PINEHURST, N.C. – Pickleball has exploded in popularity in the last few years, and Pinehurst residents Cliff Durkee and Jackie Bridges are all in, even in their mid-80s.
The friends play six days a week and spend time at FirstHealth Fitness – Pinehurst focused on improving their balance and flexibility. Recently, all their hard work paid off when they took home pickleball wins at the National Senior Games in Iowa.
Playing together in mixed doubles, the duo placed 5th nationally, and Jackie partnered with another woman to finish 2nd nationally in the women’s doubles event.
“We have taken FirstHealth’s wonderful balance class twice a week in the last several months, and it’s made a huge difference in our ability to enjoy pickleball without injuries,” Durkee said.
“Even in our 80s, we have no intention of slowing down and our visit to the National Senior Games is proof that we’re just getting started.”
Training at FirstHealth Fitness Builds Strength and Balance
Both Durkee and Bridges have undergone joint replacement surgeries, and they each believe in the power of staying active as they age. As for their pickleball prowess, Bridges joked about one of their advantages.
“I’m a left-hander and Cliff is a righty, which is a great thing to have in a doubles pair,” she said.
Certified personal trainer Ranina Henderson, B.S. ACSM-EP, who has worked with Durkee and Bridges in the balance class, said they are a true testament to the idea that FirstHealth Fitness is “more than just a gym.”
“These two are incredibly dedicated, and we are all proud of how well they played in Iowa,” Henderson said.
“They work hard each week, and it’s obviously making a difference for their pickleball, but also in their day-to-day life. Many people deal with balance issues as they age, but Jackie and Cliff are shining examples of what it looks like when you make health and wellness a priority throughout your life.”
Both Cliff and Jackie have been members at FirstHealth Fitness for several years, and they each take full advantage of all the center has to offer.
Belong to More than Just a Gym
At FirstHealth Fitness, exercise is medicine. Since opening our first facility in 1995, we have aimed to use physical activity to complete our mission - To Care For People. Our seven centers include state-of-the-art equipment and are staffed by college-educated trainers. We also offer group exercise classes and massage therapy.
