Taking care of herself is something that Elsie Nall has always taken pride in.

Nall, a 90-year-old resident of Atmore, always makes sure that she can do for herself what other people half her age can do.

One way she ensures that she is able to do this is by being active and staying in shape.

Every week, Nall makes her way to the Atmore Area YMCA four times to keep her body active.

Two days out of the week, she spends time in the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program instructed by Theresa Scott, while the other two days she spends in the Y’s fitness room where she spends time on 10 machines.

Nall said she first began working out at the YMCA because she had nothing else to do, but be at home.

“I didn’t have anything to do,” Nall said. “I was at home getting sore and stiff, so I came to the YMCA to get with it.”

By working out and exercising, the 90 year old gives herself some advantages that others her age might not have.

Nall said that she has always done what she desires, and added most days she does not feel her age.

“By keeping in shape, I can do more things that I want do,” Nall said. “I have always done whatever I wanted, and I don’t know anyone my age who can do these things. Actually, I don’t even feel 90. I hear people my age saying they can’t do this or they can’t do that, and I can’t imagine not being able to take care of myself.”

Being apart of the SilverSneakers® class is enjoyable for Nall as well as her instructor and classmates.

Theresa Scott, the SilverSneakers® instructor at the Atmore Area YMCA, said it’s a joy to have Nall in the class.

“All the younger women in the class talk about how inspirational Elsie is,” Scott said. “She’s a role model for them because of what she can do at her age. She’s always here and calls when she’s not going to make it, and she always has a smile on her face and greets everyone in the class.”

Nall’s always made an impression on people with how active she is.

Eight years ago, Nall had heart surgery, but didn’t let it slow her down during her therapy.

Nall said when her physical therapist came to her house she showed him she could handle more than he thought.

“When I came home after my heart surgery, they had a man come out to do therapy with me,” Nall said. “He told me to bend over and touch my shin 12 times and I did it 11. Then before I did the 12th, I asked him if I could show him what I could really do. I bent over and touched my toes, and he said he couldn’t even do that.”

The active Atmorean has no plans to slow down her active schedule anytime soon.

Nall said going to the YMCA and being active brings a lot of fun into her life.

“I really enjoy it,” Nall said. “It’s fun for me because I get to be with people and be active. It’s just fun.”

For more information regarding the SilverSneakers Fitness Program contact Theresa Scott at the Atmore YMCA by calling 368-9622.