FIT FEATURES Jennifer Davis Jennifer Davis, 36, of Charlotte, is a mother of three and a yoga instructor who found out, after a motorcycle accident last June, just how important fitness can be in a recovery from injuries. “As a result of the accident, the range of motion in my knee was severely limited,” she said. “I had a torn tendon and had a large wound trying to heal. But, despite all the pain and frustration, this recovery process has taught me so many valuable lessons.” She said, because she was in such good shape, her recovery was faster, even though she realized how important it was to ease back into a routine. “Because I led an active lifestyle, my body was accustomed to taking care of itself, thus making the healing process much smoother,” she said. “I found out that trying to rush the recovery process and feeling angry about my situation only made things tougher. Even after I was well enough to begin to exercise again, I still needed to be careful and ease back into activity. So many of us are always looking ahead towards better days, when really we need to love where we are today.” She said she practices yoga daily and stays active with her kids at home. She also hits the gym three to five days a week. She said her diet is focused on healthy foods that leave her feeling energized. “I don’t believe in denying yourself the foods you love, but I definitely believe in moderation and balance,” she said. She feels fitness, as well as recovering from such a drastic injury, is better with support. “My husband has been my rock this year, a constant source of strength by my side. He was injured in the accident as well, yet still poured all his effort into helping me heal,” she said. “Even the most independent of people need to learn to lean on others in times of trouble. I believe exercise is best experienced with others, and I have been overwhelmed by the amount of people from my gym who have stepped up and worked out alongside me, at my pace, as I work my way back to health.”
Jill Tribell
Lois Hopkins
Jill Tribell, 69, of Okemos, is a retired Holt Public Schools elementary teacher. After years of keeping up with her students Tribell said that, in retirement, she realized she needed new movement routines and healthier eating. “About four years ago I joined a Playmakers running group with my husband,” she said. “Neither of us had ever been runners, though we had always been active in other ways. This was a new adventure for both of us.” It definitely worked to keep her active. In 2019, she said she completed 25 races. “I’ve accumulated a few medals, but usually I am happy to just get outside and complete the race with a good time,” she said. In addition to her running group, Tribell said she takes a tai chi class each week and added a strength class for runners. “This has helped me regain a quicker running pace and the core strength that I think I had completely lost,” she said. “I have been keeping a log of my exercise for 4 years now. My goal is to get at least 30 minutes of movement each day. Writing down what I have completed each day has helped keep me mindful of my progress.” She said she’s lost 50 pounds by going through Weight Watchers with a friend during this time, as well. She said it’s hard to keep it off, though. “Each day is a new beginning, so I readjust when I need to and work to get back on the path of healthy eating,” she said. “When the eating and moving are both in sync I feel so much better, inside and out. I like myself more and feel more positive about everything. Finding that balance just makes life better!”
In retirement, Lois Hopkins, 68, of East Lansing, has figured out that she has to keep moving to stay healthy. She’s a coach with the Playmakers’ Women’s 5K Training Team, a good form walking coach and a yoga instructor. “I feel working out is important for my health and I believe that, as I age, if I stop moving eventually I won’t be able to move,” she said. “Fitness and a healthy diet go hand-inhand. There is a saying that you can’t outrun a bad diet.” Hopkins said she participates in a variety of actives throughout the week. “Normally I will walk or run three to five miles,” she said. “I also attend a yoga class, or work out at the gym in a small group personal training class.” She said she’s also gradually moving toward a plant-based diet. “I also try to minimize added sugars,” she said. “Everything is about choices. Sometimes I make choices that are wiser than others. We have to give ourselves grace and acceptance.” She said motivation and accountably are key when it comes to staying active. “If you have trouble staying motivated, make a plan to meet friends to work out,” she said. “You have then made a commitment to not only yourself but to others. Make it fun or you won’t do it!” www.healthyandfitmagazine.com
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