Gloria Green is an 85-year-old Lake Highlands resident who loved to walk in the neighborhood with her adopted Dijon mix, Max. She said that because she had been leading such an inactive lifestyle since retiring from ER nursing and then losing her husband, she couldn’t even stand for more than a minute.

Her New Year’s resolutions for 2012 include getting back on her feet and mobile.

For the past 18 months, Mrs. Green has been working with a fitness trainer, John Reeg, who comes to her home for regular appointments, and today she’s taking Max on 12 to 15 minute walks and said she feels wonderful.

“I feel like I got my feet back!” she exclaims.

John Reeg started Silver Star Fitness, whose services are primarily geared to older adults in the privacy of their own homes. Although Reeg is by no means a newcomer to training, within the past year, he has brought his services to clients’ homes in Lake Highlands and White Rock, and there are many who are glad he did.

According to Dean LaRue, resident comic at Appletree Assisted Living, Santa came early this year. LaRue is part of an exercise class of 15 to 20 individuals who meet twice a week with Reeg.

“Yesterday, instead of John, Santa showed up at our class with presents for everyone,” he said. “That’s the kind of guy he is.”

LaRue said he was in terrible condition when he started working with John.

“I was in a wheelchair, but with his help I went to a walker, and now I can walk unassisted,” he said. The 87-year-old quipped, “John’s a wonderful fellow. We all love him in spite of himself!”

A former marine and Vietnam veteran, Reeg has a 20 year history teaching physical education and coaching. He received a BS in physical education and health from Oklahoma State University. Reeg is certified by the prestigious Cooper Institute in older adult fitness and weight loss management. He is CPR certified, and a national certified personal trainer.

While Reeg’s practice includes classes at three area assisted living and nursing homes, his niche is working with older residents in the comfort of their homes. Reeg said he sees C.C. Young residents individually in their apartments. His goal is to help his clients get healthier, and to gain mobility that will aid them in having a more active lifestyle.

Penny Green referred her mother-in-law, Gloria Green, to Silver Star Fitness after a friend had referred her.

“My mother-in-law is so much happier,” Green said. “This was life changing for her. She’s proud to have a trainer.”

At 46, the younger Mrs. Green has been working with Reeg for three years. A human resources professional, she runs a half marathon every month, and participated in this year’s New York Marathon. She started training with Reeg because she was having hip and knee issues.

“After 40, our muscle tone is reduced, and we have to work harder to keep fit,” she said.

The average age of clients he sees in their homes is between the ages of 70 and 80. Reeg said that before getting started with a client, he checks their medical records and gets a release from their physician when there is any question.

“One of my greatest challenges was working with a financial consultant in Lake Highlands who had fractured her hip. At 82, she had huge hardware in her pelvis, along with a lot of scar tissue. Any lateral movement was painful,” Reeg explained. “Her delicate condition required a special, suitable program.”

Reeg has a number of packages available that enable clients to choose the number of sessions they want, and how frequently they want them.

“There is a huge population of older adults who, for one reason or another, won’t step foot in a commercial gym to get and stay fit,” the trainer said. Therein lies the uniqueness of his program.

“Three things you can do to help achieve that New Year’s resolution are to eat healthier, exercise to get fit and keep your weight at a normal range,” Reeg suggested. “To be successful getting healthier, set moderate short-term, attainable goals. Write down your goals, and reward yourself when you achieve them… reward yourself when you’ve done well and don’t stress.”

“John’s an all right, good fella’ and knows his business,” Mrs. Green said. “I live alone, and now I can take better care of myself. He has changed my life!”

White Rock Lake Weekly throws a medicine ball to welcome John Reeg and Silver Star Fitness to the neighborhood.