After knee surgery and health problems, exercise improves aches, mobility and energy for 51-year-old

Jeff Davis used to joke that his body was falling apart.

"I always told my wife that she bought used when she got me," the 51-year-old Sioux Falls man says with a laugh.

But it really wasn't funny. Davis' knees were bad — even after surgery, he walked with a limp. And thanks to a severe car accident years ago, Davis had lower back surgery and two metal plates placed in his neck. Also because of the accident, his left arm was numb 90 percent of the time.

His body ached every day, and getting around wasn't easy. "In my case, I couldn't go up and down the stairs one foot in front of the other," he says.

Not to mention that Davis was overweight, had high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

"The doctor said I needed to get some exercise, or I'll be dead," says Davis, a self-employed business owner.

So last summer, he began working out at Welcyon, a fitness club for ages 50 and older.

Three times a week, Davis follows a tailored workout regime that combines cardio with strength training.

It's not a vigorous workout, Davis says as he warms up on the elliptical. "I'm in and out of the gym in less than an hour," he says.

But it's effective — and the strength training machines are gentle on his joints. "There's no jerking or pulling, so it doesn't hurt," Davis says.

That's because Welcyon's strength training machines use air resistance instead of traditional weight stacks, says Jesse Reisch, owner of the Sioux Falls location.

"It's safer than weights and pulleys and allows for a much smoother range of motion," Reisch says.

Working out has helped Davis tremendously, he says. He's lost 40 pounds. "My wind is a lot better. I don't get as tired," he says. "I have more energy now than I've had in years. And I am just feeling more toned."

But more importantly, Davis has gained mobility. The limp in his leg is noticeably better, and he can feel his arm virtually all the time. "I never thought that would happen without another surgery," Davis says.

Walking is easier. He can get up and down stairs without any trouble, and he can even step directly onto his pontoon from shore instead of crawling on board

Now, Davis says he's happy to "show off my antique gun collection," as he flexes the muscles in his left arm. "I should have been doing this 10 years ago. It feels good to feel good again."

Reach Janna Farley at 575-3628.

Send us

your story

Do you have a Get Fit story idea? Email Janna Farley at jjfarley@argusleader.com.