Learning The Proper Path To Fitness And Strength

By Tanjua Damon

The Newtown Health & Fitness Club has been helping seven middle school boys learn about their bodies and how to build muscle properly.

Trainer Raymond Smith has been instructing the six-week program that is in its fourth week for the middle school boys. Each week the group has been working on different areas of the body, from abs to arms to legs. Mr Smith has been giving the youths instruction on how to become fit either at the gym or at home.

“We’re trying to focus on points each week. A different part of the body, posture and form,” Mr Smith said. “I give them a cardio workout and also a light training workout concentrating mostly on strength.”

The seven boys have been spending time on Monday afternoons from 4 to 5 pm at the Newtown Health & Fitness Center through a program organized by Newtown Youth Services. Many decided to participate to have something to do after school and to get ready for spring sports.

“I was bored on Mondays. This gives me something to do after school,” Tad Pierson said. “I’ve learned how to work the machinery here and some techniques I can do on my own.”

Getting in shape is important to the middle school students.

“I’ve learned that you can work on your glutes doing squats and leg extensions,” Matt Brayton said. “I like biking at level 3 for five minutes because it is a high level. I’m a little overweight. I’m enjoying the class.”

Joe Pisacreta signed up for the class so he could learn techniques that he can also bring home and share with his mother so they can get in shape together.

“I really wanted to get into shape and learn how to get healthy,” Joe said. “My mom and I are going to be our own teachers. I’ll be her teacher and she’ll be mine.”

Spring training for baseball is right around the corner and Billy Spencer thought the class would be a good beginning.

“I joined the class because I’d like to get physically fit for baseball,” Billy said. “It’s fun, especially the bicycle. I could go on that for two hours and just pedal. I do this at my house too.”

Mr Smith also hopes to give the youth of Newtown the opportunity to experience fitness correctly in a way that was not available to him.

“For me, it wasn’t around when I was a kid,” Mr Smith said. “For kids who want to work out and better their bodies for the long run, they will benefit from this.”

It is also important that children learn how to exercise their bodies properly, and this educational program provides that avenue for the middle school students.

“This is stuff they can take home and do individually,” Mr Smith said. “Sometimes they don’t even need the weight. They can use their own body resistance. Form is more important for them now.”

When class first started Mr Smith noticed that some of the group was a bit intimidated and nervous.

“They have more confidence and energy,” Mr Smith said. “A couple of them were nervous. Now they are more confident. It’s always good to see them come back. It shows that I am doing something right and they enjoy it.”

Victor Tomaino wants to strengthen his muscles, but finds the class challenging at times.

“It’s good,” he said. “The bike is challenging. I put it on higher levels to strengthen my muscles.”

Nick Magoulas is also getting into shape for sports, but realizes that working out is not as easy as it may seem.

“I do it to get in shape for sports,” he said. “I wish it wasn’t so hard to do. When you think about it, it seems so easy, but when you go to do it, it’s hard.”

Shane Huebner is planning to try out for football next year and is working to build up his body since he realizes that many boys are bigger than he is.

“I’m hoping to play freshman football next year,” he said. “Most of the others will be twice my size. This was the only way I could work with weights. Working on my upper body is hard because I’m not that strong up there. That’s why I’ve come here.”

The six-week program is one of many offered by Newtown Youth Services. For more information on upcoming programs call 270-4335.