52 years ago, four months before I started my internal medicine practice in Highland Park, I had back surgery.
My patient population was oriented toward healthy habits ie not smoking, weight control and regular exercise. My older patients were fit and much healthier than the average older person.
Ten years later, I was having enough recurrent back pain that I began to swim every night. I started at the Multiplex/Sach Center in Deerfield and have continued swimming for the last 42 years as it controlled the pain.
When my grandson started playing basketball, I decided to renew my basketball skills
I switched to the Sky 15 years ago. The attraction was that the basketball court was available more frequently. The gym equipment was more varied, with a regular length lap pool plus a warm water pool for after exercise.
Under new management, the very friendly part owner and manager, Larry Heller, was always present to iron out any problems.
More importantly, 4 years ago, at the age of 78, I needed to increase my cardiovascular fitness and my shoulder and leg strength if I was going to be healthier and active in my 80’s.
The Sky has trainers for every age and skill level.
When the Sky closed for COVID-19 last spring, I was limited to outside power walking and basement exercises. I hurried back to the Sky on the first day that it reopened in early June. Strict regulations exist for social distancing, masking even up to the edge of the pool and limited locker room use make it a very safe place. The high ceiling building dilutes any airborne droplet spread.
I know I am more physically fit than the 80 year-olds in my former practice and I am thankful for what the Sky does to keep me safe while trying to live healthier and active.