Seventy-two-year-old Center for Health & Fitness (CHF) member and USC alumni Stephen Love underwent heart bypass surgery more than seventeen years ago. Since then, he’s additionally faced a variety of other health problems, but he never loses his Trojan spirit.
The 47-year local resident and retired CPA began his journey at CHF when his cardiac rehabilitation program at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance stopped offering his training. Along with many other cardiac patients, he moved his workouts to CHF’s Cardiac Exercise Program.
In addition to monitoring his heart condition, Love faces back, neck and knee health problems from which he’s endured multiple surgeries, a four-day medically induced coma, and more than a month’s stay at the hospital. His medical history also includes being in remission from bone marrow cancer.
But none of these conditions stop this Trojan from intently working out at CHF nearly every other day.
“I feel better when I get exercise,” said Love. “I urge anyone just to come over here and do it. Start out slow and increase when you can. That’s what I do.”
Love is almost never seen around CHF without his signature smile and at least one piece of USC clothing, such as his shorts in the photo above. He’s always happy to say hello to a familiar face (or another Trojan alumni) around the gym, or to meet someone new.
But beyond his looks, he’s Trojan tough and never backs down during his workouts on the stationary bike and treadmill. A determined, persistent warrior, Love is also looking to add weights to his workout routines.
However, behind every hardworking Trojan is their support system, and Love is lucky enough to have his wife, two children and five grandchildren constantly encouraging him. Together, they go to USC games locally and around the country —most recently travelling to Chicago to watch the Trojans take on Notre Dame.
Love’s next goal is to travel the world, and with a trip to Europe coming up, it seems his ambition and fighting Trojan spirit are paying off.
