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Fitness Fun exercise class has faithful following
By LINDA M. LINONIS
CANFIELD
Fitness Fun lives up to its name as far as participants are concerned.
The total body workout class for women at St. Michael Church engages exercisers in warm-up, weight training, floor work, low-impact aerobics with s-t-r-e-t-c-h-ing and balancing and a cool-down period.
Marion Calpin, who leads the class, initiated the activity in the early 1990s at the church, where the group meets in the lower level of the parish center. Calpin, who retired as a guidance counselor in Boardman schools in 1993, said she became involved in exercise classes there and also taught them in the Boardman community- education program.
Calpin said when she suggested it as an activity at the church, she had no idea it would be so successful. “I started out with a handful of people, and it’s kept growing,” said Calpin, a member at St. Michael since 1990. Even Monday’s snowy weather conditions didn’t stop 18 participants from coming out. Attendance usually fluctuates between 20 and 25.
Sessions are at 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, year-round, and have a faithful following.
Cookie Beeman said she’s been participating about 15 years. “It makes me feel wonderful,” she said, adding, “It’s part of what I do.”
Beeman, who noted she usually doesn’t wear jewelry to class, said she was compelled to wear her Buckeye necklace in support of Ohio State University.
Carol Cartwright, who has attended five years, credited Calpin with making the class a “must-attend.” “She does a wonderful job and keeps it interesting,” she said. Cartwright said Calpin’s choice of music is so varied, it enhances the class.
Calpin said she draws on her collection of CDs for the music, which includes Christian, popular, polkas, Broadway tunes and gospel. The group also has learned line dances including the electric slide. “I find routines on the Internet,” she said.
Calpin said over the years, exercise has helped her physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. She hopes it does the same for participants. “When I know they’re benefiting, it gives me a good feeling. I want to make it something that the women have fun doing and enjoy doing. That makes you love it and want to continue.”
Calpin said she has incorporated weight training because as women age, they lose strength and bone density. “You have to find the thing that makes you wild about exercising,” she said. Participants move nearly constantly for an hour and execute exercises according to their abilities.
The exercise leader also said the class members share a camaraderie. “I know people have formed friendships,” she said.
“It’s made me feel younger,” said Doris Neal, who has participated since 1998.
Rosemary Rigby said she’s been coming about six years. “I wanted to stay fit. I feel like I’ve accomplished something,” said Rigby. Diane Rosian added, “It gets me out and going. It’s my physical therapy.”
Marge Minghetti of Mineral Ridge said she attends to support Calpin, her sister. “It’s great to exercise with other people,” she said. “It makes it more enjoyable, and we encourage one another.”