by Milinda Atallian
In every gym, there’s always one individual whose energy, resilience, and passion stands out—someone who not only pushes themselves to new heights but also inspires others to do the same. This spring, we’re excited to spotlight one of our gym’s most dedicated members, Ellen Rohrbach. With a remarkable commitment to fitness and an unwavering determination to succeed, Ellen exemplifies what it means to work hard and stay motivated.
I sat down with Ellen after an early morning class to learn about her fitness journey and what keeps her coming back day after day.
“I knew it was time to take control of my health. It is now part of my daily routine and something that I couldn’t envision myself without.”
Q: What led you to start your fitness journey? Was there a pivotal moment?
A: “I’ve always been into staying active, but I never really understood how much of an impact fitness could have on my life until I put my kids and my job as my highest priority, and fitness fell to the back burner. I joined the gym because I knew it was time to take control of my health. It is now part of my daily routine and something that I couldn’t envision myself without.”
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into her story—how she’s achieved impressive milestones, built lasting friendships, and created a routine that keeps her feeling great. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting, Ellen’s story is sure to inspire you to hit your next fitness goal!
When I asked Ellen to describe her perfect day, she thought for a brief moment and then rattled off her list: HAC, Drip Cafe, Trader Joe’s, Costco, and relax with family/friends! If you are up before the rooster crows, you will surely catch a glimpse of Ellen in one of the fitness studios or in the pool. If you are up just after the sun rises, you will hear her endearing Boston accent (she grew up in Lynn, MA – right outside of Boston) as she catches up with friends in the locker room while getting ready for work.
When it comes to her workouts, Ellen prefers to exercise bright and early. She simply “enjoys the quiet time in the morning before the day begins”. This makes sense as Ellen has two grown kids, grandkids, a dog, and her husband to keep her busy. She also makes frequent trips to New Hampshire to visit her mom, brothers, and their families. As if that weren’t enough to yearn for quiet time, Ellen has been with the same company for over 30 years working as a Civil Engineer. Her job keeps her very active and on her feet even though it’s been years since she walked the jobs in a hard hat and steel-toed boots.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of the gym. It’s fun to share stories, and I learn a lot! I’ve made some great friends, and we do get together outside of the gym.”
Varying her workout routine keeps her motivated. While cycling allows her to “challenge herself and work at her own pace”, Ellen also enjoys a good BodyPump or Strength Development class; “the peer pressure, the music, and those around her” are great incentives. Taking deep water classes twice each week allows her to “give her joints a break” while still exercising and getting a good workout. After 13 years as a member of the club, it should be no surprise that Ellen’s got her routine, which she credits for keeping her “mobile and not as stiff”, down to a science.
Even though she is a veteran in most of the classes that she takes, Ellen still finds challenges in the newer classes that the HAC has brought on over the past year. “Functional Strength has different moves which can be very challenging,” she offered during our chat.
With that said, I asked Ellen what her biggest fitness accomplishment has been – without hesitation, she responded: “Strength Development”. It is apparent that Ellen is ever-improving; Greta Fowler, instructor of Ellen’s regular Strength Development class, commented recently that “Ellen’s squats have reached a whole new level of depth” – that’s a good thing when it comes to squats!
Along with keeping physically fit, Ellen enjoys catching up with friends that she has made over the years at HAC. Her tall stature equals her sweet demeanor. When I asked her to tell me about the relationships that she’s made at HAC, she smiled and said: “I enjoy the camaraderie of the gym. It’s fun to share stories, and I learn a lot! I’ve made some great friends, and we do get together outside of the gym.”
Moving forward, Ellen said her fitness journey and life in general will continue to include the HAC and the many classes that she enjoys. “I will continue to work out. It is part of my daily routine, and my day doesn’t seem complete without a trip to the HAC.”
“My day doesn’t seem complete without a trip to the HAC.”
Ellen exemplifies the power of dedication, kindness, and passion in her time at the HAC. Through hard work and commitment to her health, she has made fitness a priority but also inspires others within the HAC community to keep active and enjoy the social aspect of the gym. Whether she is training for a personal goal or motivating those around her, Ellen proves that success is not just about physical strength but about trying new things and having fun while doing so – even if it is before the sun is up. Her journey is a testament to what can be achieved when you make fitness a habit. We look forward to seeing what comes next in Ellen’s fitness journey and are proud to have her as a member of the HAC family.
Q & A
with HAC Member Ellen Rohrbach
As we concluded our meeting in the Cafe’ over coffee, I thought it would be fun to have Ellen answer a few rapid-fire questions. Here’s what came to mind as we laughed our way to the finish line:
Q: Favorite place on earth?
A: Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire
Q: What’s your dog’s name?
A: Mickey (after the character in Rocky)
Q: Favorite book?
A: I’m not much of a reader
Q: Pet peeve at the gym?
A: When someone leaves the locker door open after they leave
(Me too Ellen!)
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
A: Brooke Shields. I’ve heard her speak, and her life journey is interesting!
