Meet our Superhero of the Month for October: Gail Burns!
I met Gail many years ago at 24 Hour Fitness. We have known each other since my kids were little and when Steve and I were just dating, actually pre-Steve. I was always happy to see Gail in my classes many years ago, and I’m just as happy to get to see her in our classes here at Mo-Mentum.
Gail is funny, witty, consistent, determined and a bright light. She is one of the most inspiring people I know. Gail always has something funny, loving and/or insightful to share.
She knows that moving her body with intention every day, exercise is a vital part of aging gracefully and maintaining her most extraordinary life.
I’m going to tell you a secret. Gail will be 70 years old in November. If you know Gail, or if you just looked at her picture, I’m sure this fact just blew you away. She is proof that exercising consistently keeps you young.
And to clarify, Gail is not simply genetically blessed. She’s had some traumatic injuries (a back injury and a couple other injuries) that could have given her a reason to stop exercising. But she worked diligently to get herself back to exercise and her lifestyle.
I am so proud and honored that Gail has chosen to join Mo-Tribe and I’m so excited for all of you to get to know her. She will brighten your day, inspire you and give you a new perspective on living your life all out at every age.
We love you Gail! Thank you for being you and for being a bright light here at Mo-Mentum!
A few words from our Superhero herself…
- Describe what your life (and your health) was like before fitness.
I’ve always been active physically. When younger Physical Education in school was a requirement. Swimming and water skiing have been a part of my life since an early age. My parents owned a cabin and a boat so every weekend during the summer you’d find my family by the water. I was fortunate. As kids we did a lot of hiking, biking and roller skating. Basketball, baseball, tennis. You name it we did it! Ah, the age before video games.
- Was there ever a low point or an experience that made your priorities change?
I quit smoking after 20 years in my mid 40’s and gained a great deal of weight as a result. I was not very happy with my body image. Weight loss is a driving force!!
- How did fitness come into your life (or back into your life)?
After moving to California in my early 20’s I knew a few people in a Ski Club and we’d head to Marine Stadium in Long Beach after work or to the Colorado River summer vacations and weekends. Crazy times. But other than that, that was about the only exercise routine I had. I joined Family Fitness (now 24 Hour Fitness) in my late 30’s and started Step Classes and running which was my sister’s passion. She was an avid runner and very dedicated. She was then my motivator to get physically fit. I met some fabulous instructors through fitness, who I still workout with regularly. They are the reason that I continue my fitness regimen. Some of these friendships spanning close to 30 years.
- What kind of results have you seen since starting a regular fitness program?
My stamina and strength have improved over the years one hundredfold. My bone health is great. No osteoporosis evident in bone scans and although my muscle definition is good it could be better. Balance has never been one of my strengths but I’m working on that as well.
- Let’s focus in on the blood work. What kind of changes have you seen there? What do these changes mean for you lifestyle, longevity, finances, etc.
I have a genetic predisposition for Diabetes so I need to watch that as I get on in years, as well as cholesterol. I try to keep the sugar as low as possible with diet and exercise. So far so good. I’ve taken supplements for potassium which is consistently low as I’m allergic to bananas and most foods high in that mineral. And my salt levels have been low as of late so my Endocrinologist suggested eating some potato chips. Go figure.
- Why do you make fitness a priority in your life?
I would like to be as mobile and healthy as possible for as long as possible into my senior years. I’d like my balance to be such that I am not a fracture risk. And good grief I’m a very bad patient!!! Independent.
- These days, what makes you truly happy and feel at peace?
More workouts and less news 😉 Good company. Family.
- How do you feel compared to 1 year ago?
A year older. Nonetheless, healthy. And I’m back to a fabulous gym and wonderful supportive people. After the lock-down due to COVID I needed a physical and mental release.
- Specifics: age, job title, children, spouse?
Retired after 45 years with the Orange County Register, Sales/Production liaison. 5 years at MotorTrend AdOps Magazine Division. Company downsized in 2019. So I’m temporarily retired. 2 children, a daughter and a son. 4 grandchildren, 2 boys, 2 girls. I spend quality time with a wonderful partner in crime that I keep trying to get him to spin class. He mountain bikes. I tell him I can kick his ass!! I’ll be 70 in November. WHAT????
Team Mo and I choose our SUPERHERO OF THE MONTH based on several important factors that we believe reflect the values on which the Mo-Mentum Fitness world-class culture has been built upon.
Mo-Mentum’s Core Values Include:
· Mindset for growth, constant never-ending learning – if you’re not growing, you’re shrinking.
· Over-deliver on all we do.
· Tribe – we all need a supportive and inspiring tribe, people we can be ourselves around and who nudge us to be one percent better every day.
· Transparency – We believe in honesty with ourselves and with others of course.
· Vitality – We believe in living vibrantly and living all out with courage and passion.
Love,
Amanda and Team Mo
