Vermont Pilates instructor praises 88-year-old student's rare physical strength

Sue Talmage, 88, maintains a strict fitness routine that includes daily walks on her Barre property and twice-weekly Pilates sessions in Montpelier. She has attended classes at Essential Physical Therapy and Pilates for close to two decades, making her the studio's oldest student.

The 45-minute sessions, led by instructor Willow Wonder, involve no breaks. Wonder noted that Talmage's physical capabilities distinguish her from the typical older adult demographic, which often faces muscle loss and balance issues.

Wonder stated that Talmage's combination of strength, balance, and flexibility is rare. "If you think old people have balance issues, this is not the case," Wonder said. "I think she's very unique to have such ability, strength, balance, flexibility, all of the things at that age. I just have not seen much of."

Talmage views her regimen as a personal goal rather than a display for others. She reported feeling no soreness after class and returning home to continue her daily activities. "Eighty-eight is a long time," she said. "I feel great and I can still do just about everything I want to."

Pilates exercises focus on building core strength, flexibility, and balance. Medical studies indicate that older adults are prone to losing muscle mass, a condition that can lead to falls and other health complications. Talmage continues to drive to Montpelier for her lessons while owning land in Barre with her husband Bruce, whom she has been married to for more than 40 years.