"Power Couple" - Marvin and Laretha Weathersby

Laretha and Marvin Weathersby - "Power Couple"

"Marvin and Laretha Weathersby have a different perspective. At 68 and 64, respectively, they have re-written the narrative of what it is like living in their 60s."

When you're in your 60s, the expectation use to be retire, relax and live out the remainder of your life. Team Chicago's "power couple" - Marvin and Laretha Weathersby, have a different perspective. At 68 and 64, respectively, they have re-written the narrative of what it is like living in their 60s. Slow down, not the Weathersbys. They believe in living their best lives, and are focused on their quality of life. That's why their perspective is "movement is medicine."

So if you happen to stop by the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center any morning during the week, you will most likely find Marvin and Laretha walking several laps on the indoor track, as well as up and down multiple staircases. If you miss them on the track, the next best place to check is in the fitness center, which is their next stop after a good cardio walking workout. You will see Marvin and Laretha both exercising and strength training on various fitness equipment. This might include bench press using the Smith machine or dumbbells, assisted weighted sit-ups, tricep pulldowns, core work on the hyperextension Roman chair and Captain's chair, as well as a variety of other exercises and equipment.

Marvin and Laretha's motivation and determination towards fitness have unknowingly influenced our Walking Wednesdays group to re-write our narrative. We no longer primarily focus just on walking (cardio) for a healthy heart. We recognize the importance of building the entire body (strength training), especially in your 60s and for menopausal women. Building muscles is crucial to prevent age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), boost bone density, improves balance to reduce falls, as well as several other benefits.

When not on the track or fitness center, you might find Marvin and Laretha, still busy, somewhere in the entertainment world. Laretha is a blues vocalist who performs internationally and on the local circuits. Affectionately known as "The Princess of the Blues," Laretha is a high-energy performer who knows how to get the audience on their feet. You will oftentimes find hubby, Marvin "Maestro" Weathersby, on stage with Laretha. Marvin is a song writer, musician, sound/recording engineer, and is an active member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. He writes some of the songs that Laretha sings. By the way, Marvin also happens to be a 6th degree black belt instructor in Shorin-Ryu. Marvin and Laretha are a true "power couple" in their 60s, re-writing their narrative along the way! So come join us one Wednesday and start re-writing your fitness narrative.

#WalkingWednesdays #2ndYearAnniversary #WalkingForAHealthyHeart #TeamChicago #TeamNittany #TeamLosAngeles #PowerCouple #MarvinWeathersby #LarethaWeathersby