At sixty two, Prissy Dartez is not just a personal trainer and fitness instructor. She’s proof that a person can stay active and healthy at any age. Dartez trains and teaches fitness classes at Del Webb Sweetwater, a fifty-five plus community in Jacksonville.
Before joining Del Webb, she worked for twelve years as the full time group director at First Coast YMCA, and at Deerwood Country Club on the southside of town. Her career began long before the term “active aging” became mainstream, and she’s always had the desire for helping others maintain strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.
For Dartez, teaching fitness is more than just a job, it’s a way of life. “My big deal is, honestly, it’s about making time for yourself and getting in the door. Once you’re in the door of the gym you’re going to talk to someone, and go visit the equipment. I tell my class that you made a choice to walk in the door.” “I’ve always been drawn to movement and wellness,” Dartez explains. “When you feel good in your body, it affects everything else, your mood, your relationships, your outlook on life.”
She tailors her classes to meet the unique needs of the community. She understands that the challenges of aging can include joint pain, reduced mobility, and changes in endurance. She designs her fitness routines with those factors in mind. From gentle exercises to increase flexibility and reduce stress, to strength-building moves that improve balance and bone density, Dartez offers a variety of classes catering to all levels.
Her approach to fitness isn’t just about the physical aspect. She focuses on mindfulness and encourages her students to be present and listen to their bodies. Her classes have become more than just a workout; they are a space where people come together, support each other, and build friendships. “I love seeing the transformation in my students. It’s about more than just getting stronger; it’s about gaining confidence.”
Dartez says, “If you’re eighty eight or seventy one, it doesn’t matter. When a person comes to me I see that wellness is obtainable.”
Through her work, Prissy Dartez is showing everyone that fitness doesn’t have an expiration date.
