By Miriam Brown ’21
The oldest participants in Fitness Center Coordinator Wes Kosel’s “Fit 4 Life” class are in their 90s. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Kosel leads them in full-body workouts complete with everything from cardio intervals to strength exercises.
Chris Starr, director of recreation and the Fitness Center, and Brad Raines, previous Fitness Center coordinator, started the Fit 4 Life program in October 2018 as a way to give CC retirees and their partners a sustainable fitness plan. When Raines left in early 2019, Kosel took over and he’s been leading the class ever since.
The program focuses on four areas: Functional fitness, strength, endurance, and balance. Classes last for 30-45 minutes and usually involve a dynamic warm-up and three to four strength exercises. They may also include cardio, stretching, balance, and core work. Workouts are catered to the retirees’ skills, fitness level, and injury history.
The class not only helps retirees maintain a healthy fitness routine, but it also has social benefits. Kosel says they all recently met at a member’s home for a “coffee and pastry” party, and the participants have their own t-shirts with the class logo that they proudly wear to classes.
“I have had many of the participants tell me how much easier it is for them to do a household chore, or to go out and run, or just to walk since they have been coming to class,” Kosel says. “They are eager to learn, work hard, and are always in a good mood. I hope that the positive benefits spread through the retirees to other groups they are a part of.”
The Fit 4 Life program is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. in the Adam F. Press Fitness Center.
Hi Wes, I’ve heard from friends about this program and would like to join the group. My late husband Ed Langer was a faculty member (physics). May I visit? Thanks.