Life in Beaufort: Meet the 95-Year-Old Dynamo Keeping Fit and Fabulous!
Beaufort, a charming coastal city, is home to an inspiring powerhouse, Renee Levin, whose daily routine might just redefine what it means to age gracefully. At the vibrant age of 95, Renee is not only defying the odds but is also living proof that staying active is the key to a fulfilling life.
A Day in the Life
With her living room adorned with serene pieces of artwork and flooded with the warmth of early fall sunlight, it’s hard to ignore the bright red flash of an exercise ball in the center of the room. This bold splash of color serves as a throne for Renee, who can be often found engaging her core atop the ball, a testament to her commitment to her physical fitness.
“I try to go [to LifeFit] three days a week,” says Renee, showcasing the routine she’s kept for decades. “I think it’s the name of the game.” She has become a fixture at the Beaufort Memorial LifeFit Wellness Center, where she engages in a structured workout regimen that most teenagers would struggle to match!
Building an Active Community
Renee’s fitness journey dates back to 2002 when she, alongside a few friends, pioneered a new osteoporosis prevention exercise group before LifeFit even opened its doors. “It certainly has grown, which is wonderful,” she proudly states, reminiscing about the early days of the gym. The center, over the years, has evolved into a hub of health and wellness, offering everything from group fitness classes to one-on-one coaching to serve the needs of Beaufort residents.
Artistry and Inspiration
But Renee isn’t just about breaking a sweat; she’s a prolific artist as well! You can spot her creative spirit reflected in the artwork hanging around her home and even hear it in the way she describes nature. She gestures dramatically, illustrating how the live oak outside her window looks “like a beautiful lady dancing.” It’s this combination of physical vitality and artistic flair that keeps her mind sharp and spirit lifted!
Mind Over Matter
For Renee, the motivation to stay active extends beyond personal health—it’s about setting an example. “I think if you sit on the couch and don’t move, you become a blob,” she declares, perhaps with just a touch of sass. “If you don’t get up and exercise, you lose everything. Things become negative rather than positive.” It’s this mentality that fuels her mission to keep moving, whether she’s tackling exercise machines or creatively navigating through life’s challenges.
A Giving Spirit
And for those inspired by Renee’s spirited approach to life, there’s an opportunity to give back this holiday season! The Beaufort Memorial Foundation has launched a Giving Tuesday campaign, aiming to raise $35,000 to purchase state-of-the-art fitness equipment for LifeFit Wellness Center. “The mission of the Foundation is to serve as a catalyst for health and wellness in our community,” explains Kim Yawn, Chief Development Officer at BMH Foundation. The campaign runs on December 3, so mark your calendars and consider helping to enhance the wellness journey for folks like Renee!
The Future Looks Bright
As for Renee, her plans for the future are crystal clear. “I really think it’s the name of the game,” she repeats, her confidence shining like her radiant red exercise ball. This incredible woman shows no signs of slowing down, vowing to make fitness a priority “for as long as I can.” And if her track record is any indicator, she’ll be inspiring folks with her vibrant spirit for years to come!
In a world where it’s easy to overlook the importance of activity and connection, Renee Levin stands tall—quite literally—as a reminder that age is merely a number. Whether it’s through her workouts at LifeFit, her artistic endeavors, or her zest for life, she teaches us all that staying active keeps you young at heart!
