THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 29, 1995 TAG: 9503280084
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
DURING THE DAY, Elizabeth Jones leads a sedentary life as a customer service administrator for Farmers Bank in Smithfield.
At night, she's hopping around Nike Park in Carrollton, teaching fitness to as many as 60 people known as ``the Nike Park exercise gang.''
The group began only four years ago with 15 people, all enrolled in a five-day program that teaches a different activity each day. The class meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays.
``For example,'' Jones says, ``one day might be a power-walking class, the next could be step aerobics or a hip- and thigh-burner class. It's a constant challenge for me because it changes every six weeks.
``Most people think that with a fitness class you go jump around a little and then go home. But I put as much work into this program as I do my 40-hour-per-week job.''
In fact, there's more work to do. The class has grown so much since its beginning that the room the group meets in actually had to be enlarged to accommodate more people.
``I've had people come into the class (who) used to suffer from really bad headaches - until they started participating in this program.
``And people in this program really care about each other in the group. If there's a death in the family, they'll send a card. It's nice to work with people like that.''
Name: Elizabeth Jones
What brought you to Isle of Wight? Virginia Power transferred my father here.
Hometown: After 25 years, I consider Smithfield my hometown.
Birthdate: Dec. 19, 1959
Occupation: Farmers Bank's new Smithfield office and fitness instructor at Carrollton Nike Park
Marital status: Married to Tommy for 12 years
Children: None
Favorite movies: Action and suspense movies
Favorite magazine: Gourmet and Fitness Today
A book you wish everyone would read, and why: I just wish people would take the time to read all different kinds of books. Reading relaxes the mind and stimulates the imagination.
Favorite night out on the town: A good ole time with my husband, family and friends - but mostly my husband.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Hogates in Washington, D.C., and any other quiet place with a relaxing atmosphere.
Favorite food and drink: Italian food and good wine
Few people know . . . that I am a hopeless romantic and am always looking for a happy ending.
What's the best thing about yourself? I am extremely organized, and I always have a plan.
Worst habit: I never say no.
First thing in the morning: I hit the floor running, ready for a new day. When my husband and I were first married, my husband said so much morning activity made him tired.
Pets: A 35-gallon aquarium waiting for fish
Hobbies: Swimming, hiking and reading
Ideal vacation: Warm, sandy beaches, bright, sunny days - and absolutely no schedules.
Pet peeve: Tardiness and failing to follow through on projects.
First job: Part-time guidance clerk for Smithfield High School for the summer.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Actually, it's a joint achievement. I am most proud of the people who have believed in my fitness philosophy, supported my fitness program and achieved their fitness goals. You know who you are!
What would you like as your epitaph? ``Whatever it took, she just did it - while enjoying life to its fullest.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB