May I ask, what brought you here today?
Are you noticing some troubling signs of aging?
- Muscle weakness and losing grip strength
- Feeling like everyday there’s a new ache or pain
- Not having the energy to complete your everyday activities
- An increased fear of falling or not feeling stable
- Feeling your posture deteriorate and adversely affecting your balance
- Looking and feeling older than you think you should
What if I told you, these can all be improved in 4-6 weeks? Even if you’ve never been a regular exerciser.
At Agile 4 Life Fitness, you get fast results because our training methods combine decades of strength training experience with the best research in the science of aging and longevity.
And preventing injuries is a priority. So every class and training is adjusted for your current fitness level using age-appropriate exercises that provide real results.
You’ll find our classes creative and fun, and unlike any senior class you’ve ever attended. Plus, each fitness class includes the 4 most important types of exercise for better health and fitness to maintain your independence:
- Aerobic – for cardiovascular endurance so you have energy that lasts the whole day.
- Strength – to build strong muscles and bones, help posture, and decrease the effects of osteoporosis or osteopenia.
- Balance – to prevent falls and build confidence so you can have a more active life.
- Stretch – for relief of pain and stiffness that comes from misalignments and tightness.
For improvements to your fitness that will change your life, join Agile 4 Life Fitness. Be one of the dedicated seniors who says, “I’m so much stronger now, and I can do so much more than before I started.”
How it all started
It was over 40 years ago when I decided I’d start lifting weights to get stronger. I played sports but was never very strong. So one day I confidently walked into the weight room of the YMCA in my hometown of Oregon, Ohio. Who knew from there I would immerse myself in the study of our amazing human body. The muscles, strength, movement, nutrition, disease, health, and well-being. And now — functional aging and longevity.
At the time I started, it never occurred to me that women didn’t try to get stronger. (However, it did explain the unwelcome stares.) Luckily, one of the regulars at the Y, a competitor bodybuilder, was gracious enough to show me how to lift properly.
My plan worked. I got stronger. I even dabbled in bodybuilding for a while but switched to powerlifting. The sport was just beginning to allow women to compete. And I couldn’t resist.
Not only was powerlifting exhilarating, but it taught me so much. For competition, you lifted the most weight you can possibly move for three lifts; a squat, a bench press, and a deadlift. For the lift to count, it had to be done with perfect form. The skills I learned for competition are skills I still use today to keep myself and those I train, injury free.
As I look back, I’m sure some of my interest in the body was also because even in high school I struggled with back and hip pain. At 35 years of age and after discectomy surgery, I was diagnosed with early degeneration of the spine. It’s a long term condition I manage. Which means I’m not unlike the seniors I work with who also manage chronic conditions and/or pain.
It’s proven
Science knows now what I suspected decades ago, improving strength can have amazing effects on our overall health and fitness.
Leveraging my unique knowledge base and skills, I’ve used my expertise to design effective fitness programs you won’t find anywhere else. I’ve mastered converting the complex science-based practices that improve functional aging into fun and invigorating classes.
My fitness classes actually give you the tools you’ll need to combat the aging process. You’ll increase muscle strength, improve flexibility, have better posture, balance, and stability. You’ll also improve your body alignment so you can stay active and independent without constant nagging pain and stiffness.
I love helping my clients enjoy life again, and that includes the simple day-to-day tasks that bring us all joy.
Joy’s Brag Sheet:
- Certified Personal Trainer, W.I.T.S. & Council Member
- Bachelors of Science in Food and Nutrition
- Senior Fitness Consultant
- Corrective Exercise Specialist in the BioMechanics Method, the highest-rated corrective exercise program in the industry.
- Organized the first women’s weight lifting classes in a number of co-ed gyms and YMCA’s in Ohio and North Carolina.
- Featured in the Cleveland Magazine for offering the first women’s weight lifting classes in Cleveland, Ohio while training at Black’s Health World.
- Nutrition consultant and guest on “Taking Shape”, a WTVI Public Television, 16-week special televised program.
- Co-author and content advisor for the “WIN Program – A Strategy for Successful Weight Management” used at a medical-based weight loss clinic.
- Judge for the American Federation of Women Bodybuilders (AFWB)
- Competitor in powerlifting competitions sponsored by the Ohio National Physique Committee (NPC) and the United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF)
- Traveled with a professional tennis player to help teach healthy eating while traveling.
- Nutritional Educator & organizer for Heart-Healthy-Cooking Classes for a hospital-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.
- Facilitator for “Lose to Win” & “Changes – Weight Loss for Health” weight management programs at a large YMCA in California.
- Contributing writer to the website TravelAwaits.com/Retirement
- “Ask the Expert” contributor for the website seasons.com
- Author, creator, and instructor of Standing Strong – A Seniors Guide to Fall Prevention, a complete comprehensive 12-week program guaranteed to improve balance and strength