Linda Lee has been a regular at the Derby Recreation Center for many years. She and her husband Ray began using the fitness center when it was just a few pieces of equipment. Like most people, her devotion to regular exercise has been on again off again. Each time Linda wanted to get back into the fitness routine, she was glad that DRC staff was willing to help her find the best fit for her exercise needs. After her knee surgery, Linda met with longtime DRC staff member, Rob McDonald and he helped her create a fitness routine that was gentle to her knee allowing her to return to better mobility. In 2008, Linda’s life changed dramatically when her husband died suddenly while they were on vacation. The subsequent stress from that life changing trauma caused her heart issues that took her to a cardiologist. Linda remembers clearly what the cardiologist told her… “Exercise with gusto.” Linda returned to the DRC in September 2009, per doctor’s orders. She knew that without an accountability partner she may not continue. So she began working with a personal trainer, Susie Wilkes. Susie started working with Linda at her limited fitness level and gradually got Linda back to a strength and endurance level that allowed her to perform simple tasks that were previously difficult, like stair climbing. Today Linda continues to work with a personal trainer and she enjoys the time she spends with Cindy Chase just as much as she appreciated the kind compassion she was shown by Susie. Her relationships with her personal trainers have kept her motivated. Linda meets with Cindy once a week and comes by 2 or 3 times per week to continue the program Cindy gives her to work on. In addition, Linda has found that Zumba Gold is a perfect fitness class for her and she enjoys the time it gives her with others who have a similar fitness level. For Linda, the DRC is more than just a place to work out, it is a place she comes to be encouraged.

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