Fitness Benefits: The Fountain Of Youth
~By Daniel R. Gaita, Owner, Private Studio Fitness
Republican Candidate for First Selectman, Kevin Cleary, standing on the steps of Town Hall where he graduated from high school in 1969. Photo by Wendy Mitchell.
Fitness Has Far Reaching Benefits – Sweat From Exercise = The Fountain Of Youth
Having been in the fitness industry for nearly 20 years, I have learned a lot about human motivation, behavior, and the rewards of commitment.
So rather than focus on the depressing national statistics regarding the growing epidemic of obesity in this nation and how it has contributed to unmanageable health care cost I thought I’d rather highlight a couple positive examples of local fitness enthusiast that have turned the tides in their favor and slowed down the clock of mortality.
No, I am not referring to my wife that is training for her second New York City Marathon, or the young athletes I’ve had the honor of working with throughout my career but rather a couple clients born well before Woodstock, The Vietnam War, or the Korean War.
Meet Mr. Kevin L. Cleary, Born May 6th, 1951. That’s sixty years young. Mr. Cleary had knee surgery on May 1st, 2011 and weighed 255lbs. One month later he began to incorporate regular brisk exercise and weight training most days of the week. In only three months (September 6th2011) he’s down to 220 lbs, he’s dropped 35lbs, and benefits from increased strength, endurance and stamina.
When asked what he’s enjoyed most about exercise Mr. Cleary said: “I have more energy, I feel better about how I look, I am driven to make even larger strides to lose weight, my clothes fit better and I can’t wait to see my doctor at this years physical in November. Best of all – I needed to be in shape to enjoy my two grandchildren ages 4 & 1.”
All that in only three months. No cocktail of prescription medication can make those claims.
Tulio Belardinelli, with his daughter Lisa, at his shop Belardinelli's Tires in Bethel
Our next life-long fitness enthusiast, Mr. Tulio Belardinelli was born prior to the start of World War II. Born April 30th, 1937. Yes, he is 74 years young. During the summer months Mr. Belardinelli plays racquetball for hours while also incorporating weight training three days a week. He enjoys a couple rounds of golf during the week too.
In the winter months he ramps up his training and gets to the gym 5 days a week. At 74 he can still drop down and bang out 25 push-ups.
Mr. Belardinelli, founder of Belardinelli Tire, just celebrated fifty years in Business in Bethel. Last year he was inducted into the first class of Henry Abbott Technical Schools Hall Of Fame. He is an active member of the American Legion, Bethel Lions Club, and volunteers numerous hours for other charitable organizations.
FYI, he also makes a great red and white wine yearly which he enjoys, in moderation of course.
My hat is off to these two great examples of healthy living, they are role models for all of us and through their regular exercise they continue to enjoy showering in the fountain of youth. Keep up the good work gentleman. Thanks for setting an example and for the inspiration.
Daniel R. Gaita
Owner, Private Studio Fitness
Bethel CT
