Athlete of the Week: Marcia Gutridge

Marcia Gutridge retired five years ago from being a junior high principal in Ohio. She started exercising because she finally had the time. Now, Gutridge takes two to five classes daily from the Mind and Motion Studio at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, such as: stretch, yoga, step, Zumba, lifting and body sculpt. Eight months ago, she started playing tennis, and she recently joined the Key Club’s wellness program.

What got you into tennis?
Eight months ago, my husband, David, was playing and I was watching, and I said I wanted to play with him. I joined the 3.0 women’s tennis team and the 50s and 60s 3.0 women’s team. This past weekend, I was willing to play with my husband in the mixed-doubles club championship.

What’s a typical day like for you?
Today I took classes at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30, then played tennis from 10:30 to 11:30. Then, I’m going to watch the team match and meet with the gals.

What’s your favorite fitness class to take?
“Body Architecture” because you work each of the muscles in your body and (it is taught by) a good instructor, Karen Shapiro, who makes you use proper form.

How has this fitness schedule impacted you?
It’s made a difference (in so many ways). The first, is that I feel very fit and in shape. The second is that I met so many wonderful women and formed many friendships in exercise classes and tennis. And the third is that I’ve strengthened my relationship with my husband.

What’s the most difficult part about maintaining your workout routine?
When we travel. And grandkids.

What keeps you motivated?
The feeling of fitness and all the friendships.

What is the breakfast of champions?
I have blueberries and five-grain toast with chunky peanut butter served by my husband every day at 6 a.m.

If you could work out with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I’d bring my husband because he needs to stretch more!

If you could have any superhero power, what would it be?
I’d have the speed of light so I could get more done in a day.