Art and Mary
Marshall recently went to the Bahamas
for their only son’s wedding.Along with
Mary’s ninety year old mother, they had a marvelous time dancing at the
reception.The ability to dance is not
taken for granted by this family; Art suffered a severe stroke nearly ten years
ago that damaged much of his right side.
After physical
therapy rehabilitation Art was told to expect little improvement in his
condition; he walked with a cane and had limited use of his right arm.Dancing was clearly not an option.
The stroke served
as a wake up call to the couple who then chose to take early retirements and
find a less stressful second career.They attribute their physical ailments - Mary battled breast cancer a
few years before Art’s stroke - to job stress.Art worked for more than 25 years in cable television while Mary served
as an attorney in Gainesville where
they lived.
They moved to ClayCounty, opened a Dollar Discount
franchise and enjoyed an easier life pace.With Mary’s mother living next door, they have the luxury of her home
cooked meals each evening after work.There is also the added bonus of working together.But they wanted to do more for their health
as well.A newspaper story about couples
working out together caught their eye; they loved the idea and wanted to find a
place to work out.
VovinamFitnessCenter was on their way to
work.One day they stopped, met Master LuongVui and discussed personal
training.While Art had been told to
expect no further progress with his physical limitations, Master Luong had other ideas and Art and Mary are delighted with
the results.“I am amazed with my
overall improvement,” says Art noting that he has more strength, muscle tone
and has lost some weight.Specifically,
Art can now jump again, has regained the use of his right arm and no longer
needs extra support to get in a standing position.“At work I no longer just supervise, I can
help lift and move things,” he adds.
Mary echoes his
happiness.Two years ago Mary fell and
dislocated her shoulder which left her with soreness in her arm as well as
limited range of motion; Master Luong’s workouts have
helped improve both.“I am amazed at how
much he knows about the human body,” she says.
The Marshalls may have started a
family trend.Their son Dan and his new
wife go to kickboxing classes in Atlanta.
Mary’s sister and brother-in-law, who will soon be moving to Art and Mary’s
neighborhood, work out at Vovinam whenever they are
in town.
October will mark
two years of working out and improved health for them both.That may be a good reason to go dancing.
