Getting fit with .... Roberta & Neal Nelson

Occupation: Roberta – Retired elementary school teacher Neal – Retired financial advisor

Years Exercising: Roberta – 50 years Neal – 55 years

Frequency: 3-4x per week

Favorite exercise & favorite food: Roberta – walking & assisted machines; ice cream & fruit Neal – walking & strength training; Chinese, hot & spicy, pizza

Favorite motivational saying: Roberta – This is the day the Lord has made. I will be glad and rejoice in it. Neal – Doesn’t need a motivational saying to get to the gym!

What inspired you to start exercising? Roberta – As a college student I heard a lecture from a fitness expert; I started jogging and continued jogging my whole life. Every year on my birthday I take a birthday run. Sometimes I run with my family. Neal – Team sports participation.

How has being consistent with your fitness benefited you? Neal & Roberta – We’ve been extremely healthy and active. This has allowed us to do many things together.

What do your family or friends think of your fitness habits? They admire us. Our daughters followed our example. They’re both mothers and have led their kids to do the same.

What are the challenges you have overcome to maintain your fitness? Schedules and work, but the hardest part is getting out the door. Plan and commit ahead of time because if you have a plan you’re more likely to get up and go. You can’t wait until the end of the day to think about exercise you may not go.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting their fitness journey? Be consistent. Start slow and listen to your body.

Editor’s note: This is a new column provided by Fitness Center staff