A 90-year-old-woman was always observing gym workouts from the gym near her apartment. Tessa Sollom Williams spectates from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Sometimes, she even tries to copy the moves of people who were working out at the gym. Hearing about Sollom Williams, the gym that she has been observing every day decided to paint a mural to honor her and any onlookers that may be watching their fitness classes from afar, as the Washington Post details:
“I see them doing such hard exercises. My goodness me!” said Sollom Williams, who was born in London and in her youth was a professional ballerina for 15 years.
She now lives alone at an assisted-living facility, and observing the outdoor fitness classes has been her sole source of motivation and entertainment during the pandemic.
“I never miss it,” she said, adding that she gives her daughter an update on the classes during their daily phone calls.
Watching the training sessions has had such a significant impact on Sollom Williams that her daughter felt compelled to write an email to the Balance Gym at Thomas Circle to thank them.
“Her worst days are rain days and she worries if your members are okay and getting their exercise,” she continued. “I hope you can share with your members that they have given an elderly lady much joy in seeing them embrace health and life.”
For the gym staff, the unexpected email was a bright spot after months of coronavirus-induced business challenges.
“It made our day. It was very timely and much-needed,” said Maier, 39, co-chief executive and part-owner of the gym, explaining membership has dwindled and times have been tough.
Image via the Washington Post