HIGH 5

High 5: 83-Year-Old Inspires With Dedication to Fitness, Friendship

Jan 29, 2019, 6:47 AM | Updated: 8:21 am

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — In the basement of the Harman Senior Recreation Center in West Valley City, you find the sweet sounds of the 60s. You’ll also find a group dedicated to fitness, led by 83-year-old instructor Joyce Bangerter.

“She comes rain or shine, she comes early, brings her own music,” Luanna Thorp says.

About five years ago the senior fitness class lost its instructor due to funding cuts, so Joyce stepped in as a volunteer. She has been leading the kicks, squats and bends twice a week ever since.

“I just love her, she just amazes me,” Carol McLaughlin says.

We dropped in on Joyce’s class to thank her for all the years of giving back — for free.

“I get paid by friendship and me being in good condition because I exercise,” she says.

We also had a little present: a wireless headset and speaker.

“So now everyone here can hear you loud and clear as you are yelling out those instructions.”

There was also one more fun surprise: Joyce’s family, who attended her class for the first time during our High 5.

“At 83, shes fantastic. I can barely keep up with these exercises right now,” Joyce’s son Kurt Bangerter says.

“I may have to go to a lower class first and build up to this,” her other son Vyrl Bangerter says.

Not everyone can attend Joyce’s class. You have to be at least 60.

But if you ask anyone who regularly attends, they’ll tell you it’s Joyce’s upbeat attitude that brings joy to their lives.

KSL 5 TV Live

High 5

(KSL TV)...

Dan Spindle, KSL TV

HIGH 5: Utah Group Packs Thousands Of Bags To Feed Kids Through Summer Months

There are Utah children who won't go hungry thanks to some caring volunteers with USANA Kids Eat.

3 years ago

Chris Schunk is a special education teacher at Snowcrest Junior High School. (KSL TV)...

Haley Smith, Cary J. Schwanitz, KSL TV

High 5: Special Ed Teacher Treats Students As People First

Students and parents at Snowcrest Junior High couldn’t imagine a day without special education teacher Chris Schunk as they navigated the highs and lows of the last school year in the middle of the pandemic.  

3 years ago

Crossing Guard Verl Creager makes sure to wave at every car, every day. (KSL TV)...

Haley Smith & Matthew Jacobson, KSL TV

High 5: Crossing Guard’s Kind Gesture Brightens Community

Verl Creager is the school crossing guard at Valley Elementary School. Many don't know his name, but they know who he is because of a simple gesture. He makes sure to wave at every car that passes by.

3 years ago

Photo provided by Sticky Chicken...

Dan Spindle & Matthew Jacobson, KSL TV

High 5: Cooking Up Life Lessons That Stick At Sticky Bird

Sticky Bird in Farmington seems like any other fast, casual chicken restaurant, but what happens behind the scenes is the real recipe for a better life. 

3 years ago

(KSL TV)...

Shara Park, KSL TV

High 5: Utahns Step Up To Help Clear The Snow

During the recent winter storms, countless Utahns stepped up to help both neighbors and strangers clear snow.

3 years ago

...

Grant Weyman & Matthew Jacobson, KSL TV

High 5: Grant Elementary Grateful For Attentive Principal

At Grant Elementary School in Murray, there are some very grateful people who appreciate their principal. 

3 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

High 5: 83-Year-Old Inspires With Dedication to Fitness, Friendship