More years ago than I care to admit, I had a private exercise facility. I specialized in one-on-one training. My clients were all older folks, many not fans of working out, but doing their best to follow doctor’s orders for improved health. And I did my best to keep them motivated by doing the exercises right along with them. Sometimes, that simply meant a little weightlifting and a walk around the park near the studio.

On one of those walks with one of my favorite clients, a fun conversation ensued. I recently came across my chat with Dr. B. that had been published with permission in my studio newsletter.

Dr. B. was a university professor of music and was nationally and internationally recognized in piano pedagogy. She had published numerous piano instruction books and had given classes, workshops, and clinics throughout the U.S. and Europe. She had been awarded for teaching excellence and research. When we first met, Dr. B. wanted nothing to do with fitness and was more than willing to share her feelings. Here’s an edited version of our walk and talk.

Tell me a bit about your exercise experience, I asked. “Well, most of all, I hate exercise,” she said. “I would rather be creating anything besides body strength and tight cheeks. But I love life, love what I do and, most importantly, I love myself, so I exercise. When I exercise regularly it makes me feel good about myself.”

When did you first become interested in weight training as part of fitness? “When I started feeling that putting 10 lbs. of potatoes in my car was difficult. And when the under portions of my upper arms started to look lumpy like those potatoes.”

How did you feel about weight training at first? “For a short time, I felt slightly intimidated, like a total wimp. Fortunately, my only slightly younger trainer who was strong and toned was very patient and not intimidating. And the fact that she was close to my age made an incredible difference in my attitude.”

Now that you’ve had some experience with weights and aerobic exercise, what are your feelings? “I know this is something I must do for the rest of my life, not only because it makes me feel better, but because I know it’s helping me maintain bone mass, strength, and energy. My career is demanding and often stressful. Weight training is almost like a form of mediation, it calms me. I have to slow down and take my time to do the exercises correctly.” She went on to say, “I am very competitive by nature and my favorite person with whom to compete is myself. This equates to what is known as being a workaholic, which I freely admit to being. I like weight training because I can always be pushing to do a few more reps, lift a little more weight, so it becomes a game to see if I can beat me.”

What has been the most beneficial aspect of regular exercise for you? “The sense of achievement through reaching the realistic goals set by you, my trainer. I like goals and I like to reach them. I have more strength, energy, and endurance, and more self-confidence about my body.” She wrapped up our conversation nicely. “I have less fear about the inevitable aging process. I have also developed the ability to speak intelligently about what weight training does for me, and I am able to share this with others in the hope of motivating them to do likewise.”

I recently learned of Dr. B’s passing. She was a fun gal with lots of spirit. I believe exercise adds greatly to the spirit as well as to the body. I also believe a safe program can be designed for most folks. Consult your primary care physician about an exercise agenda to fit your needs. You might hate it at first but, like Dr. B, you may just come around.

There is an art to gracious aging. It involves deciding to make the most of life no matter the glitches, choosing to be pleasant no matter the terrain, and fostering the highest possible spiritual and physical health.

Carole Marshall is a former columnist and feature writer for American Profile. magazine. Her stories have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Reach her at dustywriter89@gmail.com