Energizers

H appiness – along with exercise and a healthy diet – does a body good. Newlyweds Jackie Simmons and Charles Gilliland are living proof. The couple, both members of the Jasper Energizers, recently found love, health and happiness together. Simmons' and Gilliland's families had been friendly for many years, attending First Baptist Church in Jasper. Gilliland and Richard Simmons, Jackie's deceased husband, even worked on the same Alabama Power line crew for a time. During the past two and a half years, Simmons and Gilliland faced the loss of their spouses after extended illness. It was church that provided solace during their grieving, and also the place where their longtime friendship grew into love. On Saturday, Feb. 18, the couple were married at home in Jasper. Today, new joy radiates from Simmons'smooth face, and her 81 years belie her slim-and-trim figure. At 86, Gilliland hums all the time. "When I'm happy, I hum," said Gilliland, who sings in his church choir. "Being by yourself is no fun." He had been depressed after the death of his wife, Lora. Gilliland's daughter has seen his uplifted mood, and recently told Simmons, "I just want to thank you for making my daddy happy." Getting healthy With their new life ahead, Simmons wants to make sure they are healthy and able to enjoy activities together. She has always eaten healthily, made time to walk and keeps her weight at 118 to 120 pounds. After her husband passed away, Simmons knew she'd need to take on more of the heavy lifting at home. She decided to "get with the program" and dedicate herself to exercising. "I knew there were lots of things I didn't have the physical strength to do," Simmons said. Enter Cynthia Meadows, personal trainer at Solid Image Gym in Jasper. Since 2009, Meadows has put Simmons – and now, Gilliland – through workouts three days a week. Two years ago, Simmons could bench press 50 pounds with her legs. But, building strength over time, she now lifts 240 pounds. The couple's strenuous workouts astonish other club members. "We're the oldest members," Simmons said. "People are amazed at what we do. They say, 'I am not believing that.'" "The first day, I work my legs," Simmons said. "The next session, it's my chest and shoulders. At the last session, I work my back. Charles and I do three sets, 15 repetitions for each set." Reaping the rewards The exercise paid off: Simmons can work several hours in her large, carefully manicured yard. She constantly bends and pulls weeds without hurting her back or feeling sore. Gilliland also sees the rewards. "It makes me feel good, and gives me a good appetite," he said. "My health has gotten better." In his first month of marriage, Gilliland lost 5 pounds. After four months, the combination of improved diet and exercise rendered the biggest benefit: Gilliland no longer requires medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes. When he was first diagnosed with diabetes, Gilliland's blood sugar had rocketed above 400 – four times the normal level. "I feel better now than I've felt in 15 years," he said. "I'd get up in the morning and stagger, I was on so much medicine. I really feel the difference now I'm not on it." Gilliland is proud of his whittled waistline. "I've lost weight around my middle," Gilliland said. "I'm down two notches on my belt – that's about 1 inch for each notch." Love is in the air This newly united couple believes their relationship was destined to be. Simmons and Gilliland enjoy spending time together – even if it's doing yard work. With birthdays one day apart – his is Nov. 24, hers is Nov. 25 – the annual celebration is another special connection between them. "I always said I'd never marry again," Gilliland said. "The good Lord put us together. I feel so good now, I could go back and have another honeymoon." By Donna CoPe Simmons says: Exercise, good diet are key to health Simmons' rule: 'Make up your mind, and just do it' A lifetime of healthy diet and exercise keeps Jackie Simmons in shape. Carrying these habits into their marriage, in only four months, Charles Gilliland said he feels "like a new man." Simmons encourages everyone to try to eat right, for the sake of their well-being. "You'll feel so much better," she said. "You know what to do – just do it." She never eats fried food or sweets. Here's a sampling of their meals, from which Simmons rotates healthy foods throughout the week. Breakfast ... Eggs or an English muffin, with cheese grits and garlic salt. On Saturday, the couple sometimes has waffles with blueberries. Lunch ... Turkey sandwich with cheese on whole wheat bread. Dinner ... Broiled salmon, tilapia or other fish; green beans and brown rice; and a green salad, without bread. At 81, Simmons is slim 'n' trim. Simmons bench presses 240 lbs. with her legs. The happy couple married Feb. 18. 5

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