Gloria E. has been training with Master Trainer Jody Peterson at AXIS in Menlo Park since February 2007.

“I initially came to AXIS because I wanted to improve the arthritis in my knees,” she explains. “I’m working to build up the muscles in my legs--and especially around my knees--so that I can avoid having surgery.”

Since starting her program with Jody, Gloria is feeling stronger and steadier on her feet. “My muscles are coming along, and my balance has really improved,” she says. “Very recently I stumbled on some stairs and quickly caught myself before falling down. I think if it weren’t for these workouts, I would have fallen.”

Gloria’s commitment to exercise has been fueled by her desire to keep an active life, and that includes traveling to visit family. One of her main fitness goals at AXIS is to build her strength so she can carry a 25-pound suitcase up a flight of stairs. “Ideally, I would also like to be able to lift luggage into the overhead bin,” she adds.

Posture is another area where Gloria has seen improvement. Standing taller has made a difference with her arthritis pain. “I didn’t realize it, but I was leaning forward and that was putting additional pressure on my knees,” she says.

Jody’s support means a lot to Gloria, and she appreciates the encouraging atmosphere at AXIS. “Jody is wonderful and so patient with me,” she says. “She advises me and helps me get the most out of our sessions without pushing me too hard.”

Besides training two days a week at AXIS, Gloria walks for half an hour on most days and follows a healthy diet. As we age, it’s not always easy or pain-free to exercise, but Gloria remains determined to get the benefits of regular physical activity.

“I want to stay flexible and strong so I can get in and out of chairs easily and move around without falling,” she explains. “Some people give up too soon when they get older, because they think it doesn’t matter how they look, or that it’s too hard to change. For me, I think there is always hope. I read a report that you can still build muscle in your 90s, you just have to work at it!”

During her 30 years as a software engineer at Hewlett-Packard, Barbara stayed in shape by running three to five miles a day and using the company's fitness center. She first learned about AXIS when she retired and began looking for a new place to work out.

"I had some arthritis pain and the beginnings of osteoporosis," she remembers. "One of my friends suggested that I work with a trainer and specifically recommended Allison Allen. I've been absolutely delighted with her. She's a very nice person, and we' ve become friends."

Getting back into regular exercise helped Barbara lose twelve pounds and a dress size. "It's been three and a half years since I started training with Allison. I' m standing up straighter, and my balance has improved tremendously," she says.

Successfully fighting the advance of osteoporosis, she proudly says, " I've only lost half an inch in height in my whole life. "

"To combat arthritis and osteoporosis, we do both weight and balance training," Allison explains. "Weight training strengthens muscles surrounding the bones and promotes bone health. Balance training improves posture and balance, reducing strain and stress on joints."

At 74, Barbara strives to improve her overall fitness, to maintain strength, and to build balance. "I'm trying to maintain what I've got -- and still be able to wear sleeveless shirts!" she laughs.

Besides training three days a week and enjoying weekly massages at AXIS, Barbara takes brisk walks every day and keeps her mind active through volunteer work. One of her current projects is to write software programs pro bono for the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stanford (her alma mater.) Barbara also enjoys spending time with her husband of 50 years, her three daughters, and six grandchildren.

Julie P. is living proof that it’s never too late to fall in love with fitness. At 62, she’s rediscovered exercise and is feeling great about her decision to start a program at AXIS one year ago.

“Before AXIS, I didn’t think of myself as a workout person,” she recalls. “I thought it would be fun to get back into sports, perhaps play tennis again like when I was younger.”

Beyond her athletic aspirations, Julie had medical reasons for getting back in shape. Her doctor wanted her to lose weight, lower her cholesterol, and begin weight-bearing exercise to combat osteoporosis. “I knew what I should be doing, but I didn’t know how to do it without hurting myself,” she says.

Julie knew that she could get guidance at AXIS, but she was nervous about starting a training program by herself. She initially hoped one of her friends would agree to share the workouts, but couldn’t find any takers. Eventually she didn’t want to put off the decision any longer and found the courage to come in on her own.

“At first I was uncomfortable because I didn’t know if I would fit in. But then I saw this couple in their eighties working out before me, having a good time, and I knew that if they were enjoying AXIS, I would too. It can be isolating to be alone with your age and your problems, and it’s nice to know that there is a place where you’re welcome to come. It just makes me feel good to be here, it’s such a supportive atmosphere.”

So far, Julie’s program with trainer Wei Martin has helped her to lose weight, improve her bone density, and lower her cholesterol. “I didn’t want to take medication, and my doctor was willing to let me try to lower my cholesterol through diet and exercise. So far I’ve reduced my cholesterol by 30 points, and my doctor says to just keep doing what I’m doing, because it is working for me!”

Julie’s recent bone scan also brought some good news - an improvement over her last test.
“In one year, I’ve increased density in my hips and spine,“ she says proudly. “I’m feeling younger physically, and in terms of outlook, I have more optimism. Of course I have aches and pains because of my age, but Wei keeps me going. She can see when I am getting discouraged, and she doesn’t let me give up. She’s responsible for my renaissance!”

Being at AXIS has motivated Julie to make changes in other aspects of her life, and to break decades-long eating habits. “At first I was just working out here, and I wasn’t changing anything else in my life,” she admits. “But now I’m exercising most days of the week and I’m eating right. It’s amazing how one little change can initiate another change, and another, like links in a chain. Coming to AXIS started changes in my life, and I really like the direction I’m going. I wish I had started this 30 years ago. I just love coming here.”

Mary Jean H. has been a familiar face around AXIS Menlo Park twice a week for the past two years. "My son-in-law first convinced me to come," she says. "At first I didn't like it, but I certainly wouldn't miss it now. I am more stable and balanced now, "she says.

Mary Jean's trainer is Courtnie Steeves. "We do a lot of stretching, especially on the half-dowel, which helps her stretch out her pecs and improve her posture," Courtnie says. "As people get older, they tend to hunch over, which contributes to imbalance. We also work on taking bigger steps while walking, and staying steady on curbs and stairs."

Training at AXIS has helped Mary Jean stay motivated to lose weight. She's lost over 15 pounds in the two years since she started training, and is feeling better as a result. "I am eating much better," she says. "I don't eat very much sugar, and I follow a low-fat diet."

But by far the most important life change Mary Jean has experienced from training at AXIS is the improved strength and balance she has in daily life.

"I'm going to be 81 next month and I've had Parkinson's for 17 years. Getting exercise has helped me stay a little big ahead of the progression of the disease," she says. "I think everyone who has Parkinson's should have a prescription for exercise."