January 6, 2017

SIKESTON -- Three months ago, 81-year-old Ross Marshall of East Prairie decided to add some fitness into his life and joined the YMCA. "It's the best thing I've done for myself," Marshall said. Now Marshall is being joined by many others who have made the decision to get fit in the new year. Typically gyms across the country see an increase in memberships in January as people make New Year's resolutions to lose weight and get in better shape...

SIKESTON -- Three months ago, 81-year-old Ross Marshall of East Prairie decided to add some fitness into his life and joined the YMCA.

"It's the best thing I've done for myself," Marshall said.

Now Marshall is being joined by many others who have made the decision to get fit in the new year. Typically gyms across the country see an increase in memberships in January as people make New Year's resolutions to lose weight and get in better shape.

The YMCA of Southeast Missouri in Sikeston sees an increase in membership in January, but according to Brandy Mason, member and program experience director at the YMCA, over the last few years the influx of new members in January was a bit smaller.

"People that do come in, we aren't losing them at the end of February or March anymore. They are staying on," Mason said. "We do see an increase, but I think people are, to a degree, realizing that it has to be a lifestyle change."

Marshall is one who has made the lifestyle change. He works out on eight machines and then goes to the sauna before finishing his workout with a swim. He has also taken part in aerobics a few times.

"I'm trying to go three days a week but with my schedule I can go two," said Marshall, who is a pastor in East Prairie. "It is going on the third month now but I'm going to continue it the rest of my life."

Mason and Marshall both said the key is starting slowly and setting realistic expectations. The YMCA tries to help keep members coming back by giving them programs to work through. When a new member joins, the YMCA offers fitness consultations where they meet with a health coach who sets them up on an eight-week exercise program. The health coach then contacts the member on a weekly-basis and after the eight weeks, another consultation and program is offered.

"We just try to communicate and create that accountability factor," Mason said. "Then we try to get them into group exercise classes or hook them up with people in their same realm so they are forming friendships and there is accountability that happens on that end, not just as the Y."

Marshall met with a health coach and then started program which he raves about, but he has also met others at the YMCA that has opened his eyes.

"What is so surprising is that I have met several people who are 80 plus in here. It's amazing," Marshall said. "I met a gentleman yesterday who is getting back into it that's 90 years old. People think this is just for young people and there are quite a few young people here, but you don't get too old to do this as long as your able."

While fitness is important, Mason said it has to be a lifestyle change as well, adding that exercise has to be paired with good nutrition.

"Ninety percent is what happens out there with the choices they make on a daily basis," Mason said. "It's every single day, every choice they make."

Marshall has enjoyed his lifestyle change and will continue to be an example to others who are just beginning their change.

"I figure it makes a better pastor of out of me to keep my health," Marshall laughed. "I can sure recommend it to people. I think it is the best thing you can do for your health."

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