(Aging Untold) — Ecris Williams is 86, teaches water aerobics twice a week, lifts weights and runs five to six miles at a time.
Williams survived World War II. Her parents did not.
A former German Olympian inspired her to run, and Williams said she has not stopped since. She later met her husband, moved to the United States and raised her children.
Williams teaches her water aerobics class at World Gate Athletic Club in Virginia.
Her weekly routine includes pool workouts and weightlifting on Tuesdays, running on Wednesdays and a repeat of Tuesday’s schedule on Thursdays.
‘I have to keep the cardio up’
Williams said exercise is not optional for her.
“I have to exercise. I have to keep the cardio up. I have a congenital heart defect,” Williams said. “I was a preemie. My mother kicked me out. Never finished me. The doctor said we should keep going, so I said OK.”
Exercise impact on physical and brain health
The CDC says working out after age 65 can reduce the risk of developing dementia, heart disease, certain types of cancer and stroke.
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