Eileen Ryan is an OsteofitnessTM member in the Lexington chapter. Eileen grew up in Benington Vermont, and currently resides in a house that has been in her family for the past forty-four years. Family is important to her; she has raised four children: a son that resides in New York City, a son that is an architect, a daughter who is a lawyer, and a daughter that is an artist in Philadelphia. Eileen now has a two-year-old granddaughter whom she dotes on.
Besides family, Eileen is a passionate activist. She opens up about her activism, interests, and experience in the class in this month’s edition of the newsletter.
1. How did you come to be a part of Beverley’s OsteofitnessTM program? How long have you been a member of the program?
I have been a member of the program for the past 3 and a half years. I was at a high risk for
osteoporosis with a family history. I was diagnosed young, at 59, back in 2019. My doctor suggested that I find a bone strengthening class. A quick online search led me to Beverley’s class. I began the Monday class right away. I already had weights and was thrilled when I was able to take the online course in 2020. In 2022, I went back for a bone scan and found my bone density had improved in my hip! This really works!
- What are some of your interests and hobbies?
I love being out in nature and go for walks frequently. I do walk tours of Boston, called Boston by Foot. These are tours of architecture and women’s history. I am also a professional dog walker; I am leading the Watertown Walks for Peace. This cause supports families that has been impacted by trauma and gun violence. The walk is located at the Louis D. Brown Institute this coming Mother’s Day, May 12th. I also have a passion for activism. I am involved in climate, social, and progressive activism. I work with Beyond Plastics, to stop single-use plastic pollution in the Greater Boston Area. Single-use plastics are not only bad for the environment; they are bad for health. We support the plastic bill to cover all plastics and reduce single-use plastics and artificial turf. If you want to find out more about plastic pollution, watch “We Are All Plastic People”, a documentary by PBS. I enjoy art projects and many creative pursuits.
3. What are your creative pursuits? How did you become involved in them?
As a result of my upbringing, I have always been a creative person. I enjoy art projects and making things such as costumes, banners, handmade holiday cards, clothes, and hats. I also enjoy writing poems (Tone Those Bones, a poem about OsteofitnessTM is featured in this month’s newsletter). I also studied art history and spent time as a professional photographer.
4. Do you like to travel? If so, where have you gone and what are some of the activities you have done or things you have seen?
Yes, I do like to travel but am also aware of the climate emissions when traveling.
I enjoy visiting my family. I love the Berkshires, my mother lives in Great Barrington. I also visit New York and Vermont frequently. I really enjoy traveling to the New England states.
I have also traveled outside of New England and visited New Mexico and Hawaii. I have seen Europe and traveled to Morocco. My from college lives in there and turned their family house into a museum.
5. How has OsteofitnessTM helped you in your life?
This class has improved my bone strength. I also carry myself better and am more aware of my body in space. I have more awareness of balance and how to take care of myself. I love the class and the energy between Beverley and Kerri. I try to get others to join the class.
6. How do you strengthen and keep up with the exercises and your busy schedule?
I do the exercises when out walking, such as walking uphill or doing walking sideways up one street. I walk by the Charles River backwards. I try to incorporate the exercises when dog walking. I do shoulder exercises throughout the day. I am also aware of my posture and avoid crossing my arms and legs. In the morning, I do the leg opener exercises, such as the garden gate, eight times per day. I love the lumbar ball. It helps me when I sit at the computer or in the car. I make time for a third exercise session per week and do it while listening to a podcast. OsteofitnessTM is a fun way to build community and be aware of fitness.
7. Is there any advice you have for other class members?
Have fun! Stay focused! You can do it! Keep up the good work!
8. What is your favorite part of the class?
The class has a specific progression. I feel the strongest when I am working my arms and legs at once. The Christina, Donkey Kick and floor exercises are my favorites.
9. Additional Comments
OsteofitnessTM is all about community building and helping people to be supported. Eileen Ryan makes time for bone building in her busy schedule of activism and creativity. Her story serves a reminder that you build bone and keep doing what you enjoy, even improving your bone density in the process!