What's Your Workout?

First Posted: February 23, 2013 - 9:28 pm Last Updated: February 23, 2013 - 9:31 pm

Jeanine Polk

Age: 66

City: Columbus

Occupation: Retired

Family: Husband, David; sons, Mark, Jeff, Greg and Tony

Where do you work out?

Total Fitness of Columbus.

How many hours per week?

Seven.

Briefly describe your daily/weekly workout routine:

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I attend a step class in the morning, and on Tuesday and Thursday I do a high-low class. I participate in a total body muscle class on Friday. I try to spend at least 30 minutes on the treadmill a couple times a week. During the summer and fall, I take a walking class.

What inspired you to begin a regular fitness routine?

I was feeling very sluggish and I knew I needed to drop some pounds. So I decided to try and get more fit.

Why is it something you have stuck with?

I’ve seen and realized the benefit of exercising. I feel better, and it’s a stepping stone to achieve better, healthy fitness.

How do you make time to work out?

Working out is a habit and just part of my routine.

When and why did you get serious about fitness?

I really made my commitment to exercising after I retired. This is something I always wanted to do, but because of a rigorous work schedule it was difficult.

Have you lost or gained muscle mass through working out?

I have built muscle mass, which I felt I had lost through extreme dieting in the past. According to the charts, I am at a healthy level for a woman of my age.

What’s your favorite exercise?

I love my step class. It is very upbeat, and I like to break a sweat.

Any exercises you dread, but do anyway? Why?

My New Year’s resolution is to work more in weightlifting. I know how very important it is for our bones, joints and overall well-being.

Do you listen to music while you work out? What’s on your playlist?

All the classes have quite a range of music, from the oldies to more current ones, that I really enjoy.

Do you follow a special diet? Do you “cheat” much?

My diet is basically from Weight Watchers, but I try to control the carbs as much as possible. Yes, I have been known to cheat, but I try to make up for it the next day with diet and exercise.

Do you have a favorite fitness moment, for example, when you reached a tough fitness goal or overcame a plateau?

It was rewarding when I reached my 30-pound weight loss. A new experience for me was when I entered two 5-kilometer walks in 2012. That was exciting.

What do you do to motivate yourself when you just don’t want to work out?

I have made my exercise routine such a habit, I really don’t think of it as being an option to go or not to go. I always look forward to seeing my friends.

What’s a little-known fitness fact about you?

I keep trying to mentally picture better fitness. I visualize myself better than what I am.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start working out?

I would encourage anyone to start a program of exercise. The benefits are great physically and mentally. Find a place that’s convenient and comfortable for you.

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