Carol’s Fitness Journey Inspires an Active Lifestyle at Any Age

Carol Campbell, 76, discovered exercise later in life. She and her husband were busy running their gourmet cookware shop—Campbell’s Gourmet Cottage—until they retired in 2000. Then they dedicated the next decade to caring for their aging parents. Once they had more free time, the Campbells joined a local fitness center, and Carol quickly became hooked.

“From the first day, I knew this was something I could be challenged with,” said Carol, a longtime Humana member. “I decided to try step aerobics in 2009, and I was hooked forever! I learned the moves and loved exercising with good music and new friends. After a few months, my day-to-day life was improving because of the consistency of the cardio and strength training.”

Now Carol goes to the gym six mornings a week and enjoys a variety of classes focused on aerobics, yoga, muscle strength, cardiovascular health and high intensity interval training. In addition to the physical benefits, she values the personal connections she makes along the way.

“Having friends alongside me is a very important part of exercising and I try to remember names and add conversation to the day, before and after classes,” Carol said. “There is a lot of support for one another in these class workouts.”

An inspiration on her toes
When Kelli LeGaspi, Director of Corporate Communications at Humana, started back at the gym last summer after a hiatus, she was greeted by Carol who quickly became a friend and an inspiration.

“It’s tough getting back into fitness. The first few weeks or months can be particularly challenging as you try to establish your routine—going when you may not want to go,” Kelli said. “Carol was one of the first people I met when I started attending classes at the gym. She’s a genuine person who really seems to care about everybody.”

“A tiny ball of fire—she’s also really motivating. She’s always smiling and encouraging, and she’s clearly very fit. Seeing Carol who is 76 years old doing push up after push up on her toes—not going to her knees and not missing a rep—that’s inspiring.”

Never too late to start something new
“Watching Carol reminds me that just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you’re not able to start something new. You don’t have to have been fit all your life,” said Kelli. “It’s not too late to start on this fitness journey and I think Carol is a perfect example of that.”

When asked about her own fitness journey, Carol offered these words of advice to those who may be interested in starting at any age.

“To begin any exercise is intimidating but put on some leggings or shorts and a loose shirt. Make sure you have comfortable, well-fitting athletic shoes,” said Carol. “Step your foot into a workout facility and find a friendly face who can get you started. Don’t overdo it or you won’t return. And try a class—the music is invigorating, and the new friends are incredible!”

Seniors feel supported by Humana
Kelli said when her senior friends at the gym hear she works at Humana, they will openly discuss insurance options and the company. “Hearing them talk about Humana and how Humana has helped them has been very positive,” said Kelli. “It reminds me that we are taking care of people—one individual at a time.”

Looking to learn more about health and wellness? Visit a Humana Neighborhood Center in-person or online to participate in educational events, programs and activities designed to help with physical and mental health.

Your results may vary. It may not be typical to improve health conditions by taking the actions Carol and Kelli did. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.