"We only go through this world in one body, so I prefer to be active."
James, who works as a senior bio-pharmaceutical representative, believes that his most important competition is himself. “I simply compete with the guy in the mirror, always trying to better myself,” he explained. “It doesnt really matter what anyone else does: I am not them.”
James plays mens competitive soccer and co-ed recreational soccer. Hes participated in over 60 games a year for the last twenty years. “I am just excited to compete at the level I can today,” he said. He believes staying fit helps him live better, mentally, physically and emotionally. “I play soccer with a bunch of twenty-somethings! The camaraderie is great, beyond the physical benefits.”
James is active in spite of having asthma. He has two sons, a freshman in college and a junior in high school, as well as a four-year-old Great Dane. James lost his wife in 2008 to ovarian cancer, so he is proud to be involved with the American Cancer Society and also the Makenna Foundation.
“Its never too late to get in shape,” James said. “Yes, it takes time, but it took time to get out of shape, too.” He suggests picking a sport you used to love, or to learn something totally new. “Who cares how good or bad you are? Live an enjoy it!”
Grace Gibbs: 50
"When Im fit, I simply feel better and I know that carries over to every other aspect of my life."
“After graduating medical school in 2001, it had become very apparent to me that my life wasnt in balance, especially taking care of myself. Long hours, high stress, and not eating well had become the norm,” Grace explained. She knew she had to make a healthy lifestyle a priority. She began food journaling and walking daily. She then began working out with a trainer once a week, which really motivated her to keep going. “The time for fitness was there: I just had to be smarter about making it a priority in my day.”
Grace works as an obstetrics and gynecology physician at Lexington Womens Health and serves as a Lieutenant Colonel and Flight Surgeon with the Kentucky National Guard. This past August, Grace underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery due to breast cancer. Prior to surgery, she was taking fitness classes two times a week at Bodyfit Punch and walking in the evenings five nights a week. “I have been given the go ahead to start these once again in early January.”
“I think we are more accountable to ourselves when we see it on paper. Begin with one small change and write everything down. Also, you have to have a "why,” Grace advises. “I want to be healthy in my old age. When I eventually retire, I want to be able to continue doings the things Im doing now.”
Vickie Blevins-Booth: 63
"A good, healthy life comes from positive and healthy relationships, finding your passion and loving who you are!"
“My aha moment came after the birth of my third child,” Vicki said. “I realized that I needed to focus on my health and incorporated fitness into my lifestyle in order to keep up with three small children.” She started jogging, teaching aerobic classes and took up martial arts training with her family.
Vicki, the Executive Director of Kentucky CancerLink, Inc. currently attends shred and spinning classes at Strong Shop Fitness. She has worked out early mornings for the past 15 years on the “buddy system” with her daughter. “I find that getting my workout in early morning makes for a great day. I feel healthy, happy and ready mentally for whatever the day brings my way,” she explained. “Fitness not only gives you a healthy body: it improves your mental health.”
Working for Kentucky CancerLink, Vicki has seen firsthand how devastating the diagnosis can be. “Cancer is such a horrible disease and although not preventable, we can do many things to decrease our chances of getting cancer or improve our outcomes if we are diagnosed with cancer,” she explained. “I want to do all that I can to stay healthy, so that if or when I may have to face a serious illness, I will be ahead by being healthy.”
Billy White: 55
"Age can make a person reevaluate what is important."
“To be 55 and be in pretty good shape feels great,” Billy explained. “It really helps me mentally when I am physically sound and fit. I can handle day-to-day challenges better when I feel good physically.”
As a husband with two children in college, one child in high school and an eleven-year-old Australian Shepherd, Billy has plenty in his personal life to keep him busy, all on top of being an owner and partner in local Lexington eateries Jimmy Johns and Uncle Maddios Lexington, splitting much of his time between here and Chicago. For Billy, making time for his fitness helped him put his whole life in order. “Exercise has to become part of your routine. Once you do that, it is easier to balance all aspects of your life,” he said.
