Laurie Ward stated it by no means occurred to her to turn out to be a health coach. Now a yr after beginning educating, Ward has a loyal following on the Madison Enchancment Membership in Phoenix.
The 62-year-old health coach is dedicated to offering an area for folks 65 and older to train with confidence. Ward is a finalist within the 2022 Coach of the 12 months award from SilverSneakers, a nationwide health firm that caters to older adults who keep lively.
Ward speaks in a vigorous and enthusiastic method and expresses real curiosity in her college students. She says health has all the time been her ardour, even earlier than she grew to become a coach.
Ward stated she performed basketball in highschool and obtained a university basketball scholarship, and he or she additionally used to play softball. However then, she stated that she additionally taught her youngsters learn how to play many alternative sports activities and was all the time into sports activities in some capability.
“I got here from a household of eight, 5 boys,” Ward stated. “So to get the groups to develop up I used to be the sixth participant.” “I suppose you would say I am a tomboy.”
It was Ward’s greatest pal and former SilverSneakers proprietor, 67-year-old Mary Swanson, who pushed her to show her first-class. Swanson opened her personal health heart, The Madison Enchancment Membership, after promoting her firm, and in 2021 Ward insisted on educating a category she would share with SilverSneakers.
“It is the wind below my wings,” stated Swanson. “…I simply inspired her to offer it a try to it was simply regular.”
Ward labored at SilverSneakers for 15 years in internet improvement and ultimately labored as a COO, however she stated it by no means occurred to her to turn out to be a coach. Now a yr after beginning educating, Ward has a loyal following in The Madison, together with Swanson.
Ward teaches a energy class at 11 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday at The Madison’s Phoenix location by the SilverSneakers Partnership. It says about 15 to 25 folks attend the category relying on the time of yr.
Ward says her group bought to such an extent that even her grandchildren had a tough time maintaining once they attended.
“I’ve a powerful group of those who I push who’re utterly receptive and wonderful about every thing,” Ward stated. “So we’re sort of pondering outdoors the field a bit bit right here, (extra) than your common SilverSneakers class.”
The category facilities round chair-based workouts utilizing weights and resistance bands, however Ward proudly stated her group does issues a bit otherwise.
“You may discover different SilverSneakers courses that rely strictly on chairs,” Ward stated. “We keep away from the chair as a lot as attainable.”
When requested why she thought this specific group got here to this point, she gave all of the credit score to the person members.
“They did all of the work,” Ward stated. “I am simply their coach.” “I am simply there to play some music and crack some jokes and make them snort.”
Whereas Ward was bragging about her group, her class members additionally appreciated her.
Nancy White, 68, started taking the category shortly after Ward started educating. Since then, White stated she would not miss it until she’s on trip, even after having knee alternative surgical procedure. The operation put White in a spot for about two weeks after which put it again in.
“Laurie makes us really feel our greatest,” White stated. “It’s my pleasure to enter by the door.”
Swanson stated she retains observe of what her members are doing with their lives, whether or not they’re out in town or going to a dentist appointment. She even wrote them private playing cards.
“It is sort of like she adopted all of those grandparents,” Swanson stated.
White stated she might inform Ward she cares about her and the opposite members who attend the category as a result of she’ll discover small victories, like gaining an additional pound or two. White stated she and Swanson have now labored their method as much as weights as much as 20 kilos.
She stated the category made it simpler to go to the health club, which she stated was laborious to do at her age, and that she’s seen actual outcomes.
Total, although, it is the societal side – “the range of individuals, their age, and their enthusiasm” – that has introduced White again time and again.
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Whereas the 2022 award ended up going to Jane Burgmayer, a coach who owns her personal studio in Pennsylvania, Ward was among the many high 5 finalists out of a whole bunch of nominees, in keeping with Debbie Johnson, senior director of public relations at Tivity Well being, the dad or mum firm of Silver Sneakers. .
Ward says she was so shocked that she made it to the finals that she could not imagine the cellphone name she bought from Johnson, which she thought was a foul joke as a result of it got here on April Fools’ Day.
“I used to be shocked to study that I have been doing this for lower than a yr right here and have a lot help from my members,” Ward stated. “It was completely wonderful.”
She joked that she hoped her members would not confuse her with another person, however her group actually is like household to her.
“I like the older residents, I like train and it is a secure and rewarding place,” Ward stated.
The way in which Swanson and White described Ward’s educating model as a judgment-free house filled with laughter, encouragement, and good music. This model She explains that there was no confusion – Ward’s members appear to actually respect her distinctive model and, greater than something, her care for everybody who attends her class.
“It is an amazing group with Laurie as president, and it is simply enjoyable,” White stated. “She is aware of everybody. She encourages everybody. She is so glad to see us all. It is nice to have you ever come by the doorways right here at The Madison.”
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