Couple stays healthy, active with 'Silver Sneakers'

For husband and wife team Sue and Richard Burke, working out at the gym isn’t a chore but rather a fulfilling experience.

“It’s a way of life for us and we wouldn’t even think about not going,” said Sue.

In her sixties, Sue is bright-eyed and in incredible shape. Her husband, Richard, who underwent heart bypass surgery in the late ’90s, boasts how wonderful he and his spouse of 47 years feel these days.

“We feel better now than we did ten years ago,” he confirmed.

What started this couple on a committed workout path was an opportunity their health insurance plan offered. About three years ago, they said, Secure Horizons offered to pay for full gym memberships for seniors 65 and older at Club Paradise in Fallbrook.

At first, the couple admits they were suspicious. “We thought there had to be a catch,” said Sue. “So we went to Club Paradise right away and found out that it was true – that our insurance was paying for it – and we signed up!”

Sue and Richard go to the gym six times per week. “We don’t want to miss any days at the gym,” said Sue.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Sue and Richard do cardio and weight-training. “I do 30 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes on the weight machines,” explained Sue. The stretch classes that they are big fans of are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Sue and Richard confess that, at first glance, they thought the stretch classes were a bit peculiar. “We thought the class looked silly with those rubber bands, and we thought we didn’t need it.”

But being the good sports they are, Sue and Richard decided to give it a try. Being surprised with the class was nothing short of an understatement. “We came to find out that we did need the stretch class!” said Sue.

The stretch class taught the couple better balance techniques and strengthened their wrists and ankles through the utilization of bands, weights and balls.

“The older you get, you don’t have as much flexibility, so this stretch class is really important,” Sue said.

Before taking advantage of the stretch class, Sue had mobility issues with one of her arms. She was unable to lift it over her head.

“My arm would lock up, but months after the stretch class, my arm is back to normal,” she said, smiling.

On Monday afternoons, Sue and Richard visit the gym a second time to attend the yoga class.

“The instructors are wonderful,” Richard said enthusiastically.

Not only do Richard and Sue feel healthier, stronger, energized and more agile, they have built a special network of friends at Club Paradise.

“We have met some nice people and we care about each other,” said Sue.

‘Silver Sneakers,’ said Richard, has motivated them and opened up new doors with its workout and stretch programs.

The Burkes have been questioned as to why they would set the alarm in the wee hours of the morning on cardio days to be at the gym at 6:45 a.m. Since they are retired, why don’t Sue and Richard sleep in?

“We want to keep on moving and we want to make our retirement years last,” Sue said.

For seniors or disabled individuals with Secure Horizons insurance, information on the Silver Sneakers program can be obtained by calling Mark Raymond at Club Paradise at (760) 731-0133 or by visiting 1371 South Mission Road.

“We’re here to help and will be glad to answer any questions,” Raymond said.