Phoenixville woman, 68, chosen as Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete
Ever since Jan Haig can remember, she has always gravitated toward high-intensity forms of fitness, such as kickboxing, running marathons, ultra marathons, and lifting barbells. This approach eventually caught up with her over time in the form of back pain.
“I thought I was making myself stronger,” Haig said. “Over time I had no disc cushioning left and had sciatic pain down my legs.”
Haig, 68, who was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, was informed by her doctor that she would have to completely stop the fitness regimen she had grown accustomed to for decades.
“I wasn’t allowed to run and the doctor told me to start cycling,” she said.
She started spin cycling at a studio and today, participates in classes five to six times a week.
“I need something to give me that cardio,” she said, adding that when in spin classes, she can usually match the pace of much younger participants. “In three weeks, I will hit my thousandth class.”
Low-intensity classes
Also a fitness instructor, Haig, who lives in Phoenixville, Chester County, was allowed to resume teaching as long as her classes were low-intensity. She also began cross-training by going on hikes and ventured into other fitness avenues she hadn’t explored previously.
“With my back injury, I was also getting more involved with Senior Planet for AARP’s fitness programs,” she said.“I was very impressed by their online programs and began attending.”
Haig also discovered they have a good selection of strength training classes.
“You can modify using smaller weights,” she said, adding the online classes can be a good solution for seniors who are hesitant to go to a gym.
“Seniors are intimidated to walk into a gym,” she said. “It could be terrifying walking into a class.”
Athletes to sponsor
One day when Haig was checking out Senior Planet’s offerings, she noticed they were seeking athletes to sponsor.
“They were looking for people who had been through something and recovered, and what was their regimen,” she said. “They wanted people to tell their story, so I submitted an essay.”
In the essay, Haig said she was honest about her fitness journey and how her health setback impacted her. She also shared her experience with the Senior Planet fitness program.
It was the start of the new year when Haig, who’s been an AARP member for 18 years, was informed she was chosen to be one of five sponsored athletes in their nationwide search. Winners received a $1,000 prize to be used toward achieving their future fitness goals.
“I was pretty excited when I got the email,” she said. “I was honored and surprised and that kicked off the new year really well.”
Team members
In its fifth year, previous team members of the sponsor program are part of the selection committee that plays a hand in selecting the upcoming year’s ambassadors who are aged 60 plus.
The aim of the initiative is to help seniors focus on health and wellness as they age. In her ambassador role, Haig serves as a spokesperson who gives live presentations to share her story, as well as participates in group Q&As.
“They motivate and inspire older adults to live a healthier lifestyle as they age,” said Sean Cruse, communications manager at Senior Planet and Older Adult Technology Services from AARP. “The focus is on how you can be healthy and live your best possible life.”
About Senior Planet from AARP
If you’re a senior aged 60 and older, Senior Planet offers live online classes so you can learn about finance, wellness, fitness, computers, technology, and much more.
You can access a calendar of free live stream and pre-recorded fitness and wellness classes here:
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