Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Ron Nordmann. My wife, Beverly, and I have been full-time residents of Naples, Florida for the past 10 years. We were born and raised in New Jersey and were “snow birds” since 1991. I spent my career on Wall Street as a financial analyst and hedge fund manager. I have participated in athletics all my adult life. I played college football (breaking my nose 5 times) and was a devout jogger (10K’s and half-marathons) for over 30 years. I played in a regular doubles tennis game for about 40 years.
I recently celebrated my 80th birthday and utilize IronPlate Online for physical training twice-weekly. I have a yoga instructor and take a class three times per week. On my “off days” from formal training, I do 5 miles on a treadmill. Staying in good physical and mental shape is obviously very important to me.
How long have you been training with IronPlate Online?
I’ve utilized physical trainers for the past 20 years. The onset of COVID changed the way I train and do yoga from in person to virtual. It took a while to get used to it, but now I like it a lot. My local yoga instructor recommended Caitlin Harrington of IronPlate Online about a year ago. I very much enjoy working with Caitlin as she is the first trainer to truly personalize my activities to cater to my specific needs. For years I’ve had intermittent lower back pain, so Caitlin has me strengthening my core. The buildup of my abs is noticeable, but more importantly my back problems have diminished significantly. Caitlin is the first functional trainer I’ve ever worked with. She is the first trainer to work specifically on balance exercises, many without weights, to prevent potential damage from falling. (She doesn’t want me to break my nose again “on her watch.”) Caitlin makes training fun. She has a great personality and pushes me to achieve goals with a smile on my face. At my request, Caitlin works me very hard, and I feel a great sense of accomplishment as my strength and balance improve.
What are your current fitness goals?
My goals are very simple—good health and happiness.
Can you share how your experience has been so far with IronPlate Online?
Caitlin asked if she could train me on my actual 80th birthday that did not happen to fall on one of our normal training days. She told me she had a surprise for me, and indeed she did. On my 80th birthday, Caitlin had me do 80 pushups, 80 mountain climbers and 80 reps of several other exercises. While admittedly I did these exercises with some rest in between, I’m happy to report that I completed everything that she asked me to do. Being a “macho man,” I even did some extras, like 100 pushups. I hope you can appreciate why I look forward to working with Caitlin Harrington.
What is your favorite and least favorite exercise?
My favorite exercise is crunches on a large ball. I really feel my abs burning. My least favorite exercise is burpees. I’m not sure why; I just don’t like them.
What are your hobbies outside of the gym?
I truly believe in giving back to my community and making the world a better place for all. I am president of our homeowners association. I am the longest tenured board member of Southwest Florida’s American Red Cross chapter. I am an emeritus trustee of Johns Hopkins University. I am a member of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. These are my major activities.
What is next on your bucket list?
I have been to 49 of our 50 United States. Next summer, our kids and grandchildren will join us on a trip to Alaska to get the 50th state on my list.
What’s one fun fact you’d like to share?
Beverly, my 77 year-old wife, is in great shape despite the lack of exercise other than our walks on the beach at a pace that certainly doesn’t raise our heart rates. Despite this, Bev can hold a full plank for 5 minutes, 2 minutes longer than I can. Apparently her core is stronger than mine without working out. Aren’t genetics just wonderful?