If you’ve ever wondered what determination looks like, you don’t have to search far: just follow the sound of counting echoing through the Okmulgee Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class. And not just any counting … “2345-2345-2345!” punctuated with giggles, a little groaning, and the occasional, “Lord, what are we doing?”

This lively group started meeting in late 2024; some back in October, some in January, but you’d think they’ve been together for years. Their camaraderie is instant, their humor is sharp, and their progress? Undeniable.

“We started out only being able to do five ups and downs,” participant Mark Hubbert said with a grin. “Now we’re up to 20. Twenty! I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

And they weren’t exaggerating. The room erupted in synchronized counting: “…17, 18, 19, 20!” A rhythm that would make even a drill sergeant proud.

— Strength You Can Feel

Flexibility and stamina were the first big wins.

“It’s amazing. Just amazing,” Kay Kinnear said. “I’ve been here three weeks, and I already feel so much better. I’m lifting things again. I can get in and out of bed without feeling like I’m about to die.”

Everybody laughed, because everyone understood.

Kinnear shared one of the most unexpected victories: “I sat on a rock doing yard work. Normally, I’d have to crawl or climb onto something to get up. But this time? I went straight up. Straight. Up. I was so proud of myself.”

That’s the kind of progress you can’t fake.

— Balance & Flexibility “I’ve had surgeries. My arm wouldn’t raise. My knee hurt all the time. Now? I can move it, lift better, walk better. This class … it’s been amazing.”

Balance came up again and again – because as they put it plainly: “As you get older, balance is everything. If your balance is better, you don’t fall. Period.”

And they’re right. The group credits their momentum to their instructor Mrs Inez Byrd, who, according to them, keeps things fresh.

“She guides us, keeps us moving, changes up the exercises. Never dull here. Never.”

From their tone? You believe them.

— More Than a Class A Family Somewhere between the squats, stretches and rock-climbing yard triumphs, they became more than workout partners.

“We’ve really formed a friendship,” one said. “We pray for each other.”

“We group text,” another added. “If somebody’s sick, we know. We cover each other.”

Every group has someone who keeps everyone connected. In this crew, the conversation paused to ask: “You’re missing out on Sue. Do you know Sue?”

They gave updates how she’s caring for her father, how she recently fell, how they’re checking on her. It was community in action, casual and heartfelt.

That’s when participant Barbara Cole chimed in with the line that summed it all up.

“We’re sisters with a favored brother,” she said, giving a nod toward fellow exercise buddy Mark Hubbert. “We’ve got a good group.”

— The Grand Finale: Counting to 20

Near the end, it was time for the class’s signature challenge – those infamous up-and-downs. The room fired up like a pep rally as everyone counted in chaotic unison: “4-5-2-3-4-5 – 13 2345 -16 – 2345 – 20!”

Nobody was on the same rhythm, but somehow they hit the finish line together.

Before class officially got underway, instructor Inez Byrd waved me in and told me to join the exercises. And in the interest of honest reporting – and maybe a touch of peer pressure I did.

“I think I only made it to seven,” I admitted afterward. “My legs were like, girl, what are you doing?”

The group howled. Because that’s the spirit of the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy gang – supportive, straightforward, and always ready to laugh through the burn.

— The Heart of It All

Physical strength brought them in.

Community kept them here.

And now? They’re getting stronger, together.

For more information about the Stay Strong Stay Healthy crew, they meet every Monday and Wednesday at the Okmulgee Fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. The classes are for ages 55 and up.