COMFORT ZONE
Ibel Scammell sets the standard for active living
Truro senior featured on special posters for physical
tness at the RECC.
TRURO, N.S. – Seeing herself on a poster is a bit unsettling for Ibel Scammell.
“That is me going out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I was unsure about it at first, but I’ve had a lot of positive feedback – and a lot of jokes.”
The Truro senior’s image adorns posters created by the Rath-eastlink Community Centre (RECC) to promote physical fitness.
Scammell is an apt choice. She hikes, snowshoes, bicycles, takes part in a several pool programs, and does Zumba.
“I love Zumba,” she said. “It’s probably my favourite thing. It really keeps me on my toes
“You have to keep thinking when you’re doing it.”
She enjoys Zumba so much she found a group of women to work out with when she was in Mexico.
“I saw a woman one morning who looked like she was dressed for Zumba and I followed her.”
She’s now been doing Zumba with the same group every time she’s visited Mexico over the past three years.
Travel and being active often come together in Scammell’s life. She hiked in Scotland, Spain, Italy, France and Wales, and has climbed Ben Nevis, Mount Washington and Gros Morne.
She hikes both with a club and on her own in Nova Scotia and often snowshoes on trails during the winter.
Feeling low-impact activities would be of benefit, she started participating in Aquafit, aqua Zumba, aqua running, hydro riders (using a stationary bike in a pool) and yoga.
“Sometimes I have to push myself to get out, but once I’m there I never regret it,” she said. “Going to the RECC isn’t just about the exercise; it’s social and you’re with likeminded people.”
Growing up in Bible Hill, Scammell was an active teen. As an adult, raising two daughters and teaching – at Douglas Street and Truro Junior High – she often found herself too busy for physical activity.
“After my kids went to university I became more active, and in retirement I became very active,” she said. “I joined a hiking club a year after retirement.”
She’s also an active volunteer, helping with short track biking events, and the Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships. She became involved with the Children of Chernobyl program, which arranges for children affected by the nuclear explosion to spend time in another country. She hosted a boy from Chernobyl in her home for three summers.
She’s volunteered with the NDP and represented the party in two provincial elections.
“I’ll always be an NDPER to my core, but I just help with small things now.”
Next up, she wants to learn more about drumming.
“Went to a drumming class before I went to Mexico this winter and I loved it,” she said. “I want to go back to that when it’s possible.”
While everyone’s self isolating, she’s doing a lot of walking and hiking on her own.
“I got out with my audio book and I enjoy the book and the scenery around me,” she said. “There’s always something to do and a way to exercise.”