The Spotlight is back! Each week we will be introducing you to members of our community: employees, volunteers, and fighters!
When did you start teaching at 110 Fitness?
I started teaching at 110 Fitness sometime in late summer/early fall 2019. ( And continued through videos during the Pandemic of 2020)
What inspired you to be a part of the 110 Fitness community?
I was inspired to be a part of the 110 Community when I visited with a friend. I was conducting private classes, in my home for Gayle Franklin in 2019. At the time I was working toward credentials as a “Yoga Therapist”. I suggested that I accompany her to a boxing session so I could observe what was expected of her, so I could formulate a plan for her best benefit. I fell in love with the atmosphere in the gym as I observed the work the participants were doing and Brett’s enthusiastic, encouraging and uplifting coaching. Yes! “Love at first sight”. At the end of the session Brett announced they were in need of a yoga instructor. On my way down the stairs I announced that I was a yoga instructor and handed him a business card. God’s timing! We had a telephone interview during which I offered, that I would teach a class at no charge. If he liked my work he may like to hire me. I started the next week and have grown in my love for the community and as their facilitator more and more. I continually do research to find more and better ways to help them to maintain their abilities, and hopefully to improve in any ways they can.
What class(es) do you teach? What certifications do you hold?
I teach Yoga Mondays at 11am. I am a Certified Yoga Instructor and a Yoga therapist.
What is your favorite part about teaching at 110?
My favorite parts of teaching at 110 Fitness are, firstly how everyone enters the room with enthusiasm and an expectation of “something good is about to happen”. Secondly, they all put forth their best effort as I encourage each individual to practice at their own level of capability saying “every body is different”, especially when I observe someone who may be new or struggling. I often step off my mat to assist them then enjoy their progress going forward. Not really lastly, because there’s so much more. During their ending meditation session I see a peace, a calm, a surrender to complete relaxation and trust come over them as I go around the room “blessing” them with touches of lavender scented lotion as they listen to the most comforting sounds I can find for them. As I mentioned in a comment elsewhere, “there’s a lot of love in the room”. I am so blessed and pray quietly from my heart, as a Christian believer, over each individual every single time.
Tell us about your life outside of 110! What do you do for work? Fun Hobbies? Family life?
I retired from a 45 year long Nursing career in 2008. (I recently turned 83 years of age). I spent 20 years in specialty areas of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. I hold an ADS with credits toward a BSN. I cannot imagine myself having any other career! My nursing knowledge plays well into my yoga instruction. And my life! I am an active member of the Alumni Association of Laboure College of Health Sciences. I am an avid golfer and a long standing member of the Rockland golf course, (approx 25 years). I have (for over 10 years) and am currently serving there as the Handicap Chairperson of the Rockland Women’s Golf Association. I am an active member in my church, Grace Lighthouse Church, Wareham, where I am Director of Children’s Ministries, teach Children’s Sunday School and volunteer for other services. I am involved in a weekly Bible Study at the Community Bible Study in Hingham, where I’m assistant to the Director of Children’s Ministry and volunteer as a sub when needed. I am so very blessed to have many friends in various places, inside and outside of my Christian communities. I live alone in a house, where I shall spend the rest of my days, that my awesome and very special son has provided for me. He is truly “Heaven Sent”. A treasure. He’s a very kind and supportive in many ways.
How has 110 Fitness impacted your life outside of the gym?
The years I have enjoyed at 110 Fitness have helped me continue to grow as a person, an instructor and in compassionate ways toward these awesome individuals who put forth their utmost effort and are so dedicated to taking such good care of themselves. I use this exemplary lives to encourage others. I’m touched to observe how they support one another. They appreciate the efforts we all at 110 put forth, realizing we truly have their best interests at heart. I take great pride and pleasure in being a small part of the 110 Team. I’m often given opportunities to share with and encourage others who’s families have Parkinson’s in other areas of my life. I tell of my observations of participating members and of Anna and Brett’s dedication and coaching. I often mention that there are opportunities for volunteers that are so needed and appreciated.