Billy works out two times a week with trainer Josh Bowen at Aspire Fitness. Billy said, “JB takes no prisoners when you are on his time at Aspire!” In addition to lifting and training, Billy likes to run, bike and swim. He also eats fish and lots of vegetables to keep himself feeling his best.
For beginners, Billy encourages starting small. “If a walk around the block gets your heart rate up, then thats a good place to start. It doesnt have to be a huge commitment to get going,” he explained. “Theres nothing worse for your long-term motivation than trying to do too much, too soon.”
Dee Beckman: 45
"Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do. Not a punishment for what you ate."
Dee has a family history of obesity, and she was overweight as a teen. “When I entered college, I was tired of feeling bad. My weight was preventing me from doing things that I really wanted to do,” she explained. “So I made the decision to be healthy.” She began to educate herself and got moving. “I knew almost nothing about nutrition and exercise, so I read anything I could find–I still do.”
Now, Dee makes fitness a priority for her family (and to be able to take care of her “Green Acres” farm that includes miniature donkeys, goats and pigs). “I have tried to be a good role model for my daughter in teaching her about nutrition and that being fit is about being strong and healthy, not skinny.”
Dee, a nurse for over 20 years who now serves as the Director/Chair of the Institutional Review Board at Baptist Health Lexington, is gluten, dairy and nut free and her meals focus primarily on organic fruits and vegetables as well as antibiotic-free meats. She works out twice a week with Josh Bowen at Aspire Fitness and three days a week, she either hops on her own treadmill or the stairmill at HealthWorRx.
“Start where you are today,” Dee advises. “Eventually, you will amaze yourself with what you are capable of doing.”
Dr. Paul A Kearney: 63
"This is your health. Nobody seems to miss it until it is gone!"
Paul Kearney, MD, D. Sci, MS, FACS is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Surgery On Sunday, Inc., a not for profit program providing outpatient surgical procedures free of charge for people unable to afford health care. He is also a Profession or Surgery, Section of Acute Care Surgery at the University of Kentucky. With his background in healthcare, he knows firsthand how important it is to stay physically fit. “If you are not healthy, you cannot stay focused and mentally sharp,” he said. “This is so important as you get older. In my chosen profession of trauma surgery, it is essential.”
With Pauls blended family, four dogs, young grandchild (with another on the way) and demanding career, its essential for him to make fitness a priority. “It is not hard to find 20-40 minutes in a day to complete an exercise routine,” he said. “If necessary, workout in small spurts. I could be found doing situps, pushups, pullups and stretches in my office!”
He is proud to be able to accomplish so much at his age. “I am 63 and I can do 50 pushups, no sweat!” He added, “Personal health must come first. I want to be around to see my grandchildren.”
Dave Palmer: 78
"Getting old is tough. Strength helps."
Dave and his son, Walter, make fitness a family activity. “Ive lifted weights for years. I started working out with my son, a certified strength coach, on getting stronger,” Dave said. He is now in the gym twice a week. “Im at an age where many of my friends and colleagues are dealing with tough illnesses and injuries. I do what I can to protect myself,” he explained. He has also been running since he was 40, and it has become a passion of his.
Dave retired from IBM and and the US Air Force. He has volunteered for many years at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, helping them with adaptive technology for clients who have special needs. In the past three years, Dave has lost a significant amount of his eyesight, leaving him unable to drive. He now has to use assistive technology to read and it has impacted his ability to enjoy some of his favorite activities. In spite of this, he still remains active and enjoys new challenges. He did his first power lifting competition last year and still does road races. “I hope to lift 330 lbs. at my next competition and get my 5k time back down to a respectable level,” he explained. The fitness buff is expecting his first great-grandchild in March.
For anyone looking to get more fit, Daves advice is simple: “Do something. Find a trainer who can help you develop a program and then make it a priority.”
Walter Palmer: 53
"Many of the health problems that people face can be addressed with training."
