21 Jun 2016 Miss Esther: Septuagenarian superwoman
by Karl Lenser
“We don’t stop playing because we get old; we get old because we stop playing.”
Esther Kershner-Mitchell (Miss Esther) has never stopped playing. She has been a member at Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center since 2001 and has become a legend over these past 15 years due to her zest for exercise and her infectious enthusiasm that she exudes with every visit to the fitness center.
Her routine includes spinning (indoor cycling) and strength training classes, yoga, Power Push (strength training) and walking. Her normal weekday begins with a workout at 5 a.m. and concludes at midnight after working a full-time job at the Conway Human Development Center and a part-time job at Sonshine Academy and then squeezing in some housework and a bit of reading/prayer time. That adds up to a 20-hour day. Not bad for someone who is 71 years young and going on 31.
Miss Esther is a wonderful example of how being fit is not just for the youngsters. Her story is both fascinating and inspirational.
Birthplace: Mountain View. I moved to Michigan when I was 7 and then moved back to Arkansas (Greenbrier) in 1972.
When did you join Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center: In 2001.
Why did you join: My husband, Ron Mitchell, went there for aquatic therapy and liked it so much he encouraged me to join him. At that time, I walked a lot (day or night) with my son, Lance, who was and still is a fitness enthusiast. I began to go to the fitness center with my husband, but over the course of time, his health deteriorated and he was unable to keep going there. I have been going ever since.
What do you like about CRHFC: Many things! The group classes are wonderful as are the instructors and staff. The members have become a great social support network for me as they have helped me during my husband’s illness and eventual death. My favorite class of all time was the “Boot Camp” class. I love the atmosphere and variety of classes that are offered.
Have you always been active: Yes. I always have enjoyed moving. When I was growing up, I played outdoors a lot (walking, playing in the snow, bike riding — lots of kid activities).
Was there a person or event that helped you become active: I had polio when I was 8 years old (back in the 50s when it was rampant). I was very ill in third grade and barely made it to fourth grade due to many illness days I had because of the polio. Many of my classmates never made it to fourth grade. I thank God for healing me and getting me into fourth grade. Since then, I have purposefully been active, knowing what I endured in that time of my life.
How do you feel if you miss a workout: I feel sluggish, have no energy and feel worthless. When the fitness center is closed, I still do SOMETHING to move and get some exercise.
How do you feel after a workout: Motivated and ready to finish my day/night. After this, I go to my full-time job as a special education supervisor at the Conway Human Development Center. I have been employed at the CHDC for the past 41 years. During the evenings, I work at Sonshine Academy at least four evenings per week as a supervisor of the evening cleaning crew. I also help out with their meets and other special events. I have worked for the Academy since they opened 25 years ago.
How does exercise benefit you: I have some health issues and I believe that being active is the best way to combat these problems. I thank God daily that I can MOVE! Exercise helps me physically, mentally, emotionally. It makes my day!
Describe your diet: I will not give up what I want, but I make sure I eat not as much as I want. I don’t deprive myself, but try to eat a well-balanced diet.
Favorite book: The Bible and devotional books.
If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? Give it away to charities.
Some words of wisdom for 501 LIFE readers: I HIGHLY recommend that people who aren’t active find a way to become and stay active. You are never too old to move, and the benefits are amazing.
A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the employee wellness coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at [email protected].
