Career center students exercise teamwork

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Neighbors | Submitted.Exercise Science student Miranda Lazusky of Struthers works with Criminal Justice student Tyler Beck of Poland on one of the exercises designed for the fitness program...

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Neighbors | Submitted.Exercise Science student Dylan Walters of Jackson Milton helps Criminal Justice student Gabriel McRoberts of Springfield on the treadmill.

Every afternoon, Criminal Justice juniors at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center get in a good workout thanks to their peers in the Exercise Science program.

The fitness program is a new collaboration, which began when instructors from both programs teamed up to find ways they could work together.

Each day, a group of juniors visit the Exercise Science lab to work on a circuit of exercises planned out by Instructor Phil Belllotta and his students.

The circuits contain strength training and conditioning exercises that focus on muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio endurance and flexibility.

The fitness program is an opportunity for Exercise Science students to gain first-hand experience developing exercises and training individuals one-on-one.

The program is also helping to better prepare Criminal Justice students to meet the physical fitness standards required for a future career in law enforcement.

“This program is a great way for our students to take the concepts learned in class and apply it to a real world situation,” Bellotta said.

Students from both programs are reaping the rewards of the partnership.

“It’s a good way for us to get a workout in during the day and it’s nice that every time we come it’s something new,” said Criminal Justice student Gabriel McRoberts.

“I think working with Criminal Justice on this program is a better way for us to learn the concepts because it’s hands-on,” said Exercise Science student Ashley Hefferon.

Bellotta and Criminal Justice Instructor Bill Flora plan to continue the fitness program through the remainder of the school year.

For more information, contact Jacqueline Kuffel, Career Development Supervisor, at 330-729-4120.