Helping others stay fit satisfying to volunteer

Six years ago Bob Edwards joined Lake City Striders as a way to continue his exercise during the long North Idaho winters.

When the founder of the group, Steve Colwell, asked Edwards to be his substitute during the summer months, Edwards agreed.

Edwards, a retired San Jose Fire Department Captain, now volunteers to teach weekly strength, stretch and balance exercises using stretch bands.

Edwards can be found at the Coeur d’Alene City Park pavilion or basketball court every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m., May through September.

The class is one hour long and is free to the general public.

Lake City Striders is a chapter of the Striders, a community walking and exercise program promoting fitness, fun, friends and health education since 1995.

Members range in age up to 90 and walk in malls, on the Centennial Trail, in neighborhoods, or anywhere they wish.

“We have members that walk 1,000 miles during the winter time,” Edwards says.

Striders’ members record their mileage on a mileage log card, which is provided to them. They report accumulated miles every two months.

Striders qualify for various prizes and discounts offered by area merchants if they become a member of the group. Membership requires a $15.00 annual contribution fee, payable when they sign-up. They also pay $1.00 for each class attended.

Edwards is an American Council on Exercise certified personal fitness trainer. Established in 1985, ACE is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting active, healthy lifestyles and their positive effects on the mind and spirit.

The ACE personal training certification is designed for trainers providing any form of one-on-one fitness instruction. Passing the personal trainer certification demonstrates knowledge of basic exercise science, nutrition, fitness assessment, exercise programming, instructional and spotting techniques.

Exercise has always been a priority in Edwards’ life. He used to lead exercise groups at the fire station, has competed in triathlons and pentathlons.

He modestly admits to finishing marathons and an ultra-marathon.

“I trained a long time to lose,” Edwards says with a big grin.

Besides his volunteer efforts with Lake City Striders, Edwards has spent 20 to 25 hours a month, for the last six years, as a member of Kootenai Medical Center’s Smile Squad. The Smile Squad is a group of trained volunteer caring clowns who visit patients in the hospital.

“I derive a sense of satisfaction from helping people stay as active as possible,” says Edwards. “I receive positive feedback, and I know people appreciate my efforts to help them improve their health.”