting.

Besides my cats getting me up in the morning, this is good for me. I enjoy the physical activities, but the social connection is important, too, she said. People who exercise at home only receive half of the benefits. Here, we become friends, do things together.

A graduate of Pan American University with a Bachelors Degree in the sciences (biology/chemistry, physics), Whittaker decades later signed up for the free exercise sessions at Lark Community Center.

A classroom educator by profession, she taught thousands of McAllen students in middle school and in high school over the span of her professional life. As she moved into her retirement, she became a student at the same fitness program she now leads.

Our fitness instructor was married and became pregnant, so she had to resign to focus on her family, Whittaker said. By then, I had learned quite a bit from her, so I volunteered (for no pay) to take her place.

Whittaker said she did not have any professional training in physical education, but I still had the experience to teach a class.

As time went on, at least 500 people from throughout the region have participated in the fitness program taught by her. There is no charge for anyone to attend any of the exercise sessions.

I did it because it was needed, and I just pretty much did what our former fitness instructor had developed for us, she said.

Whittakers loyal fitness program participants draw strength from her and her classes in more ways than one.

We are appreciative of Phyllis, who reassures us that we can have an exercise program that benefits us but doesnt involve pain or discomfort, Villarreal said. Her dedication to her fitness students here at Lark Community Center is such that she even led our classes while she was under medical care for a neck problem. She demonstrates her love for her community, and speaking on behalf of everyone who has been involved in her classes, the feeling is mutual.

Whittaker takes it all in stride, saying she doesnt volunteer with the intent of generating positive press.

It is just as good for me, Whittaker reflects on her volunteer services. It keeps me healthy and going.

Whittaker was humbled by the attention, but quickly noted there are many other volunteers, either as individuals or as members of a group, who share their skills, talents and time like she does.

For example, there are more than 100 volunteers for different programs at the Lark Community Center, which is located at 2601 Lark Avenue.

There are two other such facilities also operated by the City of McAllen: Las Palmas Community Center at 1921 N. 25th and Palmview Community Center at 3401 Jordan Road.

The City of McAllen is looking for volunteers who would like to share their time and talent with our staff and residents of our growing community, according to the McAllens city website. Our city welcomes volunteers and their involvement in many areas and capacities that may provide short term work experience or long term work knowledge.

As a volunteer one may gain more than work experience, one can fulfill the quench for knowledge as well as learning new experiences, the city website further states.

The City of McAllen has many different areas you may volunteer in. For further information please feel free to contact the City of McAllen Volunteer Coordinator at (956) 681-1045. https://www.mcallen.net/departments/parks/community-centers

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Phyllis Whittaker praised by grateful Valley residents for her 15 years of volunteer service in leading vital exercise program for fellow retirees -...

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