Exercise: The Panacea for Aging

Prince Deese

Prince Deese, an All American Wrestler, a Hall of Fame Football Player, and a State Champion Body Builder, is a certified personal trainer and strength conditioning specialist. Prince Deese and Gina Deese own A.C.T. by Deese, a Fitness & Training Center in Greensboro, NC.

A.C.T.’s “senior fitizen” award goes to John Berg, as he once again returns home as one of the most decorated Gold Medal participants in the Greater Greensboro Senior Games.

“The mission of Greensboro’s Senior Games is to promote healthy lifestyles, both mentally and physically, by encouraging seniors to practice and participate in events throughout the year,” John says. “There is a variety of events… truly something for everyone.”

John Berg has been participating in Greesboro’s Senior Games since 2015. Because of his dedication to exercise and staying healthy, he remains independent and a strong winner in life.

John Berg has placed in the top ten in the nation for the Silver Sneakers Richard L Swanson Award.

He recognized the importance of fitness even at a very young age. He represented Wisconsin at the Olympic Trials with a state skating title on January 18, 1954.

From past years to the present time, his training regime and focus on fitness includes SilverSneakers classes at A.C.T. in Greensboro’s Quaker Village. His favorite program is the Yoga Stretch seated chair class, which he attended to prepare for 18 events in the Senior Games that included swimming, cycle, and track and field.

Participation in exercise is critical to remaining independent and enjoying hobbies and interests beyond home life. Not only does it make the activities of daily living easier; it reinforces the ability to do other things with enjoyment like John working in his organic garden.

He sings in the choir at Christ United Methodist Church and is a member of UKESTRA, a sing and strumming group at Friends Church. He sings tenor in the Greensboro Tarheel Chorus as well as barber shop. An artist and member of the Tarheel wood carvers organization, John recently took up ballroom dancing.

It is never too late to begin an exercise program. Look for community classes that offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced programs. If a class seems intimidating, begin with a private training session that can help identify the movements that will keep the body strong and maintain health throughout the years.