Usually, the Paseo Club publishes informative and educational articles based on recent research and the latest trends in health and fitness. Today we depart from that model to share the personal stories of Paseo Club members David B Geeting and Barbara A Wright.
David and Barbara have been club members since 2005 and are role models for living an active and vital life. In this article, you will learn about their histories, how the Paseo Club supports their fitness goals and social lives, and their advice for living a great life.
David B Geeting
History with fitness
Although David was involved in varsity gymnastics for two years at Stanford, as a busy adult who traveled for work in advertising, much of his exercising took place in hotel gyms.
It wasn’t until David moved to Valencia in 2005 that he found the Paseo Club based on his nephew’s recommendation. He purchased a family membership for himself, his wife, and their high school-aged daughter. He began to train in the gym.
Four years later, their daughter decided she wanted to join the Army. To get “Army fit” David and she worked out together with a personal trainer for six months straight until she met the Army’s standards.
Today, David’s favorite workouts involve spending time in the gym exercising on the machines, rowing, and lifting weights. He continues to seek guidance from time to time with a personal trainer, most recently to work on proper weightlifting and injury prevention.
Staying healthy as you age
David’s recipe for good health is fairly simple. “Exercise combined with a healthy diet, low alcohol use, and not smoking gives one the best possible quality of life.”
David’s assessment is correct, according to the National Institute on Aging. Their research shows that these behaviors can help people live longer, postpone the onset of disability, and increase quality of life and function at older ages.
David performs a variety of exercises Monday through Friday that focus on flexibility and strength. He primarily trains on his own on the machines, with weights, and on the rower, but he occasionally works with a trainer for some one-on-one sessions. David also enjoys daily walks with his wife, Barbara.
Connecting with the Paseo Club community
David and Barbara both like the social aspect of the Paseo Club. “Barbara and I enjoy meeting people, whether in exercise classes or in the gym and often see them socially both at the club and in the community.”
The Paseo Club attracts people who are involved in social activities and community activities which interest them and it has been a great connecting point.
David goes to the Paso Club with Barbara at least a couple of days a week. Although they enjoy different workouts at the club, they may attend fun Paseo Club social events or activities of interest together.
Parting advice from David
David’s advice for optimizing your quality of life is simple but effective. “Exercise muscles and lungs for at least one hour three times a week. Have a trainer help you develop a routine. Walk everywhere you can for the good aerobic exercise it provides as well as the joy of being outdoors.”
Barbara A Wright
History with fitness
Barbara grew up in Wisconsin and kept busy enjoying many athletic pursuits. “I loved to ride my bike and enjoyed ballet, jumping rope, roller skating, ice skating, swimming, cheerleading, and gym classes with gymnastics, dance, volleyball, soccer, and field hockey.”
From her college years through retirement, Barbara has been active and always valued keeping in shape.
Staying healthy as you age
When Barbara and her family became members of the Paseo Club, she found that she especially enjoyed the group fitness classes. “I appreciate the group exercise classes in the morning with well-trained and enthusiastic instructors. My favorite classes are Cardio Strength, Cardio & Core Extreme, Barre Body, Pilates Mat, Strength & Tone, and Core, Tone & Strength.” She is motivated by their positivity and inspiration.
In addition, Barbara has enjoyed the pool, tennis lessons and beginner pickleball classes, but group fitness classes have been her most consistent physical activity at the Paseo Club.
Barbara exercises daily Monday through Friday and takes walks every morning and evening with David. Their walks are not just for relaxing exercise. It gives them time to converse with one another and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Connecting with the Paseo Club community
Barbara recommends the Paseo Club to everyone of all ages. It is easy to meet people with similar values and interests. She finds that other members are “gregarious, full of spirit, and well-educated with interesting backgrounds and life and travel experiences.”
Parting advice from Barbara
Barbara has discovered retirement to be “invigorating.” She enjoys having fun with family and friends, enjoying her favorite foods and finds workouts rewarding. Exercise, good nutrition and social engagement are valuable. These are cornerstones to live a very happy and healthy life full of enrichment.
She recommends getting involved in whichever activities or classes you like best at the Paseo Club. “Consult with professionals,” she advises. She adjusts her activities according to her ability and fitness level for longevity.
Living a life full of health and vitality at all stages
The aging process is not always kind to us. Injuries can accumulate, there are naturally more aches and pains, and we cannot always achieve the same athletic goals as we did when we were younger.
But this is not an excuse to give up. Although you may be challenged or frustrated at times, not exercising and eating well will only exacerbate the signs of aging.
Creating a consistent fitness routine is the key to maintaining much of your strength and mobility. If a specific exercise, such as HIIT or running, isn’t working for you any longer, try something else. You will likely find a new activity that will keep you fit and be fun.
The Paseo Club has tennis, pickleball, swimming, and over 60 fitness classes each week. You can try one class or all of them! Check out yoga, Pilates, cycle, Liquid Cardio, walking group, and more.
Personal trainers can coach you in several different types of exercise. They will meet with you and customize a fitness plan based on your specific needs.
If you are not yet a member of the Paseo Club, this is the time to sign up. We have over eight acres of fitness areas, tennis and pickleball courts, a junior Olympic pool, a Pilates studio, a cafe and clubhouse, and a spa.
Schedule a tour today so the Paseo Club can be your new home away from home.
