Ann Robinson, 73, does a lot of roll-ups, jack knives, and swan poses. She’s a pilates instructor at a local church who loves to move. After finishing her morning pilates class and refueling with a sandwich, she heads to the trails with her dog, Minnie Me, for a three-mile run.
Physical activity is an integral part of her day, every day. Movement is one of the ways Robinson stays fit and helps her body age healthily.
Research shows that as the body ages, it undergoes several changes. Changes like a decrease in bone size and density, weakening muscles, and declining aerobic capacity can affect one’s physical fitness and ability to do everyday activities. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, regular physical activity can slow those changes.
That seems to be true for Robinson, who spends most of her time moving. In a typical week, Robinson teaches three pilates classes, runs 21 miles, and swims at least one mile.
None of these activities are new to Robinson, who has taught pilates at Christ Methodist Church for nearly 20 years. “This is where I learned pilates, and I’ve been here ever since. Back then, I could barely do anything. I mean nothing. But I stuck with it.”
Since then, Robinson has led hundreds of students through the movements of pilates, improving their flexibility, posture, and core strength. Robinson says she appreciates the physical benefits of pilates but also enjoys the community that comes with it.
“We love each other and care about each other here,” Robinson says. “If someone isn’t here, we’re concerned. The comradery part of it is important.”
Without pilates, Robinson says she likely would not be able to run as frequently as she does. And running is Robinson’s favorite decompression activity. The running is for both her physical and mental health, she says.
“Running clears my mind,” she says. “It’s such a stress reliever, and it just feels good. If I’m having a bad day, there’s just something about running that makes it better. Sometimes, I just do it for my mind, and the physical is just a bonus.”
Running is also when Robinson challenges herself. She rarely misses a day of running.
“Rain, snow, or sleet, I’m running the trails,” she says. “Sometimes I have it, and sometimes I don’t, but I always just push through. If you get halfway out, you have to come back.”
Her consistency and dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle help Robinson keep up with her four sons and their families. From helping her granddaughter with her lawn mowing business to swimming with grandkids to running 5Ks with her daughter-in-law, Robinson can show up for her family, too.
For Robinson, it’s not about accomplishing a goal or reaching a milestone. It’s just about being consistent: “I’m deliberate. I haven’t done anything huge. I just do everything every day.”
By Maya Smith
Photo by Tindall Stephens
