71 and Fit: My Workout Routine

Many people associate fitness with setting goals, especially at the start of the new year.

However, it’s common for those goals to take a backseat as other priorities arise.

That said, some individuals maintain their focus on fitness goals year-round, regardless of the challenges they face.

Take Rosalind “Roz” Frydberg as an example. At 71, Roz, who resides in Toronto, Ontario, has achieved numerous fitness milestones as a senior.

She continues to excel in speed-walking, frequently covering medium to long distances, and has preserved her muscle tone and bone density.

Roz approaches new goals with enthusiasm once she accomplishes her current ones.

For instance, in 2024, she successfully achieved her goal of performing 150 push-ups a day. Looking ahead to 2025, she is focused on incorporating balance exercises into her routine.

Roz credits her success to staying consistent and committed.

Even with a busy schedule, she has embraced a leadership role in the ARORA program at Life Time Woodbridge, a fitness community for adults aged 55 and older.

"I’ve also contributed to program and class development," she shares. "Helping people reach their goals and feel empowered is something I love to do."

Carrying on an Inspirational Legacy

Roz’s passion for fitness can be traced back to her early years. Growing up, she spent hours swimming, greatly enjoying the water. Her summers at camp were dedicated to honing her swimming skills.

Additionally, her father played a pivotal role in her fitness journey. Volunteering at the local YMCA, he led fitness classes with over 150 participants.

"The first time I attended his class, I was amazed by his dedication and leadership," Roz recalls. "He was a phenomenal coach, respected and admired by so many."

Tragically, Roz’s father passed away from a sudden illness at just 54 years old. At 16, Roz made a life-changing decision to honor her father’s legacy by ensuring fitness remained a fundamental part of her life.

Roz Frydberg’s Fitness Routine

Teaching Classes

Roz teaches or coaches 27 classes each week. She strives to make every session valuable for participants and holds herself to the highest standards.

Between teaching, designing class routines, practicing movements, and completing her own workouts, Roz dedicates several hours each day to exercise.

Spontaneous Workouts

Roz cherishes impromptu workouts, often finding them the most enjoyable.

Her activities might include a power walk, a trail hike, or using weight machines at Life Time to target specific muscle groups. She occasionally throws in 50 push-ups just because she feels like it!

Water Running

Water running is one of Roz’s favorite exercises. She incorporates it four times a week, dedicating at least 30 minutes per session. "The resistance is incredible, and my muscles feel amazing afterward," she says.

Everyday Activity

Roz seamlessly integrates exercise into her daily routine, like opting for stairs instead of elevators whenever possible.

A Variety of Movements

To keep her muscles challenged, Roz uses multiple forms of training, including:

• Resistance bands
  
  
• TRX suspension systems
  
  
• Sandbags
  
  
• Medicine balls
  
  
• Stability balls
  
  
• Pilates
  
  
• Barre
  
  
• Interval training
  
  

Advice from Roz

For seniors looking to include fitness in their lifestyle, Roz recommends joining a community center or starting a walking group.

"Finding a supportive community with like-minded individuals can make all the difference," she suggests.

She also emphasizes the importance of uplifting and encouraging one another while maintaining a positive outlook.

Roz advises moving daily in diverse ways, highlighting that staying active is as essential as breathing.

"We often hear that age is just a number—it's true!" she says. "Exercise isn’t optional; it’s part of how we’re designed to live, whether it’s pulling, pushing, lifting, or hinging.

Growing older doesn’t mean slowing down. It’s a chance to discover your passions and sprint toward them, fully engaged in body and spirit."

Roz Frydberg’s story inspires us to stay active, set goals, and approach life with energy, no matter our age.

Source: parade

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.