Sport Makes Me Happy
- STANGENROD, Germany (AP) — Marlene Queckbörner, a 74-year-old sports enthusiast from Stangenrod, continues to inspire as a trainer, marking over 50 years of dedication to local sports clubs.
- While seemingly ordinary with its coffee table and pendulum clock, a closer look reveals colorful gymnastics balls and elastic bands.
- For more than five decades, Queckbörner has been a fixture in the local sports scene, earning recent recognition for her long-standing involvement.
Stangenrod Trainer Still Going Strong After 50 years
STANGENROD, Germany (AP) — Marlene Queckbörner, a 74-year-old sports enthusiast from Stangenrod, continues to inspire as a trainer, marking over 50 years of dedication to local sports clubs. Despite facing health challenges, she remains committed to leading her gymnastics group each week.
A Home Full of Inspiration
Queckbörner’s home reflects her passion. While seemingly ordinary with its coffee table and pendulum clock, a closer look reveals colorful gymnastics balls and elastic bands. “Sports equipment is somewhere in every room here,” Queckbörner said. “You never know when you want to train.”
Decades of Dedication
For more than five decades, Queckbörner has been a fixture in the local sports scene, earning recent recognition for her long-standing involvement. Beyond the local club, she has also led gymnastics and back school courses in allendorf, Merlau, and Ruppertenrod. “I first saw a sports hall at the age of 14,” she recalled.
Early Years and Discovering Sport
born in 1950, Queckbörner attended elementary school in Stangenrod. Physical education was limited. “We mostly went for walks or played peoples,” she said, referring to a traditional German dodgeball-like game.Her exposure to a wider range of sports came later, when she attended commercial school in Gießen.
Becoming a Trainer
Queckbörner’s path to becoming a trainer took time. After marrying at 18, she focused on building a house and raising children. “I then looked for an additional income, so I came up with the idea with the trainer license,” she said. In 1974, she completed her training at the state Sports Association, marking the beginning of her daily involvement in sports.
The Joy of Sport
“The sport just makes me happy,” Queckbörner said. “If you have held a course and the participants clap or later tell how well the training did, that’s just nice.” She added that sport has provided her with strength during difficult times.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Two years ago, Queckbörner was diagnosed with an incurable nerve disease. “But when I’m in the sports hall, I let go of all the worries. Then I’m fine,” she explained.
Adapting to Trends
In the 1970s, Queckbörner established a children’s gymnastics group in Stangenrod, which no longer exists. She also led gymnastics courses in various locations. “I always tried to go with the trends,” Queckbörner said. This included offering aerobics courses in the 1980s,during the height of their popularity.”There were so many people that they couldn’t see me in the hall anymore,” she recalled.
Expanding Her Reach
In 1993, Queckbörner obtained a license for rehabilitation sports, expanding her activities throughout the Gießen district. One notable experience was training employees at Frankfurt Airport for an entire day.
Creative Use of Everyday Objects
A hallmark of Queckbörner’s courses is her creative use of everyday objects. “everything can be sports equipment,” she said. “You don’t necessarily have to buy expensive devices, just look around in the kitchen.” She demonstrates how a rolling pin can become a fascia roll and gum tape can be used to train finger muscles. “To this day, I do exercises with pasta wood, towels, or newspapers,” Queckbörner said.
Continuing to Inspire
While she has reduced her workload since her diagnosis, Queckbörner continues to lead motion courses for senior citizens in her hometown. The “chair gymnastics” sessions take place weekly, and she plans to extend her trainer license next year. “If I continue to be the same as it is indeed today, then I will extend my appearance as a trainer again,” she said.
Stangenrod trainer Still Going Strong After 50 Years: A Q&A
Who is Marlene Queckbörner?
Marlene Queckbörner is a 74-year-old sports enthusiast from Stangenrod, Germany, who has dedicated over 50 years to local sports clubs as a trainer. she continues to inspire her community by leading weekly gymnastics sessions,despite facing health challenges.
What is Marlene Queckbörner’s secret to longevity as a trainer?
Marlene’s passion for sport and dedication to her community are key factors in her long career. Even while facing a health diagnosis, she continues to find joy and strength in her work. She is also always ready to adapt, trying new trends and methods to engage her students.
When did Marlene Queckbörner start her journey in sports?
marlene’s formal involvement in sports began in 1974 when she completed her trainer license. However, her exposure to sports came earlier. She first saw a sports hall at the age of 14.
Where does Marlene Queckbörner work?
Marlene Queckbörner primarily works in and around her hometown of Stangenrod, Germany. She has also led courses in places like Allendorf, Merlau, Ruppertenrod, and even trained employees at Frankfurt Airport.
What types of courses does Marlene Queckbörner offer?
Marlene’s expertise spans various fitness disciplines. Throughout her career, she has offered:
- Gymnastics for children (in the 1970s)
- Aerobics (in the 1980s)
- Gymnastics and back school courses.
- Rehabilitation sports (since 1993)
- Motion courses for senior citizens, including “chair gymnastics.”
How has Marlene Queckbörner adapted to changing trends in fitness?
Marlene has consistently adapted to the evolving fitness landscape. In the 1980s, she offered aerobics classes, capitalising on the trend’s popularity, showing her desire to keep the training relevant and captivating for new and long-time students.
How does Marlene Queckbörner incorporate everyday objects into her training?
Marlene believes that “everything can be sports equipment.” She often uses everyday items to make exercise accessible and affordable, demonstrating how ordinary objects can be used effectively. Examples of this include:
- Using a rolling pin as a fascia roll
- Using gum tape to train finger muscles
- Using pasta wood, towels, and newspapers for exercise
Has Marlene Queckbörner faced any health challenges?
Yes, two years ago, Marlene was diagnosed with an incurable nerve disease. However, she continues her training, finding solace and strength in the sports hall.
What are Marlene Queckbörner’s future plans?
Marlene currently conducts weekly “chair gymnastics” sessions for senior citizens. She plans to extend her trainer license next year, indicating her continued commitment to her work.She states, “If I continue to be the same as it is indeed indeed today, then I will extend my appearance as a trainer again”.
Can you summarize Marlene Queckbörner’s key achievements?
Here’s a summary of Marlene Queckbörner’s key achievements:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| 50+ Years of Service | Dedicated trainer for local sports clubs. |
| Diverse Course Offering
|
Gymnastics, aerobics, back school, rehabilitation sports, and chair gymnastics. |
| Creative Training Methods | Utilizes everyday objects as exercise equipment. |
| Community Impact | Inspires and motivates people of all ages, including senior citizens, despite her own health challenges. |
| Adaptation | She always tried to go with the trends, adapting her offers to the needs of the time. |