Louise Leonard is celebrating her 30th year as a fitness leader. As a tribute to this milestone anniversary, and to gain a better knowledge of the benefits of ‘Senior Fitness’ specifically as it relates to Multiple Sclerosis, Diane Monroe interviewed Louise.
Currently, Louise teaches stretching and strength exercises for Bodies-in-Motion, Inc. of Atlanta to a group whose ages range from 50 to 95. Her credentials include: trained through ACSM; member of AFAA for 27 years; attends fitness workshops, including those sponsored by Bodies-in-Motion; certified locally by Atlanta Senior Services as a Seniors Leader; and maintains her CPR certification.
Louise responded to the many questions I asked. Here are her 10 favorites:
1. How would you describe your current class?
A delightful group of women who are dedicated to keeping their bodies and minds as active as possible despite any physical impairment.
2. What are the exercise goals you set for yourself and your class participants?
To learn about the functions of, and become comfortable with, their bodies;
To participate in class activities as much as possible;
To achieve their individual goals; and
To have fun and to leave class feeling better.
3. Do you support the role of aerobic exercise in MS? Please explain.
I support a total body workout to help strengthen all muscle groups. I would not recommend anything that increases core body temperature as heat is one of our worst enemies.
4. With your experience with MS what specific exercises do you recommend?
Flexibility
Balance Training
Core body and major muscle group strength training
5. In your opinion, what is the most import thing that a person with MS should know?
That MS is not going away. You must accommodate your life style and your thinking in your daily dealings with it.
6. What motivates you?
My desire to remain as fit as possible for as long as possible and to motivate others to do the same.
7. What one word would you want used to describe you?
Caring.
8. Do you have advice for others with MS?
Do not give up. Stay as involved in your life as possible. Keep your brain active.
9. To what do you attribute the success of your fitness class?
A fun atmosphere;
Warm and caring participants; and
Acceptance of all regardless of fitness level
10. Do you pace yourself according to how you feel on a particular day? Please explain.
Absolutely. If I feel good I go for it. If not, I rest and try to gather myself for what has to be done.
Interviewed by Diane Monroe, July 2012.