Fred Stroman

Oct 13, 2007 by kimpomares

Fred was chosen to be a GO2 Champion because of his age. He sets an example for older adults, to continue to participate in physical activity and maintain an active lifestyle!

Fred has been physically active his entire life as his life’s work involved occupations that kept him moving, lifting, bending and strengthening his muscles on a regular basis. Whether it was working on the farm or working in the carpentry industry Fred always was constantly on the move and keeping his body and mind in shape.

With retirement Fred’s daily physical and mental activities began to change from those of an active person to daily events of a not so active person. With time Fred began to realize that he was loosing his strength and endurance for the same activities that he once did with ease. Fred began to change his thinking and realized that if he didn’t start to do more physical activity he was going to loose more of his abilities.

At the young age of 82, Fred keeps physically active by attending Country Fitness Gym at least 3 times a week for the past 14 years! He stated his daughter encouraged him to join a gym after a conversation they had had about his abilities and attitude with retirement. Not only does Fred come to the gym three times a week but in the winter and in the summer can be found either in his garden or on the golf course.

Fred’s physical shape does not come without mental motivation.

“Once I realized that my daily chores were becoming difficult because I had stopped being physically active I began to see the benefits of physical activity and then I started feeling better mentally because there was something I could do that was in my control”.

In short,

“I needed to be more physically active to age healthy”

Like many seniors Fred has many chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and back pain. All these conditions are well controlled and do not interfere with Fred’s daily activities, which he contributes to his physically active lifestyle. He contributes physical activity to a better feeling about himself and aging. Fred encourages everyone, especially seniors, to think differently about aging and the benefits of physical activity.