You may have seen her columns about increasing physical activity especially as you age or you may have seen the classes she teaches offered at Gem of the Hills.

Now Connie Barron can add another certification under her belt.

Barron is the Active Aging Columnist and she practices what she teaches.

Along with being a registered nurse and a personal trainer she also holds instructor certifications in Zumba, Pilates, Thai Chi and now she can active aging movement coach (AAMC) to the list.

Active aging refers to those over 50 years old who want to be well, active and mobile. As people live longer and better than ever, it is important to maintain physical health as much as mental health.

During a three-day conference in Dallas, Barron became an AAMC. She also learned about neuroplasticity, different stretches to help the aging body and self-massage with a tennis ball or foam roller to keep the fascia loose, all of which she has already or will begin to incorporate in her teaching.

“The most surprising thing I learned was that a body needs to be physically active to also give a brain a workout,” Barron said. “Crosswords alone aren’t going to cut it.”

Barron explained that as humans are in a new territory, where we are eating more processed foods that ever and also sitting more than ever, it is necessary to combat the physical health that comes along with these societal influences.

“It is never too late to begin to reverse this lifestyle and increase strength, endurance and feel better,” Barron said.

Barron teaches three classes a week at Gem of the Hills that geared towards the over 50 crowd. Attendees range in age from their 40s into their 80s but she has had plenty of student in their twenties. Each of her exercises come with a progression or regression so anyone of any level can benefit from the workouts.

She also gives fitness workshops throughout the year that will give a central focus on condition such as back pain or the pelvic floor.

Her classes are open to men and women incorporate a little bit of many different styles including some dance and kick boxing.

“My classes and workshops are not a competitive environment, in fact they are encouraging and only help with accountability and self-discipline,” Barron said.

Gem of the Hills features many different teachers and classes, but Barron allows anyone to try any of her classes for free and the rest of her classes are by donation only.

“I don’t want anyone to stay home because they can’t afford it,” Barron said. “It’s more important to me to help them get healthy.”

Barron spent years as a registered nurse and then started a career in the health insurance business before becoming medical lobbyist for the state Texas.

She then started a women’s training class called Goddess Fit before coming to Blanco and teaching classes at Gem of the Hills. She had been with Gem of the Hills for the last ten years.