What makes Charlene Reeves with Training Partners Inc. a good neighbor?

In a world where aging is often associated with decline, Charlene Reeves of Training Partners Inc. is challenging stereotypes and empowering seniors to maintain strength, mobility, and independence well into their golden years. For nearly three decades, this small personal training studio in North Asheville has been working with the 50-plus population, with an average client age of 72. Their mission? To ensure that health spans match lifespans, allowing seniors to enjoy retirement to the fullest.

One of the most pervasive myths about aging is that seniors can't build muscle or increase strength after a certain age. Charlene emphatically dispels this misconception, citing studies that demonstrate adults can continue gaining muscle and improving functionality up to ages 90-95. The key isn't necessarily heavy weightlifting or extreme regimens – it's consistent, appropriate movement. Just 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week, or even daily neighborhood walks, can yield significant health benefits. Small adjustments like standing on one leg while brushing teeth or performing air squats during TV commercials can make meaningful differences in maintaining mobility and independence.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for Training Partners Inc., forcing a nine-month closure and claiming the lives of twelve clients. Within four days of shutting their doors, Charlene pivoted to virtual training, personally visiting elderly clients on their porches to teach them how to use Zoom. What initially seemed like a devastating setback revealed unexpected opportunities. Clients who had moved away or could no longer drive suddenly reconnected with their fitness community. Today, Training Partners maintains both in-person and virtual classes, serving clients from Tennessee and Florida to as far away as New Zealand.

More recently, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, leaving Training Partners without power and water for nearly a month. The storm altered Asheville's landscape dramatically, with approximately half the trees lost and the River Arts District suffering significant damage. Yet through this crisis, Charlene witnessed remarkable resilience and humanity, as neighbors helped neighbors and people traveled from distant locations just to offer assistance. This community spirit reinforces the studio's core philosophy: we're stronger together, regardless of age or circumstance.

The statistics Charlene shares are sobering: While American lifespans have plateaued around 82 years, health spans—the period of life spent in good health—have decreased to around 63-64 years. This means many people spend their final 15-20 years in poor health, despite having the financial resources and time to enjoy retirement. Training Partners Inc. aims to change this trajectory, helping seniors maintain vitality throughout their later years so they can travel, spend time with grandchildren, and pursue their passions without physical limitations. After 30 years serving the senior population, Charlene's message remains clear: aging is a privilege, not everyone gets to experience, and maintaining strength and functionality is possible at any age. The goal isn't simply adding years to life, but adding life to years.

To learn more about Training Partners Inc. go to:

https://trainingpartnersinc.com/

Training Partners Inc.

(828) 252-0920