Since joining the Senior Strength Training class two years ago, retired nurse Sue Cullinan says she feels stronger, has better stamina and more energy.
‘I feel stronger and have a whole new outlook on what I’m able to do’
For the first time in 20 years, Sue Cullinan is feeling no pain in her knees.
The retired nurse from Hanson said that’s due in large part to the Senior Strength Training class she takes three days a week at South Shore Health.
Sue said the fitness program has helped her prepare for and recover more quickly from knee replacement surgery.
It has also helped her build strength, improve balance and increase her cardiovascular endurance, which has been important in the wake of her 2022 heart attack.
Following a stent placement, Sue took part in South Shore Health’s 12-week Cardiac Rehabilitation program.While there, she was encouraged to continue her recovery and build on her progress in a Community Exercise Program class.
“I got a recommendation for Jen’s (Community Exercise Program Manager Jennifer Logan) program,” said Sue, who has been attending class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for two years now.
“Jen’s a great motivator,” Sue said. “She brings it all together and makes everyone in the class feel like they’re doing a great job.”
Designed for anyone over 55, Senior Strength Training is a moderate-resistance training and aerobic program, focused on improving strength, flexibility and balance, which for most people, starts to decline by age 50.
“Jen’s really good about balance and flexibility,” said Sue, noting that each class winds down with chair yoga movements.
Since starting the program, Sue said she feels stronger, has more stamina and better balance. And she is motivated to do more in her everyday life.
“I have a whole new outlook on what I’m able to do,” she said.
Sue also credits the class for helping her build strength prior to her second knee replacement last July, and get back on her feet more quickly after the surgery.
Being active and taking the class “made recovery much easier” than it was with her first knee replacement surgery in 2017, Sue said.
Beyond the physical gains, Sue said she enjoys the camaraderie and friendships she has made through the program.
“The class is hysterical,” she said.“Everybody in our group is friendly and fun.”
Senior Strength Training class member Sue Cullinan says instructor and Community Exercise Program Manager Jennifer Logan is a great motivator.
‘The exercise program helps me a lot and keeps me moving’
Heart Healthy class member Peter Umile finishes his workout with a walk on the treadmill. Peter says the class keeps him active physically and socially.
Peter Umile is determined to keep moving.
Before retiring from the Pipefitters Union in 2008, Peter decided he wanted to take up golfing so he could stay active.
His son, Pete, a supply chain systems and support manager at South Shore Health, suggested he sign up for an exercise class to get in “golf shape” before hitting the links.
Fitness for Golf was Peter’s first introduction to South Shore Health’s Community Exercise Program and Jennifer Logan. But it wouldn’t be his last.
A rotator cuff injury and surgery put an end to Peter’s golf game and after going through six months of physical therapy, he said he was worried about slipping into inactivity.
“I don’t like sitting around too much,” he said. “I need to be active.”
Peter came back to the Community Exercise Program in 2024, this time signing up for Heart Healthy, a class designed to help people with cardiac or pulmonary history build endurance and improve strength.
“I don’t think I have a heart problem, but the exercise program helps me a lot and keeps me moving.”
Heart Healthy class workouts have helped Peter Umile build strength and stamina which has made it easier for him to continue his volunteer work helping maintain the USS Salem Museum.
Since starting the class a year ago, Peter said he is stronger, has increased stamina and more energy to keep up with other activities, including his volunteer work on the USS Salem Museum.
Peter said his hour-long workouts, three days a week have made it easier to work on the Salem, whether he’s welding, painting, going up and down ladders or keeping the ship’s boilers running.
In addition to the physical benefits, Peter said he enjoys the social aspect of the class.
“I’ve met a lot of nice people in the class,” he said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie within the group.”
Peter also appreciates the motivation he gets from other class members and his instructor.
“Jen is great at keeping us going and helping us stick with the program. I would never do this on my own.”
