A Q&A with Suzanne and Bill Newman
We often hear members say that Reh-Fit feels like a second home. For Suzanne and Bill Newman, both in their late seventies, this couldn’t be more true.
“There’s a real sense of belonging. When I walk in, I recognize the faces, they recognize mine—we’re all connected. All I have to do is show up, and I’m welcomed,” says Suzanne.
That sense of belonging is one of many meaningful outcomes of donors’ generosity. Your support helps people like Suzanne and Bill live stronger—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Ten years ago, Bill felt he was losing his strength, mobility, and motivation “bit by bit” and was starting to feel old before his time. Suzanne admits that while they had always been active, they had lost their focus. Together, they joined Reh-Fit to rebuild their health with intention and purpose.
Today, their lives tell a different story.
1. Welcome Bill and Suzanne. Thank you for agreeing to share your Reh-Fit story. You've been members just over 5 years now. What drew you to join Reh-Fit?
Suzanne: We joined just after my Mom died at the age of 101 and a half! Suddenly we had many free hours in our day that had previously been full caring for her. I wish we had joined years before but based on our experience, I don't think it's ever too late to start.
Bill: I was determined to raise my fitness levels and stop shuffling around like an old man and going up the stairs one leg at a time. It was the fitness classes that put it all into focus. They're very motivational because the professionals that lead the classes are very good at engaging people. I do the classes and exercise various muscle groups in the process without overdoing or underdoing anything. I never leave a class with sore muscles or feeling that I might have overdone it.
2. You are here several times a week and it sounds like you enjoy the social aspect of fitness classes. Do the classes keep you coming and staying committed to Reh-Fit?
Bill: I used to be involved in more strenuous physical activity and various types of weekend camps and fast-paced folk dancing. But for the last 10 to 15 years, I’ve stopped doing that kind of fast movement and I didn't want to let that all go completely. It's physical fitness that affects your life in many ways.
3. Did you feel that Reh-Fit supported you in your new goals and realization of the need for consistent physical activity that you enjoyed and gave you structure?
Suzanne: Oh, absolutely. That kind of motivation and inspiration is what I love about the fitness classes. They aim at an effective level for improving muscle tone, strength and mobility. It's not slow paced and classes are challenging while still giving options depending on fitness. Even as a physician, I've learned so much from them about muscles and anatomy.
Bill: I like the diversity. I see people working with weights and I know it's totally beyond me. And there are other people on the track working on getting their mobility back with a walker or something like that, and it makes me feel very much in the middle and sort of average. And at my age, average is a pretty good goal. I'm not going to pound big iron but I can still handle a 20 kg weight.
Suzanne: I also take the Bars and Bells class, and I think of it as a wonderful achievement. It is an amazing feeling … Bill started the Bars and Bells first, and I thought I can't do that! But then I started really light (weights) and, gradually, I'm lifting more weight and growing in strength. I just feel so accomplished.
4. I heard that you were both right at the front of every class you attend.
Suzanne: Yes, we position ourselves in every class at the front row, not to miss any details or instructions.
5. You should be very proud of yourselves and what you’ve achieved. Are there other things you manage in your life that you credit to Reh-Fit classes?
Suzanne: Well, I sleep better, and as a result, I feel better all the time. My mood is better and I know I want to live my life to the fullest. I'm grateful.
Bill: I like the fact that I can drop something on the kitchen floor and easily pick it up without having to crawl to the counter to crank myself back up.
Suzanne: We've learned new tricks too. For example, when I brush my teeth, I practice standing on one foot for 2 minutes for balance practice and I would never have thought of that without support from the fitness class instructors. I couldn't balance on one foot to save my life when I started, but now I'm 30 seconds each leg.
Bill: My balance is a challenge, but I see that if I do the balance exercises prescribed in the classes, then I can actually improve, which is quite satisfying.
6. So, would you say that you are definitely seeing progress?
Suzanne: This is it. With the various classes, we were able to improve on even the hardest exercises. Proves it's never too late. Both of us have had serious injuries in our lives. I was hit by a car. Bill fell off a ladder. These could have been ‘game over,’ but it wasn't, because of our physical condition, will, and determination.
7. That's wonderful to hear that you recovered well and remain healthy. So, is it safe to say that you can’t imagine life without Reh-Fit?
Suzanne: I can't, actually, and when we have company or go away, I miss the camaraderie, and I miss the classes!
Bill: We constantly talk about it, too. We always say that we love Reh-Fit and why.
Suzanne: People talk in the locker room all the time. We all have some commonality, and it's really easy to talk to each other.
8. What do you hope is the impact of Reh-Fit for you in the years to come?
Suzanne: I think what we are learning and doing at Reh-Fit will help us age in place in our home. It's a large house with stairs but we are staying strong and growing more confident in our mobility. We’re not here to necessarily try to live longer but to live better until the very end, which is really what my Mom did.
Bill: Suzanne's Mom was a walker, and she was still walking regularly into her 90s.
Suzanne: Yes, it's about staying active to stay alert and interested in people. And making a habit and a routine. There's never been a time I'm not glad I'm here.
9. You said earlier that it’s never too late, which is a great way to close our interview. Do you have any further thoughts?
Suzanne: I thought it was too late when we joined Reh-Fit when I was 72 or 73, but it wasn't. Five years later, I feel younger, stronger, and in control of my future well-being.
Bill: It’s just nice to see the diversity of people and ages, and feel that regardless of your fitness level, no one is judging. You are part of the whole fitness and well-being world here.
This has been great Bill and Suzanne. You’ve both given us so much insight and inspiration. Thank you.
Did You Know?
The Reh-Fit is a not-for-profit charitable organization. Membership dues do not cover the costs needed to care for our facility and equipment, support important community programs, and drive innovative initiatives that extend our impact across the province.
As we look to the future, we ask you to continue making this impact possible. Your gift today ensures that more people like Suzanne and Bill have the opportunity to live life fully—mind, body, and spirit.
Together, we can help our community live longer, healthier, happier lives.