25 in '25: Debra Sims Fleisher emphasizes age is just a number when it comes to staying active

At age 75, most people’s lives are beginning to slow down. Debra Sims Fleisher, on the other hand, is always on the move, and encouraging her fellow seniors to do the same.

She leads from 10 to 14 workout classes every week, offered to all ages and at various locations around the Greater Richmond area.

“My mission is that it's not your age, it's your attitude. You are never too old to start exercising,” she said. 

Fleisher has been leading classes for more than 45 years, and has taught participants ranging from late teenagers all the way to 94-year-olds.

She teaches strength and toning classes, as well as Silver Sneakers — a fitness program designed for older adults. Her favorite class to lead is Zumba, which is a dynamic, dance-style workout.

Over the years, she has developed strategies to make sure the needs of everyone in the class are met, especially for seniors.

“You have to remember when you teach an exercise, people don't hear well,” she said. “I have to provide visual cues as well as physical cues.” 

She is known for meeting people at their level, and encouraging them to go at their own pace while still challenging themselves.

But what’s even more important than the fitness aspect of her classes is the sense of community she fosters among her participants.

One of her regular participants, Kathy Radford, struggled with both pancreatic cancer and a stroke in the past year. During a difficult time in her life, Radford said she felt immensely loved by Debra and her workout class community.

“I was in the hospital for three months, and I heard from everybody,” Radford said. “When I walked in [to my first class back], they just all clapped.”

Radford said that Fleisher had a major part in her recovery journey. 

“She helped me out, helped me with my arm strength, and she’s just so considerate,” Radford said. “Very approachable, very caring…she keeps you going.”

Fleisher said that in addition to the physical and stress-relieving benefits exercise provides, she loves the interaction aspect, and simply being with others. Her participants play a large role in keeping her motivated to continue leading her classes.

“Every time I see her lead a class, I'm just impressed by how well she connects with folks and her leadership ability,” Debra’s husband Paul Fleisher said. “Not everybody who comes to her classes is eager to exercise, and she manages to draw them in no matter what.” 

Paul, to whom Debra has been married for nearly 50 years, has gotten to experience her impact on her surrounding community firsthand.

“She's one of these people who you say has never met a stranger,” Paul said. “She’s wonderful about being extroverted and being friendly to everyone. And she's very unselfish, if anybody needs something, she will give.”

Radford similarly shared that Debra ensures everyone in her classes feels supported, both in class and outside of class.

“She cares about everyone. She takes an interest in our lives, and she keeps us involved in what she's doing,” Radford said.

Debra’s love for working with others began long before her career as a workout instructor. 

Prior to leading fitness classes, she was a public school educator in the City of Richmond, as well as surrounding counties such as Chesterfield and Henrico.

During her teaching career, she worked with children of all ages from elementary school to college students. She served in several positions, starting as a teacher and eventually moving her way up to assistant principal. 

Paul said that the classroom management skills his wife gained as an educator have certainly rubbed off on her while she leads her classes.

“When you have a classroom full of kids, everybody's on a different level,” Paul said. “You have to make your plans so that no matter what level someone is on, they're going to find some value.”

Debra said this translates directly to her workout classes, where she is teaching people of all ages and abilities. She learned the importance of meeting her participants at their level, and including modifications so everyone can participate.

When asked what advice she would give to a senior who is wanting to get active but is hesitant, Debra answered with two simple words: “Do it.”

“My mission is to make people realize that it's not about how old you are. It's about you getting up and benefiting from exercise,” she said. “If I can do it, you can too.”