November Athlete of the Month: Jo Meyer

Congratulations Jo, you are our November Athlete of the Month!

At 82 years old, Jo is a shining example of what it means to live actively and age with strength and purpose. A lifelong athlete who began running at 20, she has explored nearly every corner of the fitness world, from competitive running and triathlons to cycling and weight training. Just over a year into joining NoCoast, Jo continues to bring dedication, energy, and a love for movement to every workout. Whether it’s rowing, box jumps, or tackling new challenges, Jo proves that staying active isn’t just about fitness, it’s about living fully at every age.

Quotes from Jo:

“I would have to say my most memorable moment was my trial workout at NoCoast. I remember being very impressed with the welcoming reception of Coach Sam and members in addition to the challenging workout. I knew then that this was where I wanted to be spending my time.”

“I don’t know about everyone else but I think staying active should become part of everyone’s life. It’s important not only for its physical advantages but for our mental well being. As we age physical activity is even more important which is something I never worried much about twenty years ago. I just hadn’t considered that I might lose flexibility, balance and quickness along with muscle mass as I got older. I want to at least keep the fitness I have and hope that continued training will benefit me even more.”

Age: 82

How long have you been at NoCoast? 

Just past one year.

How did you get into fitness/exercise?  

I began running at the age of twenty and from there I got into other

sports such as tennis, cycling and weight lifting. I started competing in age graded running races

in the early seventies and later in bike racing and triathlons. I quit competing in my early 70’s. I

continued running, cycling and weight training until there were some personal changes in my

life. I then decided it was time to try something new and cross training was the answer.

What is your favorite workout or movement?

I enjoy just about everything but especially cardio workouts. I especially

like the rowing machine, air squats, farmers carry, wall ball, box jumps and ski machine

What is your least favorite workout or movement?

Assault bike, wall walks, rope climbing and other exercises I haven’t been able to

master. I think we all feel the things we like least are those that we can’t do or can’t do

comfortably.

What is your most memorable NoCoast moment? 

I would have to say my most memorable moment was my trial workout at NoCoast. I remember being very impressed with the welcoming reception of Coach Sam and members in addition to the challenging workout. I knew then that this was where I wanted to be spending my time.

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery? 

I just stick to the same foods that so far have kept me feeling good and in decent shape. I do eat a fairly balanced diet but my go-to foods are pasta, chocolate ice cream and especially peanut butter.

How has NoCoast improved your overall wellness? 

I don’t think there’s one thing in particular that has improved my overall fitness. It’s the variety of exercises and workouts focusing on different muscles and varied equipment that is making a difference. I think the combination of muscle and cardio are a good mix especially with time limits.

What is one secret to living a long and healthy lifestyle?

I don’t know about everyone else but I think staying active should become part of everyone’s life. It’s important not only for its physical advantages but for our mental well being. As we age physical activity is even more important which is something I never worried much about twenty years ago. I just hadn’t considered that I might lose flexibility, balance and quickness along with muscle mass as I got older. I want to at least keep the fitness I have and hope that continued training will benefit me even more.

Advice to new people: 

I don’t know that I could advise anyone about how they should live. I just know what makes me feel good and a good hard workout is exhilarating and I find it addicting.

It’s something I’ve done nearly all my life with good results so I see no reason to change.

I think that whatever people are doing to stay fit should be an enjoyable experience that

they carry on for life.