Twelve years ago, when I was fairly new to personal training, I started working with a couple who lived at a country club in La Quinta. They were in their early 70s and pretty active. Bob golfed several days a week, and Peg played tennis. I saw them twice a week during the season, from October through May, when they would leave the desert and go to their other home which was in Northern California.
Today I trained Bob and Peg for the last time. They are now 83 years old, and have grown tired of being responsible for two homes, not to mention the strain of moving their household twice a year. Since their family lives in Northern California, the choice was easy. They sold their La Quinta home (in two days!), and they’re heading north.
After working with two people for 12 years, you become way more that trainer and client. I admire Bob and Peg in so many ways. They are hard working, honest, warm, and have put up with my “real job” hours and my liberal views for years (and that says a lot!). I am proud to call them friends. They, especially Peg, are who I want to be when I grow up.
Peggy is an active, forward thinking woman who loves to play tennis, read, and see movies. She makes sure that she and Bob eat healthfully and is the driving force behind getting them to the gym. When we work out, she always pushes herself, and even at 83 loves her workout to be challenging (check out her last workout below to see if you can keep up!).
While Bob needs that push from Peg to get him to the gym, when he arrives he’s ready to work hard. In spite of knee and shoulder issues, he completes each exercise with enthusiasm (sometimes telling me after the fact, that kind of hurt my knee).
I am very sad tonight. Bob and Peg shared stories about their lives and their children, I told them about my accomplishments and my plans. They cheered for me when I ran a race or rode a century, and they always saw every little mention in newspapers or television. We had many in depth conversations about who would or should win Dancing with the Stars. I helped Bob figure out his new iPhone, and introduced Peg to Angry Birds when she got an iPad. I feel like I know their children and especially their grandchildren. They are happy to sit through my photo show whenever I return from seeing Samuel.
Goodbye, my friends. I hope that you will stay active. If you need to, hire another personal trainer. I promise I won’t be jealous. I just want you to stay strong, fit, and healthy.
For those who want to give Peg’s last workout a try, here it is:
I am so in love with these two! They are so inspiring and prove that keeping active helps you live a long and healthy life! Makes me really happy that I work out every day, and makes me happy that my entire family does the same thing 🙂 They look so happy. It’s amazing that you got to experience their joy – although I am sure some days they weren’t so happy, we all have our days, lol!
They really are inspiring. Good people too.
I can’t imagine saying goodbye after so long! That’s incredible to have worked with them for so long. I’m sorry that you have to say goodbye but hopefully you can visit Northern California! PS Love Peg’s last workout!
Peg is one tough cookie!
Yes, visiting them in NoCal will give me extra motivation to get up there, especially in the summer.
I remember this piece of being a trainer so well.
and how COOL how many lives youve touched and changed as well.
xo
I’ve got similar stories of saying good byes to old “friends” with my job. You really do get to know each other quite well. It’s hard not to when you see each other so much during the week. Peg and Bob look fantastic. I agree, I want to be them when I grow to that age!
I think I love Bob and Peg, too–how awesome are they? I’m so sorry you are losing them. I hope you all are able to stay in close touch after the move.
It’s always tough saying goodbye to friends. Hopefully they can take what you’ve taught with them, and they’ll think of you every time they hit the gym!
It’s so amazing to see, read and feel all of the connections you can make in person, and virtually through our passions.
I don’t even know these two and I’m in tears! They seem like such sweet and genuine people! Hopefully you can all keep in touch. 🙂
Aw, yes! This is one of the things I love about my job, too! I have a few Bob’s and Peg’s that have moved well beyond the trainer/client relationship. I’m sad for you that you’re losing them, but happy that they are moving to this next step in their lives so graciously! I hope they find a personal trainer in NC that they value as much as you.
BTW, I nominated you for a Sisterhood award because I love your blog and positive approach toward a healthy lifestyle! The details are on today’s post.
It’s one of the hard things about training..developing close relationships with people, then they move (or, sadly when working with an older population, pass away). I know they will be happy to be close to their family though, and Peg will be sure to keep them exercising.
Thanks for the nomination! I’m honored.
Aw what a lovely post…so nice that you had built up such a great relationship with them.
They are so cute – I want to be like Peg when I’m 83!!! So awesome that not only have you been their trainer for 12 years but also their friend!!!
I’m sorry that now you won’t see them as often but it sounds like y’all will remain friends!!