88-year-old Barre resident continues daily Pilates routine in Montpelier

Sue Talmage drives from Barre to Montpelier twice a week for Pilates classes. She has attended sessions at Essential Physical Therapy and Pilates for close to two decades.

Talmage, 88, believes she is the oldest student in the program. Her instructor, Willow Wonder, leads a 45-minute class with no breaks. Wonder said Talmage’s physical ability stands out among the participants.

“If you think old people have balance issues, this is not the case,” Wonder said. “I think she’s very unique to have such ability, strength, balance, flexibility, all of the things at that age. I just have not seen much of.”

Wonder described Talmage as a “huge inspiration” to other people who visit the studio. Talmage views the exercise as a personal goal rather than a performance. “Eighty-eight is a long time,” she said.

Talmage owns land in Barre with her husband, Bruce, whom she has been married to for more than 40 years. She walks on that land nearly every day. Pilates is a combination of repetitive exercises that build balance, flexibility, and core strength. Studies indicate older adults are prone to losing muscle mass, which can lead to falls. Talmage said she feels no soreness after class. “I feel great and I can still do just about everything I want to,” she said.