(Click photo to enlarge) With bright smiles, a group working out at the fitness center in Anna this morning agreed to be photographed. (Left to right) Jackie Griffith, Dr. Pam Hunter-Reach, Don Carter, Paul Bohannon, Gerry Smith, Pat Schlenker, Jane Bohannon, Cathy Haley, Larry Haley, Diana Lingle, Viola Hankla, Don Schlenker, Frank Keedy, Larry Keller, and Sue Wilson.

SCC FITNESS CENTER IN ANNA KEEPS THEM YOUNG AND HEALTHY

1/26/10
Shannon Woodworth - Shawnee News Service

ANNA - At age 68, Frank Keedy believes he may be in the best shape of his life. Keedy, a Union County resident, flexed his muscles (literally) while working out inside the fitness center at Shawnee Community College's Anna campus.

"I told my wife (Kathy) that these biceps are getting to the size of watermelons now," Keedy laughed. "She disagrees."

This writer also disagrees, but would possibly settle for cantaloupes. Or would you believe a grapefruit?

Keedy and his wife work out at the SCC fitness almost every day. And it really makes no difference to Keedy what you think of his physique, what matters most is that at his age his doctor just gave him a "clean bill of health."

And being healthy is what matters most to those who rise before the sun and make their way to the SCC fitness center. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. and on most days the faithful are already waiting at the door for it to open.

Of course not everyone using the fitness center is retired or qualifies for AARP discounts. There are plenty of exercisers who haven't even opened a 401k. But for those who are labeled by society as "senior citizens," keeping their bodies active and their minds young seem to be a high priority.

"I love the fitness center," Keedy says seriously. "Being in good shape at any age - especially at my age - is important."

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