April 30, 2012

One Fluvanna County senior is leading by example. In this week's Stephanie's Heroes Carmen Becker is helping to motivate young and elderly folks alike to exercise and keep moving no matter what.

Just days away from her 90th birthday Carmen Becker isn't letting age slow her down.

"It's very easy to let yourself just do nothing so I try to do this," said Carmen Becker, Water Aerobics Student.

Twice a week she attends water aerobics at Health Nutz Fitness and Aquatic Center in Fluvanna County.

From leg exercises to strengthening her arms with water weights...folks in her class say watching her in action...inspires them.

"The fact that she comes at her age and she gets involved as she does the class she's a sweet heart. She really is," Anne Spencer, Water Aerobics Student.

For 5 years, Becker has ditched her cane beside the pool and raced into the water even when she had a broken arm.

"Then her doctor gave her an inflatable sock that went on her cast and she was coming in the water with a broken arm. So, nothing really stops her. You can tell she's a strong woman," said Rex May, Aquatics Exercise Instructor, Health Nutz Fitness and Aquatics Center.

Becker is a strong woman who often shares kinds words encouraging her classmates especially when the workout gets tough.

"I'm just what I am and I do what I do because that's what feels right," said Becker.

"She's the wings beneath peoples wings to uplift people and everyone thinks she's a hero around here," said May.

While Becker has already touched many lives she's hoping that she can motivate even more people to exercise. She says if she can stay fit at her age anyone can do it.

Becker will celebrate her 90th birthday on May 8th.