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Adding Years to His Life: A 71-Year-Old’s Path to a Stronger Decade
Ken Patterson is 71 years old. Before this January, he had never done a structured fitness program in his life.
Now, after a few months in PowerStrength’s Personal Training Program, he’s hiking and biking through Florida without pain, keeping up with seven grandkids, and slinging around 40lb bags of salt.
WHY HE STARTED
The motivation was always about staying in the game with the people he loves.
“My wife and I like to hike and do things, and I’ve got grandkids I want to keep up with,” Ken said. “So I thought I’d get in shape and be able to keep up with them as a grandfather.”
A LITTLE APPREHENSIVE, THEN HOOKED
Starting something brand new at 71 wasn’t without some nerves.
“I was a little bit apprehensive about it, but I was kind of excited also — it was a different adventure, something new, and I wanted to give it a shot,” he said. “It turned out that I really like it.”
What won him over first was the people and how the program was built around him specifically.
“They tailored my workouts because I do have some medical issues,” he said. “They tailored the workouts around those, and it really has helped.”
TRAINING AROUND REAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
Ken manages AFib and arthritis, including issues in his knee and a shoulder he’d previously had surgery on.
“I have AFib. I’ve had some arthritic issues with my knee and my shoulder — they get inflamed,” he said. “They’ve been able to work around those pretty easily.”
The arthritis pain specifically has improved since he started.
“It’s a lot less. This one’s got arthritis in it,” he said, pointing to his right shoulder. “It’s tough, but it’s a good workout.”
THE PROOF IS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
For Ken, the clearest evidence of progress hasn’t come from a scale or a chart — it’s come from ordinary tasks around the house.
“I had some water softener salt at home, and before I came to PowerStrength, I could only do one bag at a time,” he said. “Now I just latch onto them — 40-pound bags — and carry them through the basement to the softener. It’s made it a lot easier.”
KEEPING UP WITH SEVEN GRANDKIDS
Ken has seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 4 to 18, and staying active with all of them was the whole point from day one.
Asked if he’s keeping up better than before, he answered simply: “Oh yeah!”
BACK ON THE TRAIL
Ken and his wife recently took a trip to Florida, and it became a real test of where his training has gotten him.
“We went down to Florida, and I had no problem at all. I was in really good shape,” he said. “We biked and hiked and did all kinds of neat things down there.”
They typically cover two to three miles at a time.
The physical changes have shown up in smaller, daily ways too.
“My balance is better. I don’t stumble as much,” he said. “I’ve learned to pick my feet up when I walk instead of shuffling.”
THE ONE-ON-ONE DIFFERENCE
Ken trains one-on-one with coach Logan rather than in a small group setting, and the personal relationship matters to him.
“It’s personal. Logan and I get along really well — he does a really nice job with my workout, and we mix it up, do different things at different times,” he said.
Having a coach right there guiding every session, he says, makes a real difference.
“It gets me focused on what I need to do, and keeps me doing it the right way,” he said. “He’ll say that was a good set or rep, and then you try to replicate that as your workout progresses.”
MORE THAN PHYSICAL
The benefits haven’t stopped at his body.
“My attitude is better. I really like the people here — it’s been a really good experience for me,” he said.
Even his daily routine has shifted around it.
“It gets me out of the house early. I have an 8:30 session, and then I get back home, and I’m ready to roll — I’ll go out and do yard work.”
ADDING YEARS TO HIS LIFE
Asked how the last several months of training have set him up for the future, Ken didn’t hesitate.
“I feel like it’s adding life expectancy to my being. I feel better,” he said.
ADVICE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING IT
For anyone in a similar spot — new to fitness, managing health issues, unsure if it’s the right fit — Ken’s advice is straightforward.
“The people here are great, the facilities are excellent, and the workouts are what you make of it,” he said. “You can put as much energy into it as you want. We adjust the weight for how I’m feeling, and I’ve noticed increases in certain exercises — that’s helped a lot.”
He trains twice a week, on Monday and Thursday, and has settled into a rhythm that works for him.
“It’s a community of people who want to be in shape, who want to get a good workout — and a proper workout.”
He’s still working toward the shape he set out to get in, and he’s at peace with the pace.
“I’m on track,” he said. “I love being here. It gives me purpose, and I enjoy the people.”
READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT 10 YEARS YOUR STRONGEST EVER?
Men and women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who want to get stronger and have more energy can join the Personal Training Program at PowerStrength at any time. No previous workout experience is required — each program is customized to the fitness and ability level of each individual.
Multiple personal training sessions are offered in the early morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, and evening. Find your nearest PowerStrength location — Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, or Byron Center.
Click powerstrengthpro.com/adult/contact-adult to learn more and schedule your risk-free consultation.