82-year Old Logs Over 20,000 Miles
(ARA) - Charles Chapman is not your average 82-year-old. Instead of sitting back and taking it easy, he’s running and skating circles against fellow residents of “The Villages” retirement community, which is about an hour north of Orlando, Fla.
Chapman skates three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with the group he founded almost ten years ago, the Rollerblade Whiz Club. So it should come as no surprise that he has already logged over 20,000 miles on his in-line skates. He also recently participated in the second annual Disney half-marathon, beating 137 other contestants ranging in ages from 15 to 65 -- with the majority in their 20s and 30s.
“Charles Chapman and his in-line skate club are a prime example of people getting the most of their life,” says John Rohan, the Villages director of recreation. “Charles' enthusiasm and excitement for the sport has created many new participants over the years, his leadership and passion are some of the main reasons residents decide to get involved. Then, tie in all the physical, health and social benefits that come with interacting and participating as group in this activity and the benefits are endless.”
Chapman moved from Oregon to Florida a little over 10 years ago. He was visiting his sister in Ft. Lauderdale for mutual birthdays and mentioned he wanted to try in-line skating, but was afraid to due to his weak knees and bad back. Despite his negativity, Chapman’s sister bought him skates as a present for his birthday, and his skating journey began.
“When I returned to my home, I put them on and immediately fell on my butt. Went out for five minutes, next day 10 and so on until some time later I was gaining confidence and expanding my horizons -- and most important, realizing that I had been given a sport that did not hurt my knees at all.”
Not only did his back pain cease, but after two or three months his back was no longer hurting. Skating built the muscles in his back and which ultimately helped support it. “Now, nine years later, I still have never had so much as a twinge of pain in my back,” says Chapman.
Even more amazing is the fact that Chapman, a lifetime runner and basketball player, had his knees replaced in 2001. “Three and a half years ago I finally decided to have my knees replaced, not due to the skating, which had actually extended my knee life by
strengthening the muscles around them, but due to the discomfort I always endured when walking.” The surgeon said that the knees had absolutely no cartilage left and informed Chapman that he’d have to stay off skates for three months. “I was actually back on them in six weeks, and in a few turns was back to my old speed and stamina,” he says.
People often ask Chapman about the safety of in-line skating, and he responds the same way every time. “It’s ironic that so many people decline to try our sport because of their fear of falling, yet in many cases where we lost skaters, it has been due to injuries they suffered while playing softball, pickle ball, or horseback riding, not skating.”
Chapman diligently spreads the “word” about inline skating, telling of its safety, physical benefits, and social benefits. The Rollerblade Whiz club members provide free lessons to all residents of the Villages community and their only requirement is skaters must wear all the protective gear: knee guards, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet.
“Inline skating is an incredibly rewarding pastime,” says Chapman. “The physical benefits are wonderful and the social aspect is great too.”
For more information about the sport of in-line skating, log on to www.rollerblade.com or call (800) 232-ROLL.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Related Stories
-
Looking for a Way to Get to Know Your Grandkids? Spend Some Time Getting Creative
-
Medicare Agency Says Look for Important Handbook in the Mail
-
What is Tiny in Size, Red in Color and Packs a Healthy Punch Against Joint Pain?
-
How to Get a Promotion
-
Maintain Your Eyesight, Maintain Your Independence
|
|