Gil - 81 Years Young

I am a strong believer in the positive benefits of exercise to maintain good physical and mental health. Throughout all my younger years, I was active, I ran and I worked out at the Y regularly and enjoyed the feeling of well-being that physical exercise brought.

In 2009, five years after retirement, I suffered a stroke due to an undiagnosed heart condition. I recovered quickly from the physical effects of the stroke but longer term, I was left with clinical depression. I lost weight quickly, mostly muscle mass. I had little energy and less confidence. Tough years! Then along came Randy!

In early 2012, Randy developed a full body program for me to do under his guidance at the Y. I followed it on my own and every couple of weeks Randy would give the program a tune-up requiring increased resistance, reps and changed body posture. Every two to three months, he would prescribe a new program based on changed goals. It was Randy’s optimism, his buoyant assurance and encouragement that I could meet his goals that sustained me.

I gained muscle and strength and a whole lot better outlook.

Along comes Covid 19 and I resolve not to visit the YMCA until we can all be protected with the vaccine. I appealed to Randy to prescribe a workout routine that I could do at home. He set up a TRX system in the basement which I now use regularly, supplemented with brisk neighbourhood walks, cycling, skating and x-country skiing.

My wife, Marilyn, and I credit Randy’s knowledge and his effervescent spirit for much of the improvement that I have made. We feel so fortunate to have him in our corner.