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ST. GEORGE — When we hear the word retirement we might think about relaxing at home, reading some good books and enjoying a sunny and warm patio on a summer evening.
But one Utah woman quickly discovered the “relaxed lifestyle” wasn’t the best or the healthiest option for her.
The first few years of retirement Candace Hinman enjoyed a more sedentary lifestyle, but she soon realized it was much more debilitating than she ever imagined.
“I couldn’t get up from the floor or go walking for more than a block," she said. "I didn’t have the strength to lift my grandkids.”
Hinman was determined to make a positive change in her life. “I want to be independent and healthy,” she said.
The first step for the retired elementary school principal was to go in for a full health assessment at the Intermountain Live Well Center in St. George.
“We assess their strength, their aerobic endurance, their balance and their flexibility, so that we have a good idea of where they are at,” said Ryan Soulberg, an exercise physiologist at St. George’s Intermountain Live Well Center.
Hinman was impressed. “They asked what I wanted to accomplish in my life, what I’d like to be able to do and then set up my first exercise routine around that,” she said.
With a personalized exercise prescription, Hinman went to work learning how to be healthy.
“I never thought I’d say exercise was fun, I hated exercise, and now I’m enjoying it,” she said.
In fact, the retiree is down 60 pounds, three dress sizes and has a renewed sense of self.
“Her (Hinman’s) balance is better, her body composition is better, her strength is better and her aerobic endurance is much better,” said Soulberg.
And how does Hinman feel? “I feel better than I’ve felt in 20, 30 years,” she said. But, that doesn’t mean Hinman can rest. “It’s just a whole new life, I feel wonderful and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Her teacher/exercise physiologist is also excited about his student’s progress. “She’s amazing, she’s an inspiration and we can use that inspiration to make ourselves better,” Soulberg said. Jenniffer is a Special Projects Producer who heads up the Your Life Your Health, Zero Fatalities and High 5 initiatives. For questions, feedback or possible story ideas, please email jmichaelson@ksl.com.
