A Fitness Love Story: Together as Much as Possible

Sergio and Debora met when they were 13.

This summer, they will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary.

Over the decades, they have raised three children, worked hard, enjoyed successful careers, and spent as much time together as possible.

In the last 12 years, they have been working out to stay strong and prevent health issues as they age.

Sergio and Debora each turned 87 earlier this year.

“We enjoy being together and love spending time with our children and grandchildren,” says Sergio.

They go for walks and travel when possible (they are planning a Mexico vacation this spring). They will have their 65th-anniversary bash this summer, five years after COVID delayed their 60th-anniversary party.

Physical fitness is part of many love stories, with partners who enjoy exercising or supporting each other in their pursuit of health and longevity.

For Sergio and Debora, it’s just natural.

‘An Active Life’

While working and raising the kids, Sergio and Debora didn’t follow a long-term, regular exercise plan. They enjoyed walking, tennis, swimming, and occasional gym workouts.

“It was an active life, but nothing addressed the potential issues that could arise as we age,” Sergio recalls.

He retired after decades at a hospital, and Debora retired as a university professor 10 years later. The pair decided to start working out with a personal trainer after getting frustrated with the low level of guidance they’d received at some gyms over the years. They thought coaching would help, and it did.

About a year ago, they began working out together in Susan Fink's small, private studio. Susan specializes in functional strength, balance, fall prevention stretching, and brain exercises for older adults. Her approach addresses the individual needs of Sergio and Debora, who also walk on a treadmill at home.

“Sergio and Debora are wonderful clients,” Susan says.  “They take their exercise programs seriously and are committed to working to the best of their abilities. They have a positive attitude, and they both have a great sense of humor.  I can’t ask for anything more.”

“We are looking for a way to prevent common challenges that might come up in the near future,” Sergio says.

And they very much value working out together.

‘This is a Commitment We Have’

“We like that we go together,” Debora says.  “We take one car -- Sergio always likes to drive me everywhere.  It’s important to be at your best for each other; this is our commitment.”

“Maintaining good health is crucial for our long-term planning,” Sergio says.  “But we must also prepare ourselves for tough times by staying in shape.”

The happy couple encourages others to exercise at any age.  They say, “We all have opportunities. It's never too late to start.  The time to make a decision is always now.”