“I move where I want to, I do what I want to.”

Posted on Jun 13, 2019

Finding the energy to exercise and then sticking to a fitness regimen is a struggle for so many Americans. Austin PBS Sustaining Member Ola Ann Freeman had been on a search for a workout method that would suit her style – she knew it was important in her retirement to get regular movement time in and stay active. Then a friend from church recommended she try Classical Stretch: By Essentrics on Q and Ola Ann hasn’t looked back since.

“After I tried it the first time, I thought, ‘I can’t do this. She’s really tough!’” remembers Ola Ann. But host Miranda Esmonde-White kept repeating the message to “go at your own pace” and that was enough for Ola Ann to unlock her fitness potential. “She’s teaching me that you can relax into your exercise.”

At 78-years-old, Ola Ann feels great and is ready to tackle just about anything, including her six-days-a-week workout. She credits her devotion to Classical Stretch as an important element in her continued good health. “I move where I want to, I do what I want to, I keep up with my grandkids.”

Classical Stretch has been a part of the PBS lineup for 18 years. Host Miranda helps her viewers find increased mobility and balance through full-body sessions in 22 minutes. And Ola Ann loves that she can exercise with Miranda from the comfort of her living room. “You can dress anyway you choose – or not – and that’s a blessing! You’re in your own home.” And wow is Ola Ann ever dedicated! Austin PBS is part of her morning routine nearly every single day. She gets her sweat on Monday through Saturday, usually starting at 6 a.m. She only takes a break on Sunday because Classical Stretch only airs six days a week.

The program is appropriate for people of all ages and fitness levels, which has encouraged Ola Ann to recruit her husband Bob into her move time. “He’s not as limber as he would like to be, but he’s working at it. And I just tell him, like [Miranda] does, go at your own pace, do what you can.”

Central Texas has a growing aging populace, and ambassadors like Ola Ann are making sure that older generations realize there are easily accessible resources out there that keep people moving, motivated and living life to the fullest. She tells everyone who will listen, including her ophthalmologist, about the benefits of Classical Stretch.

“It takes you through your day. I’m grateful for Classical Stretch because I think it keeps us healthy, I think it keeps us moving and I think when you get to a certain point in life, you really need some inspiration. It is so important to me that we keep healthy.”

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Experience your own health journey with Classical Stretch: By Essentrics on Q Monday through Friday at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m. & 8 a.m. and Saturday at 6 a.m. & 6:30 a.m.