By Marie Fricker

If you’re a spandex-sporting Gen Xer or a muscle-bound Millennial looking for a place to pump up your biceps, Magill and Gardner’s physical therapy and fitness center at 28 New Driftway in Scituate may not be your first choice. The smaller, more intimate gym may, however, be just the right recipe for seniors who simply want to keep their bodies in motion, stay strong and live a healthy life.

Under the care of the center’s owner Brian O’Neil and his PT associate Kevin Gardner, people recovering from knee and hip replacements, injuries, or illnesses are given individualized care and an exercise regimen for their specific needs.

“Our goal is to work with a person until he or she is in less pain, and has more range of motion,” said O’Neil, whose rehab services are traditionally covered by Medicare and other insurances for a period of time under a doctor’s prescription. “When patients ‘graduate’ from our physical therapy sessions, they have the opportunity to join the gym for a monthly, quarterly or yearly fee with discounts for longer terms,” he said. “Many private insurers will reimburse the cost of their membership for up to $150 a year.”

The list of strength training equipment in the Magill and Gardner workout space is extensive, although not overwhelming as it often can be in larger fitness venues. The equipment includes Cybex weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, stationary and recumbent bikes, rowers, chest and leg presses, hand weights, balance stations, and three stretching tables.

“Our PT patients have access to everything they need to strengthen their legs and bodies,” said O’Neil, who purchased the physical therapy practice from its former owners, William Magill and Kevin Gardner, in 2024. “Our aim is not necessarily to achieve weight loss for our clients as it is to support healthy aging, promote bone density, and help seniors and others to improve their balance and prevent falls.”

A contingent of Magill and Gardner “regulars” have been working out at the gym for more than 20 years (The business began in Cohasset in 1984).

“Twenty-four years ago, my late husband received physical therapy from Kevin for back problems,” said Mary Considine, 83, a Scituate grandmother of nine. “He convinced me to join the gym and I’m so glad that I did. I work out four to five days a week and keep my body moving. This place is for made for us. It’s a totally non-intimidating environment for seniors to work out and stay active.”

Longtime gym members and former PT patients Barbara and Tom Keefe of Scituate are “young octogenarians.” Both retired South Shore teachers, they have been members of Magill and Gardner for decades.

“For us, it’s a convenient comfortable home away from home,” said Barbara. “Tom and I work out three days a week all year long. We have so many old friends here, but new ones are always welcome.”

Brian Keating, 73, of Cohasset, made the decision to join the gym four years ago after completing physical therapy programs following shoulder and knee replacements.

“I do everything cardio, and love the camaraderie here,” said Keating, picking up two one-pound dumbbells. Of course, the guys only talk about cars, or who had this or that body part removed or replaced. After a certain age, our warranties run out and we have to make a few repairs. I guess this is a good place for the tune-up.”

Epilogue:

Two “70-something” women rush in to the Magill and Gardner fitness center just before closing.

“Good to see you ladies,” says Laurie, the smiling receptionist at the front desk. Remember, we close at 7:00.”

One woman mounts a stationary bike. Her tired legs get a second wind as she pedals a mile uphill. The other stands shakily on a wobble board but then corrects her balance, and moves onto a small wood ramp feeling the tight stretch of her calves, melting the tension of the day.

The gym is working its magic, and age doesn’t seem like much of a factor anymore.

For information about physical therapy or a membership at Magill and Gardner, contact Brian O’Neil at 781-545-8114.