'Miracle Man' Walks Again

Gerry Hoffman, 78, suffers from arthritis and degeneration of the spine. He is a stroke survivor and would slump over his walker as he walked, rocking back and forth precariously with each painful step. Hoffman was an accident waiting to happen and he had a history of falling several times a year. His fear was disappearing into a hospital to never return.

So when the independent living facility, where Hoffman resided, offered an older-adult exercise program, Hoffman was one of the first to join. "I wasn't sure I could do it," say Hoffman. "But I wanted to try. I wanted to feel better."

After getting clearance from his doctor, Hoffman began the program consisting of a cardio warm-up on a stair climber for six to eight minutes and then strength training on resistive machines. He built muscles in his back, chest, legs and arms. Free weights were not used since they require more balance and coordination to use properly.

He is now known as "The Miracle Man', walking a mile unaided before breakfast each morning and feels great. He is stronger and more independent, all of which come after just six months in the program!

by Carol Glasscock, MS,PT