After 20 years as a geologist in the oil and gas industry, James P. Story discovered a new career while working out at the gym.
“I exercised at a club, and older folks were always asking me to show them how to do things,” he said.
That type of interaction, and his passion for fitness, eventually led him into a new career motivating seniors through fitness.
“When I first told my wife what I wanted to do, she said ‘You’re going to do what?!’” Story recalls.
She conceded on a trial basis. Five years later, Story’s vision has become a success story for hundreds of Oklahoma City seniors whom he’s helped put on the road to better health.
Story is certified by the Cooper Clinic in Dallas as a Fitness Specialist for the Aging Population as well as for Special Populations. Working with a local hospital group, he opened and operated a 15,000 square-foot adult fitness center in Edmond. That served as a springboard to his current role as Fitness Director for The Fountains at Canterbury, home to more than 200 older adults.
“Hospitals are very interested in rehabilitation. My true passion is in helping people apply fitness for prevention, to help seniors become strong in order to live better and avoid the problems of a sedentary lifestyle. The Fountains shares that passion,” Story said.
It’s a passion that’s paying off. Story was involved in the design and implementation of two research studies among participants age 70 to 95, one with Oklahoma State University and another with University of Central Oklahoma. The studies documented health improvements such as flexibility and balance through strength training. The results, he said, were staggering. “We were hoping for maybe a 10% increase in range of motion, and we got 40%,” he said.
Story plans to enhance the fitness programs offered to residents of The Fountains at Canterbury, which currently include aqua aerobics, chair exercise and individual strength training. He is spending his first few weeks visiting with residents to determine their interests and needs. Based on his findings, program expansions may include addition of classes in strength, resistance and cardiovascular training; flexibility training to improve balance and decrease likelihood of falls; and offerings in yoga, pilates and tai chi.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said. “I’ve seen it work. People experience improved posture, they feel better and they look forward to each day. Older people need, want and value motivation and training in this area. I know remarkable things will happen here.”
The Fountains at Canterbury is located at 1404 NW 122nd Street. Contact Jim Story at 405-751-3600.
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