As a kid, Lynn Apple enjoyed staying active through running and playing competitive tennis. Now, at 57, she is fitter than ever, thanks to a longevity-focused mindset pivot inspired by her work as a physical therapist for Wellhouse Fitness in Memphis.

“I just really like being active, and my favorite therapy was always sports medicine,” the mom explains of her natural progression to working in wellness.

As a PT, Lynn specializes in injury prevention for those wanting to stave off future recurrences or who have gone through a physical therapy protocol elsewhere yet have not quite reached their wellness recovery goals. Her clientele consists mainly of people concerned about aging-related weaknesses like muscle loss, difficulty balancing, and falling.

“There is a lot of evidence that if we continue strength training and all that goes with it, like balance, then as we get older, we’re much less prone to injuries and more prone to maintaining an active lifestyle,” she emphasizes. “You don’t have to be in the gym for hours. A little goes a long way.”

While Lynn tailors client protocols to meet individual needs and goals, the heart of her focus is often a blend of core exercises, balance, and functional activities to build strength.

“I try to send people home with limited homework to keep compliance up,” Lynn shares, “but my main pointers for anyone wanting to improve aging-related wellness at home would be sitting-to-standing movements, balancing on a single leg, and simple core exercises.”

Following her own advice, Lynn strength trains using body weight two to three times weekly. “This is to prevent injury so my body can withstand all this crazy stuff I’m asking it to do.” Lynn is referring to her colorful workout regiment that includes recreational running, tennis, strength training, and triathlons — something new that she began during the pandemic.

“I also picked up cycling. I’m thankful for Victory Bicycle Studio; they’ve been awesome and so encouraging.” The store outfitted her with the Pinarello Road Bike, and she often rides with their cycling group.

Lynn also taught herself to swim at 54 by asking swimmers around her for tips despite her fear of the water.

“The first time I swam 25 yards and thought, ‘I can’t do this,’ but I just stuck with it. You can do anything; you just have to believe you can. Now it’s fun.”

Lynn is actively training with Victory Bicycle Studio for her third year at Dragonfly Triathlon on September 22, the 105-mile Big Dam Bridge bike ride on September 28, and St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend in December.

“I’m more focused on longevity and fitter than I was 20 years ago. A lot of it is just belief. Get out of your box and try that sport or thing you’ve always wanted to try because, more than likely, you can do it. It might be scary, but fear is a good motivator.”

Visit Victory Bicycle Studio at Victorybicyclestudio.com to learn more or start cycling.

By Shlomit Ovadia
Photo by Tindall Stephens