Heart of Franklin
Carol Rynerson: Finding Heart Health Through Dance and Community
When Carol Rynerson first watched country line dancing videos on social media, she never imagined she’d one day be part of the class herself. For nearly a year, she followed Sweat Shop owner Amy’s Facebook videos from a distance — curious, inspired, but hesitant. “I knew I would be one of the oldest in the class,” Carol admits. The idea of stepping into something new felt intimidating.
Then she came across a quote that shifted her mindset: “You can be the oldest in the gym or the youngest in a nursing home.”
With that, Carol took the plunge — and never looked back.
Today, Carol is a familiar face at Sweat Shop classes and country line dancing events, where movement, laughter and encouragement fill the room. What she discovered surprised her. Line dancing wasn’t just fun — it was a full-body, heart-healthy workout.
“It challenges me in ways people wouldn’t expect,” she says. Remembering steps, changing directions, and moving arms and feet simultaneously gives her brain as much of a workout as her body. “I work up more of a sweat line dancing than I do in any other workout class.”
Beyond the physical benefits, Carol found something deeper. Like many women, she carries the weight of everyday worries and stress. “Instead of dwelling on problems at home, you need to get out,” she says. Line dancing clears her mind, reduces stress and brings genuine joy. The music lifts her spirits, the movement builds confidence, and the shared experience creates belonging.
The sense of community is what keeps Carol coming back. Sweat Shop, she says, is welcoming and nonjudgmental.
“All of the women are great,” she explains. “No one is watching you — they’re too busy remembering their own steps.”
That reassurance has helped her push past self-doubt and embrace movement at every stage of life.
Carol believes heart health isn’t just about exercise — it’s about living fully.
“If I can find something to help me live longer so I can see my grandchildren’s milestones, I’ll do it,” she says.
Every class feels like an investment in her future, one step at a time.
For Carol, line dancing is more than a workout. It’s proof that it’s never too late to try something new, move your body and find joy in the process.
“Every step you take, is good for your heart,” she says.
Emily Olibo: One Thousand Miles, One Step at a Time
If you’ve spent time on Franklin’s Greenway trails, chances are you’ve seen Emily Olibo walking — sometimes alone, sometimes beside her husband, always moving with purpose. In 2024, Emily set a goal that would quietly transform her year: walk 1,000 miles.
The idea started simply. Emily already walked regularly and was curious how many miles she logged annually. After reviewing her Apple Watch data, she realized she had walked nearly 700 miles the year before. “So honestly, I picked 1,000 somewhat randomly,” she says with a laugh. But once the goal was set, it became motivation.
Working from home most days, Emily became intentional about movement. She tracked every walk on a spreadsheet — distance, duration and pace — and calculated how much she needed to walk daily and monthly. “It made me more aware of getting up from my desk,” she explains. More than 800 of those miles were spent outdoors on Franklin’s trail system, which she calls her “home court.”
But the impact of walking went far beyond numbers. Walking became Emily’s mental reset — time to listen to podcasts, call family or simply let her thoughts wander. After the tragic loss of her brother several years ago, walking helped her grieve.
“Many of those walks were tearful,” she says. “But it gave me space to process.”
Walking is also woven into her relationship with her husband. The two began walking together early in their relationship, and when life briefly pulled them apart in 2024, returning to the trail together felt like restoration.
“Someone once told us, ‘Everything is right with the world again,’” Emily recalls.
Physically, walking keeps Emily moving in a way that honors her body. Instead of long distances all at once, she now opts for shorter walks spread throughout the day. And socially, the trail offers quiet connection.
“You start to notice the regulars,” she says. “If you don’t see them for a few days, you wonder if they’re OK.”
Emily’s advice for women hesitant to start? Keep it simple.
“If you’re moving, that’s a win,” she says. Set personal goals, don’t compare yourself, find a walking buddy — and invest in good shoes.
For Emily, committing to daily movement wasn’t about perfection. It was about consistency, intention and showing up — one mile, one step, one heartbeat at a time.
Anne Copple: Pickleball, Passion, and a Heart-Healthy Community
Anne Copple didn’t plan to fall in love with pickleball — it just happened. While working out on her lunch break at Franklin Parks and Recreation, she noticed people playing on the courts. “Wow, that looks like more fun,” she remembers thinking. Still, it took two more years before she finally gave it a try.
When she did, everything changed.
From the first game, Anne was hooked — not just by the sport, but by the people.
“They were so welcoming and kind,” she says.
Almost instantly, she had discovered a new passion and a new circle of friends.
Pickleball, Anne explains, is an ideal cardiovascular workout, especially for women. It blends moderate aerobic movement with short bursts of intensity, keeping the heart rate elevated without feeling overwhelming.
“It’s effective, but it never feels monotonous,” she says. Over time, it builds endurance, lowers blood pressure, improves coordination and strengthens the heart — all while being genuinely fun.
What makes pickleball special is its dynamic nature. Quick rallies, fast direction changes and constant movement keep players engaged both mentally and physically. “It challenges my heart health, coordination and endurance all at once,” Anne says. Because games move quickly with little downtime, the workout feels natural rather than forced.
Community is at the heart of Anne’s pickleball experience. The connections she’s made extend well beyond the court — shared meals, trips, laughter and support. That sense of belonging inspired her to start a pickleball networking group that meets twice a month, connecting local professionals and small businesses. As a real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty, Anne has built meaningful partnerships — and even new client relationships — right on the court.
Now a strong supporter of Franklin’s indoor pickleball facility, DropShot, Anne sees firsthand how accessible the sport can be year-round.
“There is absolutely no such thing as being ‘too late’ to start,” she says.
She began playing in her late 50s and regularly plays alongside — and against — players well into their later years.
Pickleball, Anne believes, meets you where you are. Whether you’re playing for social connection or competition, it proves that heart health doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
“When you find something that excites you,” she says, “it becomes an ‘I can’t wait until’ instead of a ‘have to.’”
For Anne, pickleball isn’t just exercise — it’s joy, community and a heart-healthy way of life.
