Retirement looks different on everyone.
Some travel, others immerse themselves in a hobby or relax into the slower pace of an open schedule. But for a few, these later years bring about a brand-new calling.
For 91-year-old Freda Schopfer, a former Upper Moreland schoolteacher, retirement set her on a course toward helping other older women like herself stay active, strong and fit.
It started in 2003 when she joined Curves gym in Dublin after her husband passed away. It had given her something to fill her time, remain social and take care of herself both mentally and physically.
Five years later, when the original owners decided to sell, she and another member decided to take over the local franchise.
The role seemed a natural fit for Schopfer, who
spent so much of her life as an educator.
“I really enjoy teaching them how to use the machines and how to enjoy their exercises," she said. “I really enjoy teaching them how to stay fit. It really makes you feel good inside; it really does.”
She thinks of running the gym as more of a hobby than a job, but her approach is anything but passive.
While there's plenty of time for conversation and desk work, Schopfer commits much of her day to keeping her clients motivated, on track and ensuring their safe us of the equipment. If she notices someone "slacking off" or needing extra guidance, she’s eager to jump in to help.
“I take a lot of pride that the ladies here don’t mind if I correct them,” Schopfer said. “I’ll say, ‘You’re being a little lazy there,’ or ‘Get those elbows up.’ And they take it very, very well.”
She also finds ways to keep them coming back, including a reward system she created that incentivizes the women to complete their workout, make time to stretch and solve a visual word puzzle that she posts on a dry erase board daily. For each task, they’re awarded with “Curves Dollars” which are then exchanged for raffle tickets for various prizes every month.
Schopfer said a sense of community is another reason many of her members have stayed involved for years.
“They are a very caring group of ladies. If they’re here with each other and there’s an issue that they’re going through, they can share and maybe get some advice. It’s really more than just coming in and going out. There’s a camaraderie with all the ladies that we have,” she said, adding that those friendships have kept her feeling young as well.
“I don’t feel my age at all ... I think the socialization is really a good thing to do mentally. It keeps you really sharp and I learn so much from the ladies and they keep me on the right track."
Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, food and drink, economic revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please consider supporting local journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How a Bucks County fitness club owner stays feeling young at 91
