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Highlands Today

Lifelong Exercise Shapes Trainer's Life

Sue Ann Carpenter/Highlands Today

Kathy Rouse leads the class with warm-up aerobics.

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Sue Ann Carpenter

Published: November 12, 2007

LAKE PLACID –– It took a mishap to get Kathy Rouse started, but since age 24, it's been a life-long journey.

It began when her doctor suggested an exercise program after she injured her back and put on weight. That's when Rouse lost 30 pounds and never gained it back.

"I've always enjoyed exercising," she said."It's the highlight of my day."

Rouse moved to Lake Placid 18 years ago and started teaching exercise. She'd moved from Elmira, N.Y., where she had her own aerobics studio for eight years.

Now at age 58, Rouse continues her teaching with low-impact walking aerobics classes at 8 a.m. and Pilates at 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays she teaches step aerobics at 4:30 p.m. and Pilates at 5:30 p.m.

Most women in her class are retired and an example for the younger students. Watching someone in their 70s work out and seeing how good they look and feel is an incentive to others.

The women attending range in age from 15 to 73. They express that this is their way of releasing stress. It's their one-hour getaway, and something special they do for themselves. Rouse believes that any age group can benefit from toning up.
Twelve years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and although she could barely walk or move her arm, she had no one to substitute her classes.

"If it had not been for all the girls in the class those six months, it would have been harder for me," Rouse said. At the time she was single and had no one to help.

"They stood beside me and made me feel good even when I could only move one arm." Many of her students have attended for a decade and a few started with her 18 years ago.

Although Rouse never smoked nor drank, she developed osteoporosis and arthritis after the cancer medication.To maintain flexibility and endurance, she preaches staying in shape.

Rouse says she never tires and is excited to work all day. She believes the more you do the better you feel. By focusing on exercising and how we look, there's an added benefit of keeping spines strong and being a deterrent to taking a fall, she said.

"I want to always look and feel good," Rouse said.

Vi Stewart, 64, has attended for 11 years.

"I have a bum knee, but it doesn't stop me. Kathy mixes it up so you get a thorough workout," she said. "And when I miss this class I feel terrible."

Gerry Burden, 66, has been attending for 10 years.

She said, "I love the camaraderie.This keeps my weight down, and my doctor compliments my blood pressure."

Brandy Esquivel, 33, is a waitress who's been attending for a month.

She said, "It already helps with my back and neck injuries from a car accident and my doctor said this really improves my sugar levels."

Rouse's workouts are down to earth, and not held in a clubby atmosphere. With the throbbing rhythm of a variety of '50s, '60s and today's music, she uses different tools: five-pound hula hoops, stability balls, body bars, small weighted balls, and gliders strengthen the body's core through a range of motion and stability.

Rouse is trim and perky and a good example of what can be achieved with determination. In addition to teaching workouts, she's worked 18 years at the Main Street Restaurant in Lake Placid as a waitress.

"I eat to work and be able to do what I do," Rouse said. "I concentrate on eating energizing food and not a lot of sugar."

She and Richard, her husband of five years, believe in playing hard and always making time for each other.

She said, "He's retired, but we enjoy riding our Harley Davidson." They also own a '56 Chevy and a '79 Corvette and like to attend classic car shows.

Paid monthly, classes are held in the Lake Placid, SFCC lower gym. Call 465-3003 to sign up or stop by to check out her classes.

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