This Birmingham Trainer is Rewriting the Rules of Aging
At 68 years young, Cindy Pounds has a gift for getting her clients moving and inspiring lifestyle changes that last. Get to know this inspiring FACE of Birmingham! Image: EIM Personal Training
In a stage of life when many are slowing down and thinking about retirement, Cindy Pounds seems to be on a different page … and maybe reading a different book altogether. At 68, Cindy is the Health and Wellness Director at EIM Personal Training, where she continues to help her clients build the strongest versions of themselves. She has an unshakable belief that health and fitness are essential to true self-care and the secret to her personal fountain of youth. As Cindy tells us, “Your 60s are your new 50s!”
Have you always been into fitness?
Fitness and athletics have always been a part of my life. My dad was an incredible athlete, and I was fortunate to get that gene. He was offered college basketball scholarships, but was drafted instead. I participated in every activity and sport available in school, including being the head cheerleader, and then I played softball at the University of Alabama, where I was proficient in a dozen sports.
What influence did your upbringing have on your life and outlook today?
I grew up on a farm in Tuscaloosa, AL. I was the second of three children. My father was in the Navy on a destroyer during the Korean War and was extremely resourceful; my mother was a homemaker and a secretary who absolutely loved reading. My parents met at a church revival, and they taught me the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus, hard work, and loving your country.
You and your son, Adam, worked together even before opening EIM. What’s the best part about working with him, and what’s the biggest challenge?
There are so many things I enjoy about working with Adam. We have very similar gifts and passions, which makes it easy. We enjoy working out together and sharing our knowledge and expertise. The generation gap can be a bit of a challenge; however, experience usually prevails.
What’s your secret to staying so energetic?
Making my health and fitness a priority, fueling my body appropriately, and getting plenty of sleep.
What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?
I once hoped to have five children — a full basketball team. After years of infertility, I was truly grateful to be blessed with two … more like a tennis doubles match.
What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about the importance of prioritizing a healthy lifestyle as we age?
Taking care of yourself through exercising and fueling your body appropriately is truly de-aging. You have more energy and self-confidence, and you can handle daily life so much better.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Not to worry over small, insignificant things that don’t truly matter or bring growth — for myself or for others. And I would also tell her not to jump off the Lake Tuscaloosa bridge, because breaking your coccyx can take up to a year to heal, and sitting through classes at the University of Alabama during that time is no easy task.
When you have a client who hasn’t been active in years, where do you start?
I have worked with many clients who absolutely hate to exercise, and are happy to tell you so. My first session is always an assessment. After gathering this information, I can really find out what makes them tick and what motivates them in all areas of their life. Then, I apply those motivations to guide them as they develop a health and fitness lifestyle.
If you hadn’t studied exercise science and become a personal trainer, what might you have done instead?
Before pursuing exercise science, I seriously considered going into the mission field or some form of social work. I have always felt called to use my gifts and talents to help others.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy gardening, cooking, and reading.
You participated in the Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant as Ms. Senior St. Clair County. What did you take away from that experience?
It was such a meaningful experience in this season of my life. I especially enjoyed the nonprofit work I was involved in, traveling across our state to encourage others that exercise is medicine and to take care of themselves. I also cherished meeting so many wonderful women who share a desire to make our state proud. It truly feels like a sisterhood.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by the transformation of my clients who have truly embraced health and fitness as a lifestyle.
What’s one goal you’re pursuing right now, in or out of the gym?
One of my current goals, as I help plan my 50th high school reunion, is to do a split right there on our school’s gym floor. I would also still love to write a book titled Diet Coke and Snickers Candy Bars: Memoirs of a Personal Trainer.
What is your best piece of advice?
Develop health and fitness as a lifestyle. Also, if needed, search for a health and fitness professional for guidance.
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.