The perfect fit

Many know Sun City resident Gini Leopold, a fitness instructor who has taught in Sun City for over twenty years. But not everyone knows her story.

Leopold has always loved sports. She played field hockey for four years in high school.

“It was hard to graduate and leave that behind,” she said. “I enjoyed playing for those four years. I got married soon after high school. Harry got drafted, and we were in Germany for two years.”

Harry and Gini Leopold were married on January 24, 1958. They recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Despite the challenges of moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture, she never lost her love for sports and fitness.

Gini said, “We kept busy in Germany. Harry and I bowled and joined the Merry Mixers square dance group. I got a job in the PX. I tried to learn German, but my co-workers were more interested in speaking English, so I never spoke it fluently.”

The Leopolds adopted two children when they returned from Germany in 1963.

“Melissa was six months old when we adopted her. A year later, we adopted Michael.” They lived in Pennsylvania until Harry was transferred to Chicago in 1969.

When Michael and Melissa were old enough to go to school, Gini started her long career in physical fitness. Gini said, “Richard Simmons opened a studio in Chicago. It was in a building that was previously Republic Lumber. I got to meet him when he visited the studio. Once, he picked me up, threw me over his shoulder, and carried me into the studio.”

Simmons began his weight loss career by opening his gym, Slimmons, in Beverly Hills, California. The gym catered to the overweight in a supportive atmosphere, and Simmons became widely known through television exposure and the popularity of his consumer products.

Gini said, “Richard Simmons was a very bright man. He lectured on the benefits of physical activity. He talked about the impact of exercise on high blood pressure before anyone else.”

Although the studio closed, but Gini continued to teach at different locations. 

“I took classes and received my AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification and Body Pump Instructor Certification. I continued to take professional education courses and attended conferences,” she said.

Gini’s Career in physical fitness spans over fifty years. She taught at many locations, such as the Fitness Club in Schaumburg, the Women’s Club, Continental Club, and studios in Barrington and Crystal Lake. 

“I would be teaching fifteen to twenty classes a week. Now, I teach fewer classes. I enjoy teaching them. I have gotten to be good friends with all the class participants,” Gini said.

Gini’s dedication to her students is unwavering. She has a loyal following, with participants who have been taking her classes since she started teaching in Sun City. Lori Martini, for instance, has been taking classes with Gini for fourteen years. 

“Gini’s class was the first class I signed up for after I moved to Sun City. I love taking the RIP classes. Gini helps everyone in the class. She has many faithful participants. Gini ensures we don’t hurt ourselves and correctly do all the exercises,” Martini said.

Another Sun City resident, Marilyn Stucki, has taken Gini’s classes for over 21 years.

“I moved here from Palatine and started taking classes. I enjoy the RIP classes. I love Gini as an instructor; she has become a good friend. She is a good model for all of us, keeping active. She works hard, but we like that. She has had several surgeries and gets back to teaching quickly. She is so thoughtful. She does diamond art, and she brings us the little pieces of art that she makes, key chains, ornaments, and coasters,” she said.

Gini is not just a fitness instructor; she is also a creative artist. 

Harry said, “Gini did ceramics and some acrylic painting. Now she is doing diamond art.”

Gini said, “When I had my surgery, a friend brought over a diamond kit, a large landscape. I worked on it a little at a time and enjoyed it.” 

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