04/05/2008
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Morning Sentinel staff photofrom the Kennebec Journal
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Ann Turbyne-Andrews was one of the exceptions to that rule.
She started lifting weights -- and heavy ones at that -- under Gilbert's tutelage nearly 40 years ago, becoming both a world class powerlifter and Olympic shot putter.
The 51-year-old Turbyne-Andrews, an Oakland resident, never left Gilly's Gym, and now, long after competitive athletic career ended, she is taking over from her mentor.
Friday marked the formal transition. Turbyne-Andrews and her husband, Chuck Andrews, are the new owners of Gilly's Gym.
"It is really like coming home again," she said. "My husband was just saying to me that he looked at me in the gym through the (glass) door and he said 'It looks like you fit here. It looks like you belong.'"
Gilbert, a world class powerlifter in his own right during his prime, is bittersweet about the sale, but delighted over the buyer.
"If I said I wouldn't miss it, I'd be lying to you," he said. "I'm certainly going to miss it. It's been a good life for me really, but I think everything has its beginning and its end, and I think Ann will do a wonderful job."
Turbyne-Andrews takes over the club in a fitness era dramatically different from the one she experienced in early years as a powerlifter.
Gilbert said the gym's membership features more women than men now.
Competition in the fitness center industry has increased significantly over that same period, Gilbert said.
He stressed, however, that his decision to sell had nothing to do with business concerns.
Instead, he said, he and his wife, retired surgeon Sheridan Oldham, wanted more time to enjoy their interests.
"My wife, Sheri Oldham, retired a little over a year ago," he said, "and at some point that was the next logical step. ... It was about moving forward."
Turbyne-Andrews, who will honor all memberships, said she had long wanted to own her own fitness club but the right opportunity never materialized until now.
She went into teaching instead and currently teaches eighth grade science and health to students in grades 6-8 at Vassalboro Community School.
Although she still works out, Turbyne-Andrews said she gave up lifting heavy weights years ago because of back problems.
A few changes are in store for Gilly's.
"I'm hoping that I can get a spinning class going," she said. "That is one of the plans, and I plan to do some general upkeep, putting stairs in and doing some maintenance stuff."
For the most part, though, Gilly's will remain Gilly's, she said.
"Part of the reason I think why the fit is so good," she said, "is I'm basically going to keep things the same way Ernie did."
Colin Hickey -- 861-9205
chickey@centralmaine.com
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