Active Duo

By: Alison Cardoza • Photography by Matt Johnson • Sponsored  

Reaching a fitness goal is not easy. Having a partner in crime to help fight away the urges of unhealthy foods and encourage positive habits, is a partner worth keeping for life. Positive reinforcement along with understanding and appreciating each other’s strengths and weaknesses can only help you grow as a couple. 

Ellen and Eddie Jacobs recently reached a milestone birthday at 75 years of age. With those years behind them, they have a long history of challenges involving weight loss and management and joint replacement surgeries. Both will tell you that after marrying, they gained a significant amount of weight. Although Ellen eventually lost more weight than she currently weighs, she struggled with the yo-yo cycle. Approximately 2 years ago, Ellen stopped the cycle and is in the best health of her life. Eddie, a retired Emergency Medicine physician, will tell you he follows her lead when it comes to what and how they eat as well as exercise. Good health is their goal while working each day on getting a bit better than the day before. 

Both Ellen and Eddie work out at Baptist Health Milestone 6 times a week. It is an integral part of their life, and they rarely miss a day. Ellen, a retired pediatric speech- language pathologist, does a variety of classes such as high-low impact and spinning, while also working with Milestone instructor Lisa Ferguson on the Pilates reformer. Everyday Ellen includes cardio, weight training, and core work. Eddie does 5 spin classes a week, but he also works on his balance, flexibility, and strength. They often do the spin classes together. Baptist Milestone has benefitted them in any number of ways. “First of all, the trainers and class instructors have been nothing less than exceptional in their ability to provide the benefit of their knowledge, while supporting, encouraging, and motivating us in the most positive way,” says Eddie and Ellen. They have found that people who exercise with them share similar goals while exuding friendship, support and humor along the way. It is with much gratitude that Ellen and Eddie want to thank everyone at Milestone for their never-ending support on their health journey. 

Stay active with a loved one who values themselves as much as you do. 

Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and former NFL Colts Cheerleader.