“The science and medical communities are coming to the realization of the importance of maintaining strength as we age,” Walter, President of PCG Solutions, Inc. explained. As a certified Starting Strength Coach, Walter advocates for the importance of resistance training with barbells. He enjoys heavy weights, including squats, presses and deadlifts.
Walter also serves as a coach for his dad, Dave. “My father is pretty inspirational,” Walter explained. “When you adjust for his age and size, his deadlift is probably stronger than mine!” Walter believes he is helping people like Dave feel great at a time in their lives when many people dont feel as vibrant. “Strength is very functional and can mean the difference between being able to get out of a chair when you are 70.”
Walter is thrilled that his 15-year-old daughter will soon be participating in her first powerlifting competition with both her father and her grandfather, Dave, in January. Theyve enjoyed making fitness a family activity.
For anyone looking to start their fitness journey, Walter recommends prioritization, programming and routine. “Find a qualified coach who can help you develop a program. Dont just meander about doing this and that without a plan,” he said. Walter travels a lot for his business consulting work, but always remembers to take his fitness gear and makes finding a gym while he is on the road a priority. “Just going when you feel like it or think of it is not going to produce sustainable results.”
Julie Thornhill: 49
"Fitness keeps my mind straight and my body healthy."
“I grew up here in Lexington and have always been involved with different types of sports,” Julie explained. “I tried running, but didnt love it until after my children were born. I joined a running group and ended up meeting so many great people that I am still close with today!”
Julie found running to be a fun way to socialize while staying fit. She has run many different races, from 5Ks to marathons, always enjoying the camaraderie of the training groups. “It always helps to have accountability,” she advises.
“I have struggled with a bad lower back, but regular hot yoga has helped me in this area,” Julie said. She tries to attend Sterling Hot Yoga at least three days a week. She also plays tennis, goes cycling, does group weight classes at Fit Fusion and does TRX at CycleYOU. “I tell people all the time that I am trying to hit all body parts and keep them all moving!”
Julie has two sons in college and one in high school. Throughout their childhoods, she was always active in their school activities, and she has served as a fitness role model for them. "They think it is great that I stay fit, and as a result, they all workout, too," she said. Even her husband, who works in medical sales, gets in on the fun. "We all just did the Thoroughbred Classic as a family."
Before becoming a Realtor with Turf Town Properties, Julie was a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator. Because of this, her diet includes all the food groups, focusing on lean meats, fruits, veggies and whole grains while enjoying everything in moderation.
j stuart hurt: 42
"Exercise is a way to destress, decompress and put the troubles of the day behind you."
stuart, an owner and designer at house in Lexington, truly began his fitness journey when he worked closely with Noelle Dick to design the interior of CycleYOU Lexington. When they were finished, he told her “… if I am going to design it, I am going to live it.” He has maintained 4 days a week at CycleYOU, rotating Cycle, FIT and TRX classes. He also serves as a swimming instructor for 5-9 year olds at the North Side YMCA, all on top of running a successful business. He is a man about town, heading from the store out to visit with clients at their homes, wedding venues and project sites even on weekends, making it difficult to fit fitness in, but stuart makes it a priority!
“I, thankfully, have not had any major health issues, but many of my friends and family have been affected with different types of cancer,” stuart, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, explained. “Knowing this and seeing this prompted me to start a routine to be the best I can be, mind and body.”
This year, stuart challenged himself to run five 5K races and one 10K. “I completed them all!” He added, “My first 5K took me 51 minutes. The last I completed in 27 minutes!” He is excited with the results and credits his regular exercise routines with his success. “Some days are hard, but pushing through always gets me the results that my body needs.”
For anyone looking to get started, stuarts advice is simple: “Take. The. First. Step. Just Move!! Maintaining some sort of movement is great for anyone.”
David Martorano: 48
"I love setting a healthy example for my kids and community."
Though he lives his example every day through his work as the CEO/President of YMCA of Central Kentucky, that doesnt necessarily mean that staying active is easy for David. “There have been times when I start and stop, then gain 20-50 pounds,” he explained. He combats this by staying focused and setting goals. “Being healthy isnt easy, but it also isnt hard if you make it a priority.”
