February 11, 1998
Fitness program inspires the clients and the trainers
By Eric Dick
Herald editor
Career inspiration struck Jessie Olson at the Nautilus machine.
The 20-year-old Traverse City fitness nut, who in high school "had" to work out two hours a day or she would "go insane," has found her calling not in pumping iron herself but in helping others train. And not just any others; people like Phil, who needs help adjusting the weights, and Tom, who requires moral support.
Phil and Tom are not your common health-club members. Phil is physically and mentally challenged; Tom, mentally. But they work out at The Fitness Center a few days each week, improving their physical, and, consequently, their mental health, just like any other fitness-minded individual who seeks the benefits of routine exercise.
But for Olson, a certified personal trainer, greater reward is gleaned from helping folks like Phil and Tom make strides in their fitness program. Getting people fit is tough; getting the mentally and physically challenged fit is tougher. But in success, they glow in their accomplishment.
Their newfound zeal has influenced Olson, too. The former high school yearbook photographer has scrapped plans for a print media career. "For me, ever since I was asked to be involved with this (program) every day, it's made me want to continue on to be a special education teacher," said Olson, who is taking classes at Northwestern Michigan College. "I never knew what I wanted to do. Now I know."
Health experts long have decreed the benefits of exercise. But in this case, the fitness program has not only inspired the clients with disabilities but the trainers as well.
The clients "have become real special to me," Olson said, adding, "I see changes in them. I see how excited they are when they come through the door."
The exercise regiment at The Fitness Center for people with mental and physical disabilities, called "The Challenge Program," began 12 years ago under funding from Community Mental Health. Budget cuts ended the funding a year ago, but people with mental and physical disabilities still enroll in the program, shelling out their own money for gym fees or getting help from the few business sponsors the program has.
Many of the participants arrive by BATA bus and work out for about an hour. They begin with aerobic exercises, such as riding a bike, walking a Stairmaster or running a treadmill. Next they lift weights on the Nautilus machines, which use colored dots on the weight stacks so those who cannot read can track the amounts they lift. They finish with stretches. Trainers keep monthly tabs on their weight and blood pressure.
Twenty-six now participate in the program. They range from 20 to 60 years old. Men and women.
Even without financial support from Community Mental Health they continue to come to The Fitness Center because of the facility's comfortable and unintimidating atmosphere, said manager Jennifer Pampu,
Other health clubs have shied away from such clientele, said Pampu, who has worked at larger facilities downstate, because people with disabilities clash with the chic atmosphere that fashionable health clubs want to promote. "Many clubs don't want to deal with it," she said.
The Fitness Center subscribes to a different approach. "Everyone needs health and fitness," Pampu said. "There's no reason that somebody with a handicap should not be able to get that."
Tom, who has a mental disability, has taken advantage of the program since it began. He now is training to participate in the upcoming Vasa cross country ski race, and he credits the exercise program for helping him to keep his weight down over the years.
On Wednesday, his routine included sets of back extensions, where Olson charted his progress and Tom smiled broadly in appreciation.
"It puts a lot in perspective," said Pampu of the fitness program. "You just work with a lot of wonderful people who are excited and happy to be here."