‘I bless the day that I came here.’ Gym for seniors helps Myrtle Beach retirees stay independent
Three times a week, Suzie Katuscak goes to the gym to ride a recumbent bike and do strength training. She does this all as a sprightly 68-year-old.
Katuscak joined Push Pull gym about six months after having a stroke.
“I’d had physical training at the hospital. But I needed more, that was obvious,” she said.
When Katuscak started, she had trouble stepping between exercise machines. In the six months since joining the gym, Katuscak has regained muscle in her affected arm.
Push Pull Resistance Training for Seniors opened in July in Little River, off of Highway 17 by the Food Lion.
Moving from Columbus, Ohio, the 63 year olds felt like “just a couple of kids here.” They noticed the Myrtle Beach area lacked a workout space for the large community of retirees. With Greg Hoffman’s experience in the exercise industry — he ran a gym in the 1980’s — the pair left semi-retirement to open Push Pull.
Push Pull members, ranging from age 61 to 87, do pre-planned 30 to 45 minute long workouts designed to build muscle. Greg Hoffman estimated that up to 90% of their clients are new to fitness. On a recent Friday morning, members exercised in jeans and sweatshirts to the tune of “Sweet Caroline.”
Members generally come at the same time each week and get to know their fellow gym-goers. Co-owner Brenda Hoffman keeps records of each member and sends text messages after each workout so seniors can track their progress.
Cindy Jackson is one of those people. Before she joined Push Pull in July, “I was so weak,” remembered 63-year-old Jackson. After months of consistent work on the air resistance equipment, the Loris resident can complete household tasks without stopping to rest.
“I bless the day that I came here,” Jackson said, “because they’ve helped me strengthen my muscles.”
At the grocery store recently, someone offered to move Jackson’s case of water bottles to the car for her.
“I said ‘not today.’ I lifted that water in that trunk. And for the first time I was able to tote that whole case in the house without having to break the water down,” Jackson said.
Push Pull Resistance Training for Seniors
Location: 1699 Highway 17, Suite 101, Little River
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, by appointment only. Closed Sunday.
Month-long membership: $59 for individuals, $108 for couples.
