By Dan Courtney, NIFS Correspondent

After Barbara Hughey’s husband Clayton passed away from prostate cancer four years ago, it was hard for her to return to NIFS. The two had always been steady workout partners and it was difficult to return to a place that was so special to them.

“At first I did not want to return, but a member kept calling me to come back,” related Hughey. “It was hard mentally, but I finally came back.”

Hughey, who is a fit 81 years old, said the friendliness of the staff and clientele was a huge part in her fondness for NIFS. But she loves the benefits she has received from the NIFS osteoarthritis class.

“That class has helped me so much with my knees and all my joints. I no longer have to take pain medication,” Hughey said.

Hughey works out every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 – 11:30 am. She often gets to NIFS earlier so she can walk around the track a few times or ride 5 – 6 miles on the stationary bike.

“The class has taught me that I can exercise my arm and leg joints even when I am just sitting in the chair watching TV. But the best part of NIFS is just the friendliness of the staff.”

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