A ‘SITE’ TO SEE

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

Annacelia Gander visits Gold’s Gym five times each week. Other workout enthusiasts are impressed as they watch her perform core-strengthening exercises, lift free weights, and walk with resistance bands.

“Most members there know me by name,” she said.

Annacelia isn’t the youngest member in the gym, but rather than tell her age, she prefers to be called mature. But it’s no secret that her commitment to exercising faithfully and eating healthy has paid big dividends.

“I never have any aches or pains,” said Annacelia, a retired health care administrator. “And when I visit the doctor I always receive a clean bill of health.”

She prides herself on helping others achieve healthy lifestyles, as well. She is the inventor and chairperson of getfitlake. com, a comprehensive website where users can learn what local resources are available for fitness, nutrition, and health. Whether you want to know about cycling trails in Lake County or locate a diabetic support group, the website offers it all.

“You’ll find anything—apps that tell you about healthy food selections, running trails in local parks and even health-related events,” she said.

“Everything on the website is current and to-date.”

Annacelia originally launched getfitlake.com in 2008 to combat childhood obesity. However, she decided the website also should reach parents to help them become healthy role models. In 2014, Jaime Adkins, a web development teacher at Umatilla High School, and her student, Felicia Le Clair, redesigned and enhanced the website.

“It’s 400 times better than it was before,” Annacelia said. “The challenge now is getting the word out and letting everyone know the site exists.”

FOR ANNACELIA A TYPICAL DAY OF EATING LOOKS LIKE THISANNACELIA REALIZES THE POWER OF A SMILE

Breakfast A protein smoothie with banana, blueberries, flaxseed, spinach, yogurt, almond milk, and whey protein.

Lunch A salad or sandwich with multigrain bread. Dinner Some form of protein, salad, and vegetable.

“If I’m walking down an aisle in Walmart I look at someone and smile at that person. Although the person may be a complete stranger, maybe he or she hasn’t received a smile all day. It’s important to be positive in life and respect other people.”