With a wife and four children, David knows that the best way to stay on track is to schedule his workouts like any other appointment. He said, “Early morning is the only way to do it for me: every day, wake up at 4:30am and attend the Y at 5:30!” He enjoys swimming, biking, running with the Y, as well as doing strength work and pilates reformer.
David makes healthy eating a family commitment. “A few of our family members are gluten-free, so we look for those options at the grocery store,” he said. “I tend to focus on breakfast and post-workout nutrition as the starting point for my day.”
In addition to his work with the YMCA, David is committed to the local community. He is active with the Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health, he is a Downtown Lexington Corporation board member and serves as Chair for the Kentucky State Alliance of YMCAs. All of these commitments allow him to serve as a healthy example.
Viki Martorano: 45
"We always say at home: Rome wasnt built in a day!"
Viki, who works as the executive assistant to the president of Greer Companies, ruptured a lumbar disc 7 years ago, which required surgery to help correct. Because of this, Viki knows that she must work hard every day to maintain her strength and flexibility in order to live life fully without limitations. “I want to live a long and healthy life and enjoy retirement when its time,” she said. “Exercising also helps me feel better emotionally and mentally–its like a daily reset button.”
For Viki, one of the most important benefits of fitness has been bonding with her husband, David. “I love working out with my husband in the mornings,” she said. “Its the best start to my day and part of our journey together as a couple.”
Juggling a career, parenting, serving as vice-president of her homeowners association and volunteer work can be difficult, but Viki always makes time for swimming, Pilates Reformer, cycling, lifting weights, walking and taking the stairs at work when possible. “Make your physical and emotional health a priority in your life,” she advises. “I would hope that my enthusiasm for exercise and living a healthy life would show others that exercise doesnt have to be boring.”
Dianna L. Miller: 53
"Life is meant to be lived, so live it to the fullest!"
Dianna became an orphan at just 8 years old. “I understood at a young age that I needed to make good choices and use wisdom, as no one else was going to do this for me,” she said. She had a deep appreciation for how precious life is. To stay focused and happy, she became involved with school sports programs and church. At 18, she was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in a fracture in her lower back. “Keeping in shape and having chiropractic care kept me able to continue my active lifestyle.”
In spite of her injury, Dianna, who works as the Manager/Co-owner of Miller Chiropractic Center, Inc. learned to ski on a date with her husband. By 32, she was ski racing and placing in the top 10! Today, she has hundreds of medals from ski racing competitions all over the United States.
Injuries resulted in several surgeries, yet Dianna remains committed to staying active. She takes classes at CycleYOU, does strength and core training with a stability ball, and participates in alpine skiing, mountain hiking and swimming. “Keeping fit is the only way I can continue to do the active things that I love,” she explained. “What activity do you like doing and want to keep doing? That is your motivation. Desire a healthy, longer, better quality of life.”
Susie Miles: 55
"Staying fit means mobility and the ability to do whatever I want at any age."
For Susie, making time for fitness has meant staying flexible. When her three children were young, she worked out at 5am, as it was the only time available for her during her busy day. “Now, I work around my job schedule but always find the time,” Susie, a transcription supervisor, explained. “Sometimes its 6am and sometimes, its 6pm.” Whatever time crunch you face, Susie suggests staying consistent: “Look at your schedule and block off when you are going to work out, and stick with it.”
Susie, a volunteer for Surgery on Sunday, enjoys weight training and being a good example of fitness to others. She credits Josh Bowen with keeping her motivated. She is proud to have run a half marathon to support St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.
“I eat to live–I dont live to eat,” Susie explained. “I try to be conscious every day of what I am eating.” Her favorite healthy snacks are protein shakes, though she admits her “splurge” food is ice cream.
For anyone looking to get fit, Susies advice is an old adage: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! Its the same with working out: one step at a time.”