Regina Bouie (right) and her husband, William, pose with their medals at the 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
Regina Bouie considers herself “late to the game” of pursuing balanced physical fitness, but the teacher turned personal trainer isn’t slowing down in what she calls the fourth quarter of life.
Regina’s husband of 42 years introduced her to racquetball when she was in her late 20s, and this was her only source of physical activity for many years. When she developed knee problems from the sport, she knew cross-training was needed and sought help from personal trainers, but felt a disconnect due to their young age.
This experience led to the 66-year-old Virginia resident ending her 26-year teaching career and starting a new chapter as a certified personal trainer with a focus on serving older adults.
“I figured out there was a niche for me…I wanted my clients to know that I can relate to what they’re going through as they’re aging,” she shares. “I absolutely love it. My goal is my clients’ longevity and their livelihood. I’m there to teach and train and be their biggest fan.”
This is Regina’s third National Senior Games, and she shares that she mainly plays to be with her husband, but also enjoys the culture of the sport. “It’s social and competitive at the same time. You mean business when you step on the court, but when you step off the court you are total friends with your opponent,” she says.
Their mixed doubles team took home gold at the National Senior Games in 2019 and silver in 2017 in the 60-64 age division. Regina also placed first in the women’s 50-54 doubles in 2019 with partner Vicki Hopkins.
The athlete takes a positive approach to aging and challenges her clients to picture their future and how they want to live, not just survive. “My husband and I refer to it as the fourth quarter. We’re going to play hard and live hard in the fourth quarter,” she says. “Everything I do is to make the best of each moment and each day.”
