Meet Evon “MsFAITH!” Bennett. She’s one of the 2022 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes, and she’ll be sharing updates on her health & wellness journey through the rest of this year. Today, MsFAITH! is taking us through her fitness story that began after losing several family members to the effects of heart disease. At age 62, MsFAITH! is striving to break the cycle and live a long and healthy life, all while having fun.
MsFAITH! is the acronym for: Mission-Specific, Fully Achieving Independence Through Health/Healing (and Helping.) My MsFAITH! journey came about after losing my mother to heart disease. My mother lost her battle with heart disease at the age of 63, after having a heart attack and later a stroke. Her mother lost that same battle at the age of 40, after also suffering from a heart attack and stroke.
The next month after losing my mother, my doctor explained that I was at risk of the same thing if I didn’t start to eat healthier, exercise, and lose at least 40 pounds. Being divorced with five children, it became clear that my mission [was] specific, and I had to fully achieve independence through health/healing if I wanted to break the cycle and be there for my family.
After trying a few different things without any real success, I realized it would have to be fun for me to be consistent and experience lasting results. I liked walking, and it had always been the foundation of my fitness regimen since I was in high school. So, I hit the pavement and started walking again.
“Now, I make it a point to always stay in movement — FUN movement.”
The running club where I worked let me join them even though I was a walker, and they encouraged me to walk my first half marathon. It was so much FUN that I was hooked! The next year for my 50th birthday, I decided I wanted to walk a full (26.2 miles) marathon. For my 60th birthday I went to Athens, Greece to walk in the original marathon in celebration of my 10-year marathon anniversary!
Now, I make it a point to always stay in movement — FUN movement. To do that, I started leading FUN bootcamps, which are strength training classes to encourage other seniors to get active. I also roller skate, hula hoop and dance on a regular basis to stay active and have FUN!
If you want to have some FUN with fitness, please join me for my Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete presentation, “Intro to Hula Hooping for Health” on Wednesday, March 9. Find the details here!
In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join our daily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You might just find a new love for fitness along the way!
COMMENTS
16 responses to “MsFAITH!, 62: Walking the Walk”
MsFAITH…blessings to all who share their journey. I try to keep moving, some days walking, other at my fitness center, as well as eating healthy. I fall off the wagon, but get up and keep moving. I love to travel the world!
The key…keep moving! Blessings!!!
Thanks so much Sis. It had been a while since I had hooped but it was fun trying again! We’ll have to hoop together!!!
Ms. Faith I’m encouraged and inspired by your story and the fun way you took charge of your health and wellness. I definitely will be following you. Again, thank you for your tenacity on health and wellness.
Apryll Williams
“The Finisher”
Thanks Sis Apryll, I appreciate you so much!!!
Good for you, Ms FAITH! It sounds like you’re making good lifestyle choices and that you’ll be moving and grooving for a long time!
Thanks Sally, I really try to keep moving!!!
Just watched the presentation! Going to get a hula hoop!!
The Black Achievement Fund’s Fitness Queen!! One of the most inspiring individuals that I’m honored to say that I know. She not only talks the talk, but literally walks the walk. I love you MsFaith!
-Raven
Thanks so much Sis, I love you so much more!!!!!
We have similar stories. My Dad died of a heart attack at age 43 (enlarged heart) 2 sisters, one brother died heart attack Brother had stroke beforehand. Mom had several strokes, she too died. Before my Mom died I vowed to myself to change my eating habits and to find a routine to get healthy. I started walking! I’m 5ft use to weigh 168 pounds
Today at 68 yrs old , still 5ft, and 127 pounds. Kept those 40 pounds off for 5 years. I walk 4 miles everyday
AWESOME!!!! We have to change the course of our family health history. Keep it up your doing an amazing job!!!!
What an inspiring story, MsFaith! And I love the touches of glam that you infuse into your fitness program. As a 2021 Sponsored Atrhlete alum, I salute you and hope our paths will cross!
I look forward to it Hollis!!!!
I am delighted to see your support for women and heart disease. I am an open heart surgery survivor (Brave Hearts of St. Francis Hospital).
Thanks for making a difference.
All the best for your continued well-being.
Thanks so much Judith, and congrats on being a survivor. Continued blessings!!!
WOW! MsFAITH … I absolutely LOVE your acronym. Your story is so inspiring! I will definitely share it with people in my network. I look forward to your presentation ‘Intro to Hula Hooping for Health’. I am sure it will be FUN! I have not used a hula hoop since I was a young girl … a very young girl. I am looking forward to hearing your tips and seeing you in action!
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