Intervals of clouds and sunshine. Morning high of 63F with temps falling to near 55. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..
Every year, as the holiday season draws to a close, many people follow the time-honored tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Quite often, these resolutions include the desire and commitment to lose weight and to improve overall fitness in the coming year.
For the first few months of the new year, local gyms are often packed with members seeking to get into shape. At first, they are filled with enthusiasm as they begin to see the early results of their workout efforts. Unfortunately, most people eventually reach a plateau where their improvements begin to slow down, resulting in many of them dropping out and returning to their pre-resolution habits.
However, some people never give up. Instead, they choose to follow a path of lifetime fitness. One such person is 90-year-old Marie Oliphant. Every morning, Oliphant goes to the Sumner County YMCA and gets in four miles on the track.
“I come to the YMCA every morning around 7 (a.m.) to get in my workout, which includes walking and water aerobics,” says Oliphant. “Coming to the YMCA is just what I do – it is home for me.
Oliphant’s attendance and workout regimen is legendary at the YMCA, where she serves as an inspiration for both staff and fellow members.
“Marie is a walking commercial for fitness,” says Sumner County YMCA Executive Director Kathy Raglin. “She sets the example for all those around her, and she proves that age is no barrier to fitness.”
Oliphant was born and raised in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., famous for being the home of late country music superstar Loretta Lynn.
“I grew up in a farming community, but I knew from early on that I didn’t want to be a farmer,” says Oliphant. “After I graduated from high school, I moved to Nashville and went to work at the old Nashville General Hospital, and I stayed there until my retirement in 2000.”
Oliphant began her fitness odyssey in 1974 at a commercial gym in Nashville. Although 49 years have passed since then, her commitment to fitness has never wavered.
“I have been blessed with good health, and it is my responsibility to keep myself in the best shape possible, regardless of my age,” says Oliphant. “God tells me to keep moving, and I listen to Him.”
Along with logging her miles on the track, Oliphant is also a social butterfly who loves to interact with her fellow walkers and swimmers.
“Marie is the most giving, honest and open person that I have ever known,” says YMCA team member Martie Mercer. “She knows no strangers, and she genuinely cares about everyone she meets.”
Mercer’s sentiments are echoed by fellow team member Audrey Evans.
“Marie is the embodiment of happiness. She puts a smile on everyone’s face, including mine,” says Evans. “She is a breath of fresh air – everybody at the YMCA loves her.”
While devoted to taking care of herself, Oliphant also finds time to encourage others to stay active, particularly senior citizens.
“I can’t stand to watch people just sit around and do nothing,” says Oliphant. “Instead of staying home and watching soap operas, folks need to get out and move.”
Although Oliphant will turn 91 in March 2023, she has no plans of slowing down.
“I feel good, and I am still living in my own home and taking care of myself,” says Oliphant. “I have a few more aches and pains than I used to, but I will not let them stop me. I have a lot more moving to do before I am done.”
